PREOPTOMETRY

Suggested major: Biology

The optometrist is licensed to examine, diagnose, and treat conditions of the visual system, and to prescribe corrective lenses or vision therapy. Optometrists also often detect other diseases, including glaucoma, cataract, diabetes, hypertension, and arteriosclerosis, and refer patients to appropriate specialists for treatment. Most optometrists engage in private practice, but careers also exist in government service, teaching, and research in optics, physiology, and public health.

APPLICATION TO OPTOMETRY SCHOOL

There are no optometry schools in Georgia, and only a few out-of-state schools admit non-resident students. The preoptometry student should obtain information from individual optometry schools and also consult the adviser for this area before preparing applications. Most optometry schools require the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), which should be taken the spring of the junior year or fall of the senior year. The OAT includes biology, chemistry, physics, verbal ability, quantitative skill, and reading comprehension. Application to optometry school should be made the summer preceding the senior year.