Pre-Optometry Pathway
Overview
Some people will tell you that doctors of optometry diagnose and treat disorders of the eye. What optometrists really do – each and every day – is make a real difference in real lives. Optometrists reveal new vistas, return lost joys, empower greater achievement, and preserve unlived lives. That’s what optometrists do.
Doctors of Optometry must successfully complete a four-year accredited degree program at one of the schools or colleges of optometry. Most students accepted by a school or college of optometry have completed an undergraduate degree. Admission is very competitive and each optometry program has slightly different criteria. It is important to review the pre-requisites for each school and identify which program you wish to apply and plan accordingly. To be competative, students should maintain a grade point average near 3.40/4.00 or higher, demonstrate leadership skills, expose yourself to the world of optometry, and perform well on the Optometry Admission Test (OAT).