[ Center for the Health Professions ]

Pre-Optometry

Optometry is among the best jobs in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report (2007). This rewarding field combines the satisfaction of improving people’s ability to see with a flexible schedule, a position that commands respect, and a generous income: according to the 2005 American Optometric Association Economic Survey, the average net income for optometrists in 2005 was $148,923.

What do doctors of optometry do?
Will I need a graduate degree?
What should I major in?
What are the course requirements?
What about advising?
Where can I find additional information?

What do doctors of optometry do?
Optometrists take care of people’s eyes and vision. They conduct eye examinations, diagnose and treat eye diseases and injuries, and identify conditions affecting the eye. Doctors of optometry also perform certain surgical procedures. They work in a range of settings, from general-practice community health centers to pediatric specialty clinics.

Will I need a graduate degree?
Yes, you’ll need to complete a four-year graduate degree program in optometry at one of 17 schools and colleges of optometry in the United States. After you earn your graduate degree, you’ll need to pass the licensure examination in order to practice optometry.

What should I major in?
As a pre-optometry student you may choose any major, as long as you complete the course requirements of the school you’re applying to.

What are the course requirements?
Most optometry schools will consider applicants with three years of undergraduate work (minimum of 22.5 course credits or 90 semester hours). However, students who complete bachelor’s degrees are in a more competitive position for admission.

Prerequisites vary by program, so it’s best to contact the graduate school that interests you for specific information. Also, you should complete the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) at least one year before enrolling.

Recommended courses include:

• BIO two years to include 250, 251, 216 or 414; 107/108 or 418/428 highly encouraged;
• CHM two years to include 211, 212, 311, 312, and 315;
• ENG 105, 106;
• MTH 151, 345/346 (PSY 355);
• PHY 111, 112 or 121, 122;
• PSY 210
• Humanities and fine arts, minimum of two courses (some optometry schools require one year of foreign language)

What about advising?
Expert advising is an important part of the Center for the Health Professions. We’ll pair you with one of our expert advisors to match your specific academic and professional interests. Your advisor will work with you throughout your Elmhurst career, clearing obstacles and giving expert guidance. Want to know more? See Advisors.

Where can I find additional information?
You can start by contacting us at Elmhurst’s Center for the Health Professions. Or, you can check out some of these useful websites:

American Optometric Association
http://www.aoanet.org
The American Optometric Association is the acknowledged leader and recognized authority for primary eye and vision care in the world.

American Orthoptic Journal
http://www.aoj.org
The American Orthoptic Journal is the official journal of The American Association of Certified Orthoptists. The journal serves as a forum for orthoptists and ophthalmologists to present clinical studies, reviews and new material in the fields of amblyopia, strabismus, and related areas of eye movement disorders.

Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
http://www.opted.org
Founded in 1941, the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) is a non-profit education association representing the interests of optometric education.