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Pre-Optometry

Preparing for Admission to Optometry School

The need for well-trained doctors of optometry (OD) is increasing. Admission committees for four-year programs leading to the doctor of optometry degree consider the following factors:

  • Strength and breadth of your academic record
  • OAT scores
  • Evidence of work (paid or volunteer) under the supervision of a professional optometrist
  • Extracurricular activities and community service
  • Strength of recommendations and on-campus interviews

Consult each optometry school’s website for its admission prerequisites. Enrollment in optometry schools is limited, and admission is selective. All pre-optometry courses must be completed before entering a college of optometry.

The following list of courses represents a minimum pre-optometry program:

General Biology BIO 2101, 2102, 2103 15
Anatomy and Physiology I and II and Microbiology BIO 2129 and BIO 2130 and BIO 3351 15
General Chemistry CHM 1211, 1212 10
Introductory Inorganic Chemistry CHM 2540 5
Organic Chemistry CHM 3371, 3372, 3373 15
Mathematics Including a course in calculus 10–15
Statistics MAT 2360 5
Physics HY 1101, 1102, 1103 or 1121, 1122, 1123 15
Psychology   5
Other Social Sciences   5–10
English Must include a course in expository writing 6-9
Total   106–119

While some optometry programs admit students with prerequisites complete and no bachelor’s degree, the most competitive applicant has a completed degree. Check the requirements of the individual schools that interest you.

Important Dates
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Eaton Hall

Pre-Professional Health Sciences Advisors at SPU

Your pre-professional coordinator and faculty advisors attend annual meetings of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions. They also meet with admissions counselors and deans from professional schools to ensure that you are competitive for these professional programs.