Pre-Health Advising: Optometry Preparation

• Not to be confused with ophthalmologists (a physician’s specialty) or dispensing opticians, Doctors of Optometry (ODs) are primary care doctors of the eye who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage eye diseases, injuries, and disorders.
• Optometrists practice in a variety of settings including individual private practice, partnership/group practice, military, research labs, and corporations.
• While most ODs practice primary care optometry, optometrists may choose to specialize. Areas of emphasis include cornea and contact lenses, geriatric care, pediatric care, occupational vision, sports vision, vision therapy and rehabilitation, ocular disease, and more.
• There are 23 optometry schools in the United States with Pacific University College of Optometry being the only certified program in the state of Oregon.
• Common majors pre-optometry UO students pursue: Biology, Human Physiology, Neuroscience or Multidisciplinary Science.

• Completing the prerequisite courses is just one aspect of the process. Applicants must also have a well-rounded application consisting of experience (i.e. shadowing, volunteer work, undergraduate research, life experience), letters of recommendation, OAT scores, and a strong admissions essay.
• The Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) consists of four sections: survey of the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, and organic chemistry), reading comprehension, physics, and quantitative reasoning.
• Applying to optometry school is a year-long process. Students applying in their final year at UO will have a gap year before starting optometry school. Students can work, take courses, travel, etc., during the year.

The chart below illustrates one way an optometry program’s prerequisitesⁱ can fit into a 4-year plan. Keep in mind a graduation plan is as unique as the student following it. Math placement, major, transfer credits, application timeline, and other factors will help shape your graduation plan and timeline. Pre-Health Advisors are here to help you create a graduation plan that works best for you!

Click here to watch the Optometry Prerequisite Overview Video. 

i Prerequisites vary by school. While some schools may require this course, others may not. Research individual programs to determine whether you would like to add this course to your graduation plan. 

ii These courses are prerequisites for UO’s anatomy & physiology sequence. They are not typically prerequisites for optometry school.

iii Some schools require one semester of anatomy & physiology – check directly with the school to see if one quarter is sufficient (10 credits). 

Note: This page lists all the common prerequisites for programs. Research programs to identify additional courses you may need to take by visiting ASCO Prerequisite Site. Work with your pre-health advisors for any alternate course options.

Questions? Email pre-health advisors at prehealthadvising@uoregon.edu.