College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Coloardo Denver

Optometry Information

U.S. Schools of Optometry

Further information about the pre-requisites and general information about optometry as a profession can be found below this list of schools.

Pre-Optometry Information

The pre-optometry program prepares you to apply for admission to one of the colleges of optometry. The optometric professional program lasts four years and culminates in the awarding of the O.D. degree.

A Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), or optometrist, is a state-licensed primary care health professional who is specifically educated and clinically trained to examine eyes and vision systems, diagnose vision problems or impairments, and prescribe and provide treatment. Among the types of treatment optometrists use are: prescription glasses, contact lenses, vision therapy, low vision aids, and in many states, pharmaceutical agents for therapeutic purposes.

Most schools and colleges of optometry accept students with a wide range of majors. You should major in the academic area of your interest; you will do better in such an area. Some schools will accept you with only 90 semester hours of work. While you might be accepted without a degree, there is a better chance of being accepted if you have earned a degree.

Pre-requisites for Admission to Most Schools of Optometry

Your academic program must satisfy, simultaneously, three sets of requirements:

  1. those set by your college;
  2. those set by the department in which you are majoring;
  3. those set by the optometry schools.

You must meet the school requirements in effect when you enter optometry school. This page deals with the optometry school requirements. Consult your schedule of courses and School Catalog for other requirements.

All optometry schools require the following courses; most schools have additional requirements. You must have a C or better in these courses. Average GPA's for those admitted range from 3.2 - 3.6.

  • Calculus (Math 1401) - One Semester
  • General Biology (Biol. 2051, 2061, 2071, and 2081) - Two Semesters of Lecture and Lab
  • Microbiology (Biol. 3654) - One Semester Lecture and Lab; NOTE: General Biology is a pre-requisite for this course
  • General Chemistry (Chem 2031, 2038, 2061, and 2068) - Two Semesters of Lecture and Lab
  • Organic Chemistry (Chem 3411, and 3418) - One Semester of Lecture and Lab
  • Physics (Phys 2010, 2020, 2030, and 2040) - Two Semesters of Lecture and Lab
  • Statistics (Psy 2090 or Math 2830) - One Semester
  • General Psychology (Psy 1000) - One Semester
  • English Composition (Engl 1020) - One Semester

Again, it is important to note that several schools have specific additional requirements that you will need to complete prior to applying to those schools. These courses include things such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, an additional semester of English composition, English literature, an additional semester of psychology, cell biology, and genetics.

Optometry Admission Test (OAT)

This test is given twice annually, in February and October. It is based on the knowledge you gained in general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics.

The WICHE Program

There are no optometry schools in Colorado. The state participates in the WICHE Professional Student Exchange Program. This program allows you to pay a reduced tuition at the following schools: Southern California College of Optometry, Pacific University, and the University of California at Berkeley. You must apply for certification by October 15th. Since there are a limited number of seats available, you must apply early. Apply to: Certifying Officer, WICHE Student Exchange Program, Colorado Commission on Higher Education, 1300 Broadway, Denver, Colorado, 80203.

Letters of Recommendation

All optometry schools require letters of recommend from faculty members. This means that you should make an effort to become known by several faculty members as you take classes. Many schools also strongly recommend/require a letter from an optometrist.

Experience

All schools look for evidence of experience, volunteer or paid, under the supervision of one or more professionals in the field of optometry. You need to be able to show admissions committees that you know what you are getting into profesionally. You may be able to gain academic credit for this. Check with Cherrie Grove in the Career Center.