Optometry – Preprofessional

Doctors of Optometry are primary healthcare providers who diagnose, manage and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. They may practice as independent practitioners, in a group practice, or in a health clinic or hospital. Optometrists are not the same as ophthalmologists, who perform eye surgery, or dispensing opticians, who fit and adjust eyeglasses.

An optometry program takes four years to complete. Coursework includes anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, optics and visual science, and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the visual system. It also includes supervised clinical experience. After finishing their degree, some optometrists complete an optional, one-year residency program to get advanced clinical training in a specialty such as ocular disease, pediatric optometry, vision therapy, and brain injury rehabilitation.

The optometry profession requires a Doctor of Optometry degree. Applicants to OD programs must have completed at least three years of postsecondary education, including coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, English and mathematics. However, the majority of students accepted for optometry study have already earned a bachelor’s degree.

Shadowing: While most optometry programs do not have a specific minimum requirement for number of paid or volunteer hours spent with an optometrist, they do expect students to have enough experience in the profession to affirm that it is right for you. Volunteering at a local hospital or eye clinic is a great way to gain practical experience in optometry. This will help students broaden their knowledge and development, as well as make connections with a practicing optometrist who could write a letter of recommendation when it comes time to apply.

It is essential that each student planning to seek admission to a school of optometry be aware of the specific admission requirements for that particular school or college. Requirements vary.

Resources:

• Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry [ https://optometriceducation.org/future-students/ ]
• Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry General and School Specific Prerequisites [ https://optometriceducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ASCO-Prerequisites-2020-5-1-20.pdf ]
• American Optometric Association [ https://www.aoa.org/?sso=y ]
• American Academy of Optometry [ https://www.aaopt.org/ ]

All schools and colleges of optometry accept the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), a standardized multiple-choice test. Many schools and colleges will also accept the GRE, MCAT, DAT or PCAT in lieu of the OAT. Be sure to contact the school or college you are interested in to learn their admission requirements.

The OAT consists of four subtests:

• Survey of Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry)
• Reading Comprehension
• Physics
• Quantitative Reasoning

Plan to take the exam after you have completed the basic-level science courses that the exam covers—biological sciences, physics, organic and general chemistry. Read over the OAT exam content outlines to be sure you have covered all the topics and skills that are tested on the exam.

In most cases, you should take the exam in the calendar year prior to the year in which you plan to enter optometry school. Testing early in the year is a good idea, especially if you think you will need to retake the exam. It also gives admissions committees more time to review your application. However, if you plan to take a summer course that may help you on the OAT exam, such as a science class, it may be best to take the exam later in the summer.

Remember, taking the exam when you are ready is most important.

Resources:

• Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry [ https://optometriceducation.org/future-students/ ]
• American Optometric Association [ https://www.aoa.org/?sso=y ]
• American Academy of Optometry [ https://www.aaopt.org/ ]