Doctors of optometry are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. They examine the internal and external structure of the eyes to diagnose eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders; systemic diseases like hypertension and diabetes; and vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. Optometrists also do testing to determine the patient's ability to focus and coordinate the eyes, and to judge depth and see colors accurately. They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and medicines to treat eye diseases. As primary eye care providers, optometrists are an integral part of the health care team and an entry point into the health care system. They are skilled in the co-management of care that affects the eye health and vision of their patients and an excellent source of referral to other health care professionals. The job opportunities and salaries for Optometrists are very good. A Biology degree provides an excellent science background for optometry school. Biology majors who wish to attend optometry school will need to pursue the Medical Careers Science tract in the Biology department. Useful information about Optometry can be found at the Association of Schools of Optometry webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best major for Optometry School?
What undergraduate courses are required by Medical Schools?
What is the OAT and what subject matter does it cover?
What kind of GPA & OAT score do I need to get into Optometry School?
When is the deadline for applying to Optometry School?
What kind of courses will I be taking in Optometry School?
What kind of board exams will I be taking in Optometry School?
What non-academic things do I need to do that would help my Optometry School application?
What is the difference between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?
How many years do I have to train from the time I begin Optometry School until I start my own practice?
What kind of salary will I make as a Optometrist?
Where can I find Optometry Schools?
Important linksHave any other questions that are not answered on this page. Contact Dr. Stan A. Baldwin for more information.
What is the best major for Optometry School?
Optometry Schools do not require a particular major although they have science requirements in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. At Southern College of Optometry over half the students are Biology majors. Chemistry, Physics and Psychology are also common majors for Optometry students.
What undergraduate courses are required by Optometry Schools?
Each Optometry School has their own requirement and that may vary from school to school. Check the requirements of the Optometry School that you are interested in. The Southern College of Optometry in Memphis TN has the following math and science requirements (other requirements will be satisfied by the Mississippi College core curriculum):Mathematics - Calculus I
Statistics - An introductory course in statistics, which can be taken in a math or psychology department.
Biological Sciences - One year of freshman biology, one semester of microbiology. Additional courses in physiology, comparative anatomy or vertebrate anatomy or recommended but not required.
Chemistry - One year of inorganic chemistry, one year of organic chemistry. Additional courses in biochemistry is recommended but not required.
Physics - One year of physics. Additional courses in optics is recommended but not required.
What is covered on the Optometry College Admissions Test (OAT) and when is it given?
There are 4 sections on the exam: Natural Science (Biology and Chemistry); Reading Comprehension; Physics; and Quantitative Reasoning. It is given twice a year, February and October. Registration deadline is usually about 6 weeks prior to test date. For more information visit the OCAT website .Write or Call:
Optometry Admission Testing Program
211 East Chicago Avenue
Suite 1846
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
(312) 440-2693
What kind of GPA and Optometry College Admissions Test (OAT) score do I need to have to get into Optometry School?
Average GPA's and OPT scores vary among Optometry Schools. The average undergraduate GPA of optometry students at Southern College of Optometry is 3.37 and the average OPT score is 333.
When is the deadline for applying to Optometry School?
Southern College of Optometry starts accepting applications the August of the year prior to entrance into Optometry School. The deadline is March 1. They interview between October and April.
What kind of courses will I be taking in Optometry School?
Optometry School has two parts. The first two years you take science courses. The third and fourth years are clinical courses.At the Southern College of Optometry you will take the following courses:
First year:
Gross Anatomy
Histology
Biochemistry
Physiology
Optics of the eye
Visual Perception
Pathology.Second year:
Neuroanatomy
Pathology
Pharmacology
Clinical course work in OptometryThird year and Fourth year:
All clinical course work
What kind of board exams will I be taking in Optometry School?
You will be taking 2 board exams call the National Board of Examiners in Optometry Part 1 and II. Part I is given the August before your third year and covers the basic science covered the first 2 years Optometry School. Part II is a clinical board and is taken the December of your fourth year. You are not allow to graduate until you pass the board exams.
What non-academic things do I need to do that would help my Optometry School application?
It is very important that you get experience in a clinical setting. This can be accomplished by spending time observing an Optometrist.
What is the difference between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?
An Optometrist has a doctorate degree in Optometry O.D. In addition to fitting patients with glasses and contact lenses, they also treat diseases of the eye and they can write drug prescriptions. An Ophthalmologist has an MD degree from medical school and has had an additional 4 years of Ophthalmology training in a residency program beyond medical school. An Ophthalmologist is an eye surgeon.
How many years do I have to train from the time I begin Medical School until I start my own practice?
Optometry school is 4 years. Upon completion of Optometry school you can start practicing Optometry.
What kind of salary will I make as a Optometrist?
A typical Optometrist will make $60,000-80,000 per year.
Where can I find Optometry Schools?
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry (Birmingham, AL)
Nova Southeastern University (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
Illinois College of Optometry (Chicago, IL)
Indiana University School of Optometry (Bloomington, IN)
The New England College of Optometry (Boston, MA)
Ferris State University College of Optometry (Big Rapids, MI)
University of Missouri-St. Louis School of Optometry (St. Louis, MO)
State University of New York State College of Optometry (New York, NY)
The Ohio State University College of Optometry (Columbus, OH)
Northeastern State University College of Optometry (Tahlequah, OK)
Pacific University College of Optometry (Forest Grove, OR)
Pennsylvania College of Optometry (Elkins Park, PA)
Southern College of Optometry (Memphis, TN)
University of Houston College of Optometry (Houston, TX)
Southern California College of Optometry (Fullerton, CA)
University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry (Berkeley, CA)
Important links
American Optometric Association, Educational Services
Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
Occupational Handbook (Optometry)