Preoptometry
Planning a Career in Optometry
Optometrists are independent primary health care providers who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders of the eye. As the major providers of primary vision care, they are capable of detecting vision problems, eye disease, or other related abnormalities of the eye. They treat vision problems by prescribing opthlamic lenses or contact lenses when appropriate, by prescribing vision therapy or by referral to medical professionals who specialize in the treatment of diseases of the eye.
How to Become an Optometrist
In order to enter this dynamic field of health care, it is first necessary to earn the Doctor of Optometry degree. This can be achieved through admission to one of the seventeen optometry schools in the United States. Admission to the professional school usually requires that the student be on-track to complete a four-year baccalaureate degree.
Additional requirements for admission include satisfactory scores on the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) and letters of recommendation. Some schools also require a personal interview with school representatives. Since requirements vary slightly from one optometry school to another, it is advisable to check with the specific college of optometry to which you plan to apply regarding their admission requirements. The courses listed on the back of this sheet fulfill the requirements for most programs.
Career Outlook
According to the American Optometry Association, the need for optometrists throughout the United States is significant. The profession of optometry is growing rapidly and opportunities for future optometrists are projected to be excellent. A number of factors such as population growth, an aging population, and emphasis on prevention of vision disease have increased the demands for these professionals.
Admission Requirements
Applicants will be expected to take the Optometry College Admission Test (OAT) and to have had a significant shadowing experience with a practicing optometrist. Candidates with the baccalaureate degree are given preferential consideration. However, all applicants must have completed a minimum of three years of college education that include the courses listed below (based on Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, TN).
English (one year)
Psychology (one course)
Social Science (one year)
Statistics (one course)
Calculus (one course)
General Biology with labs (one year)
Microbiology with lab (one course)
General Physics with labs (one year)
General Chemistry with labs (one year)
Organic Chemistry with lab (one course)
Biochemistry (one course)
Course requirements will vary with each optometry school or college. It is advisable to check with individual schools for specific requirements. Students should plan to take the science courses designed for preprofessional students. Brief survey courses in the sciences are not adequate preparation for optometry school. The science courses must include a laboratory experience. Once admitted to a professional optometry program, students are involved in a four-year professional training program.
