Optometry

Overview
Doctors of Optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professional for the eyes.
As a pre-optometry student, you can major in anything. There is not a specific major that all pre-optometry students must have. Optometry schools care that you do well in your major and in your pre-optometry coursework. Think about what interests you and how you can prepare to be the best eye health professional you can be.
Application
Visit the Apply page for more on prerequisite coursework and grades, transcripts, activities, personal statements and letters of recommendation in general.
Application Timeline
Requirements vary by program. This is not an official planning sheet and should be used as a reference. Please consult with an advisor to plan out a timeline that fits you.

- Start science prerequisites: Anatomy & Physiology, General Chem, Organic Chem, General Bio, Microbiology, Psychology, Statistics, Calculus – UWB Career Services Coursework
- Network: Join pre-health clubs, Shadow optometrists
- Clinical Hours: Volunteer at hospitals/clinics
- Summer: Enrichment or research program – Applications due in January/February – UWB Getting Experience
- Continue: Prerequisites, Volunteering, Shadowing, Gaining research & clinical experience
- Plan Ahead:
- Research optometry schools/programs
- Optometry Admission Test (OAT): Start thinking about OAT timeline
- Start test prep 3-6 months in advance of expected test date
- Consider financial plan
- OAT:
- Winter-Spring quarter: Intensive Studying
- July-Sept: Take OAT
- Gather Materials:
- Request letters of recommendation
- Draft and revise personal statement
- Collect transcripts
- Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS)
- June: Cycle Opens
- May of next year: Closes
- Summer: Interview Prep – Mock interviews, practice questions
- September–March: Attend interviews, Send thank-you notes
- Fall (Sept–Nov): Early interviewees may get acceptances before winter break
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Majority of offers are released.
- Spring (Mar–Apr): Final offers and waitlist movement happen.
- August: Begin Optometry School!