Optometrists provide primary eye and vision care, from routine exams and vision correction to detecting and managing many eye-related conditions. If you like patient-facing clinical work, technology, and a specialty that blends preventative care with problem solving, optometry can be an excellent fit.
Content Areas | RPI Courses |
|---|---|
Biology or Zoology w/Lab (2 Semesters) |
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Chemistry w/Lab (2 Semesters) |
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Physics w/Lab (2 Semesters) |
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Math (1 Semester) |
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English (2 Semesters) |
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Many optometry schools also strongly recommend applicants take one semester of one or more of the following content areas: Anatomy, Physiology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Statistics, or Psychology. Some dental schools may also require some of these science courses be taken with a lab. This list is not exhaustive and many courses could satisfy these content areas. Be sure to verify the content area requirements for the specific schools you are interested in. You can find this information on their program websites as well as ASCO’s Optometry Programs Prerequisite Chart.
Applications are submitted through OptomCAS (Optometry Centralized Application Service), a centralized application platform managed by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. Through OptomCAS, you submit one application that can be sent to multiple optometry programs. Applications include applicant identifying information, official transcripts, experiences descriptions, a personal statement, letters of evaluation, and program-specific questions or supplemental materials. Applicants are also required to take the OAT (Optometry Admission Test). After application review, select applicants are invited to interview with program admissions committees.
