Make an Appointment

Preparation for a Profession in Optometry

A bachelor’s degree is not required for admissions into most optometry schools, although most successful applicants have completed a bachelor’s degree. Optometry schools expect candidates to demonstrate the intellectual, analytical, and problem-solving skills necessary to succeed in their programs. Students are strongly advised to balance coursework in the natural sciences with coursework in humanities and social sciences. The General Education component of a Liberal Arts degree provides a sound foundation for demonstrating an interest in and knowledge of a diverse and global society. Candidates should also consider coursework in areas such as anthropology, communication, economics, ethics, logic, psychology, sociology, and statistics.

Most schools base admissions decisions on a balanced combination of the following:

  • Grade point average: This varies by school but is usually above a 3.0 minimum.
  • OAT scores (Optometry Admission Test)
  • Personal statement from the candidate
  • Professional experience (employment, volunteer work, shadowing, etc.)
  • Interview
  • Recommendations from academic instructors (usually in the sciences), an academic advisor, and an optometrist.

Core Courses for Optometry Programs (Minimum Requirements)

  • English 101 College English I (3) and English 102 College English II (3)
  • Communication 111 Public Speaking (3)
  • One of:
    • Math 111 College Algebra (3) and Math 123 College Trigonometry (3)
    • Math 112 Pre-Calculus (5)
  • Math 242 Calculus I (5)
  • Statistics 370 Elementary Statistics (3)
  • Chemistry 211 General Chemistry I (5) and Chemistry 212 General Chemistry II (5)
  • Chemistry 531 Organic Chemistry I (5) and Chemistry 532 Organic Chemistry II (5)
  • Chemistry 661 Principles of Biochemistry (3)
  • Biology 210 General Biology I (4) and Biology 211 General Biology II (4)
  • Biology 330 General Microbiology (5)
  • Biology 527 Comparative Anatomy (5) or Biology 640AB/AL Human Anatomy w/lab (5)
  • Biology 534/535 Human Physiology w/lab (5)
  • One of:
    • Physics 213 General Physics I (5) and Physics 214 General Physics II (5)
    • Physics 313 University Physics I with lab (315) and Physics 314 University Physics II with lab (316)
  • Psychology 111 General Psychology (3)

The core classes above meet the minimum prerequisites for admission to most optometry schools. Students should check with the specific schools they are interested in for a list of specific requirements.

Admission Test: The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is required for admission to optometry schools. Optometry school admission is very competitive. Most successful applicants have a GPA of at least 3.3 and an OAT score of 320 or higher.

Application: The application period for optometry schools occurs during the fall and early spring before the fall semester one wishes to begin optometry studies. Students will apply directly to the optometry schools that they wish to attend.

Midwest Optometry Schools

Relevant Websites