Pre-Optometry

The suggested pre-optometry program with a chemistry degree meets the requirements of most optometry schools; electives are chosen to meet the individual needs of students while providing excellent training in chemistry. In addition to chemistry courses, students take a variety of courses in biology, physics, business, social sciences and math to prepare for optometry school. Optometry schools seek high academically achieving students but also those who score well on the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). Competitive applicants are also expected to have extensive volunteer, shadowing and/or work experiences in an optometry setting. Excellent recommendations from the optometrist for which they worked/shadowed as well as chemistry and biology faculty are also important for the admissions process. The vast majority of students complete a 4-year degree before entering optometry school.