Optometrists, also known as Doctors of Optometry, or ODs, are the main providers of vision care. ODs examine people’s eyes to diagnose vision problems such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. They test patients’ depth and color perception and ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. ODs prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses. They provide treatments such as vision therapy or low-vision rehabilitation. ODs also diagnose conditions caused by systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, referring patients to other health practitioners as needed. 

Most optometrists are in general practice. Some specialize in work with the elderly, children, or partially sighted persons who need specialized visual devices. The State of Iowa does not have a college of optometry; as a result, University of Iowa pre-optometry students apply to one or more of the 23 colleges of optometry located in the United States (six are in the Midwest). You can review optometry schools and programs at this website:

https://optometriceducation.org/about-asco/asco-member-schools-and-colleges/

It is important to know that optometry programs are not standardized. You are encouraged to research programs of interest to identify the various course requirements, course recommendations, and shadowing requirements. It is important to be proactive in cross-referencing required prerequisite coursework. This is a helpful resource: https://optometriceducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ASCO-Prerequisites-2022-updated-3-6-23.pdf

Sample Pre-Optometry Academic Plans

Plan A: Starting with General Chemistry and Pre-Calculus

Year 1:

Year 2:

Year 3:

Year 4:

Plan B: Starting with Principles of Chemistry I and Calculus

Year 1:

Year 2:

Year 3:

Year 4:

Notes

Program requirements vary. Check school specific information about prerequisites: https://optometriceducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ASCO-Prerequisites-2022-updated-3-6-23.pdf

^* Most schools require one semester of calculus.

^** Not all schools require Organic Chem Lab. Students can take Organic Lab after taking Organic 1, without taking Organic II. Most optometry schools do not require Organic II.  

^*** About half of the schools require physiology &/or anatomy. The other half recommend them.

^**** All but four schools require Biochemistry. The OAT doesn’t test Biochemistry or Anatomy and Physiology although some concepts on the biology section (structure and function of systems) may overlap with Anatomy, Physiology, or Biochemistry concepts.

Optometry Programs Admissions Directory:  https://myasco.opted.org/searchEngines/admissions_advanced_search_form.aspx

Academic Guidelines

OptomCAS calculates a standardized GPA to aid the schools and colleges of optometry in evaluating applicants using uniform and consistent criteria. For optometry schools nationwide, the fall 23 cumulative average GPA for the entering classes was 3.51. The average undergraduate science GPA of accepted students was 3.38.  Some schools require at least a “C” in each of the prerequisite courses (see prerequisite list at the end of this guide). A bachelor’s degree is not required at most optometry schools, but is typically preferred, and most students will have a bachelor’s degree prior to entry. (A profile of the 2022 Optometry entering classes may be found here:

https://optometriceducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ProfEnteringClass2022.pdf

Non-Academic Guidelines                                                                                               

Important non-academic factors include good moral character, excellent interpersonal skills, a deep commitment to optometric health care, evidence of leadership potential, and service to others. Most optometry schools want evidence of a candidate’s exposure to the field of optometry. Successful applicants will likely have worked, or volunteered, in an optometrist’s office. Students are encouraged to investigate opportunities for shadowing, working, and volunteering in such a setting early in their undergraduate years.

Application & Admissions

The Application Process

The centralized application service, OptomCAS, enables students to apply to multiple schools with a single application. The 2023-24 cycle will open on June 20  2023 and will close on May23rd 2024. Applications should be submitted in the year preceding the year for which a student is seeking admission. Since many optometry schools have rolling admission, it is in a student’s best interest to apply early (in late summer or early September). Application deadlines vary; check deadlines at individual schools. 

Early Entry/Early Admission

Some optometry programs accept students for entry after 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework. Students entering at 90 semester hours are typically strong academically well prepared. Most programs prefer a bachelor’s degree, and several require one. Additionally, a few schools have an early admission (or early decision) cycle for well-qualified applicants. This cycle typically begins in the fall or early spring of the year before matriculation. Grade point averages are generally higher (3.5 to 3.6) for successful students in early admission.

Diversity in Optometry

ASCO and its member institutions have embraced the concepts of diversity in optometric education and in the profession. ASCO bases its diversity program on several assumptions including greater diversity among health professionals, improved access to care for our diverse society, greater patient choice and satisfaction, better patient-provider communication, and better educational experiences for all students. In Fall of 22, the percentage of students who enrolled in an optometry program who identify as Black or African American was 4.3%; the percentage of students who identify as Hispanic or Latino was 8.7%; the percentage of students who identify as Asian was 30.4%; the percentage of White students was 49.5%. In Fall of 22 70% of first year full time optometry students identified as female.

Entrance Examination Requirement (OAT)

The OAT is a standardized, computer-based exam that consists of four tests: Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry); Reading Comprehension; Physics; and Quantitative Reasoning. Many schools will accept GRE, MCAT, DAT, and PCAT scores. Several schools prefer an OAT score. At least one school is optional. The scoring range of the OAT is from 200 to 400 with the mean score assigned to 300. Students typically take the OAT after courses in mathematics, biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Students prepare by self-study using online or OAT study guide materials and/or study guides for other pre-health programs.

Practice materials for the OAT can be found here: https://oat.ada.org/

The average OAT score for 2020-21 cycle was 322. Average OAT scores vary by school. The range in 2022 across all schools was 281-344. You may read about OAT test here: https://oat.ada.org/

Letters of Evaluation/Recommendation

Applicants typically obtain letters from science faculty members, advisors, faculty members from their major department, and optometrists. At least one letter from a practicing optometrist is required as part of the application at some schools. The mix of required letters varies by school; students should check the specific requirements for each optometry school to which they wish to apply. UI does not have a committee process for letters of evaluation. Instead, students request letters from their individual evaluators. A chart describing which letters are required and accepted at different schools can be found here: https://www.optomcas.org/information-about-schools-colleges/letters-of-recommendations/

Interviews

Optometry schools often require personal, on-campus interviews. Selected candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview. The interview is an important part of the selection process, and candidates should prepare well for the interview. Web-based virtual practice interviews are available through the UI Career Center in C310 Pomerantz Center.

Criminal Background Checks

Students should check with the individual optometry schools for information about whether a CBC is required. Certain hospitals and optometric placements will require a CBC, regardless of whether an individual school requires one. Students should be law-abiding and make ethical decisions since charges or convictions often have later negative consequences. 

Citizenship/International Students

Some optometry schools accept students who are not U.S. citizens. Fluency in the English language may be important. Some schools require a financial affidavit confirming sufficient financial resources. Students should carefully consider such a decision and explore the options with the individual optometry schools, and their pre-optometry advisors, early in their undergraduate years.

Resources

Websites

Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO):  www.opted.org
American Optometric Association:  www.aoa.org