Pre-Health Advising

Optometry

Overview

Doctors of Optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professional for the eyes. Preparing yourself to apply to a school or college of optometry requires completing the prerequisite courses, being academically successful in rigorous courses, gaining experience in the field (through work, volunteering, and shadowing), being involved in extracurricular activities, and take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT).

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 do care that you do well in your major and in your pre-optometry coursework. Think about what interests you and what might be a good alternative option to optometry school should your plans change.

Application

Students will apply the year prior to their intended start date. Please be sure to check the application deadlines for the optometry programs of your choice.

  1. Take the OAT
  2. Submit the OptomCAS application
  3. Interview
  4. Accept your admissions

For more information on the application process, visit www.optomcas.org/.

Resources

Applying

More resources