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Health Professions > Optometry School Preparation

Planning your Optometry Curriculum

In 1997, the American Optometric Association agreed upon the following definition of the profession: “Doctors of Optometry are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions.”

Course Requirements

Each optometry school may have slightly different admissions criteria.  Thus, it is important that applications contact all the schools and colleges to which they are interested in applying.

 

  • General requirements- all optometry schools require at least one year of the following subject areas:  Biology or Zoology, General Chemistry, General Physics, English, and College Mathematics.
  • Specific requirements- most schools require at least one semester of the following courses: Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Statistics, Calculus, Psychology, and an additional Social Science.
  • Recommended elective courses include:  Cellular Biology, Genetics, Computer Science, Business, Economics, Sociology, Public Speaking, and additional Psychology courses.

OAT (Optometry Admission Test)

 

The Optometry Admission Test is required of all applicants.  This OAT will assess general reading comprehension, quantitative analysis, biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics.  Only OAT scores reported within the last two years are acceptable. After October 2005, only a computerized version of the exam will be offered.  Information about the OAT is available online at www.opted.org (this website will allow you to register for the test and view the information booklet).  You may contact the testing program via mail or phone at:

 

Optometry Admission Testing Program

211 East Chicago Avenue, 6th Floor

Chicago, IL 60611-2678

 

(800) 232-2159

The following links may be helpful in preparing for the OAT:

OAT Study Resources

Strengthening Your OAT Scores

 

Shadowing an Optometrist

 

A letter of evaluation from a practicing optometrist is required.  The more time you spend with an optometrist, the more likely he/she will be able to write a knowledgeable and informed letter.