What does it mean to be Pre-Optometry?
Pre-optometry is not a specific major. The term is used to describe students who plan to pursue a Doctorate in Optometry (O.D.) after completing their undergraduate degree. Pre-optometry students must complete courses required for admission to O.D. programs, acquire the capacity to perform well on the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), and gain the depth of knowledge necessary to be successful in optometry school.
Each O.D. program has its own specific prerequisites. Almost all require two semesters of physics, two semesters of general chemistry, two semesters of organic chemistry, two semesters of introductory biology, a two semester sequence of human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, calculus, statistics, and psychology. Some require or strongly recommend additional coursework such as biochemistry or genetics. Because students will generally apply to more than one optometry school, a degree program that provides a strong background in the natural sciences and “covers all the bases” is essential.
The Biology, Pre-Professional (Pre-Optometry), B.S. is designed to provide prerequisite coursework and opportunities to acquire sufficient foundational knowledge to prepare students for the OAT and the rigor of an O.D. program. Pre-optometry students are encouraged to begin a discussion with their academic advisor during the first year (to develop a plan) and continue these discussions throughout their undergraduate career (to receive information and advice on the timing and execution of that plan).
What Other Courses Should Pre-Optometry Students Take?
Pre-optometry students should select BIOL 221 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I) and BIOL 222 (Human Anatomy and Physiology II) as two of the Electives in the Major.
Because prerequisites vary among schools, we recommend that pre-optometry students (in consultation with their academic advisor) conduct careful research on their preferred O.D. programs to ensure that they are using Electives in the Major, General Electives, or the Chowan VALUES Core to select courses that will meet or exceed each school’s prerequisites.
What Else Should Pre-Optometry Students Do Before Applying to O.D. Programs?
Experience working with an optometrist is an important component of a competitive application to O.D. programs. Some schools require a letter of recommendation from a practicing optometrist (or other healthcare professional) with whom you have worked. Experience may be volunteer or paid. Students completing relevant work, volunteer, or shadowing experiences may be eligible to receive credit toward their degree program (BIOL 493 – Cooperative Internship Experience).
What is the OAT?
The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is required by most optometry programs. For schools that require the OAT, it will be an important component of a competitive application. Those schools that do not require the OAT will take scores into consideration if submitted. Thus, good OAT scores can strengthen an application even if the school you are applying to does not require them.
The OAT contains four sections.
- Survey of the Natural Sciences
- Physics
- Reading Comprehension
- Quantitative Reasoning
Criteria for Admission to Program
Students pursuing a degree in biology are officially admitted to the program upon satisfying the following criteria:
2.0 GPA for all university work completed at time of admission to program.
Grades of C or better in the following core courses:
GPA 2.00
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