Pre-Optometry
Becoming an optometrist involves specialized training in eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of visual problems and eye diseases. This guide provides a detailed roadmap for students aspiring to enter an optometry program, covering educational requirements, clinical experience, the application process, and tips for success.
1. Educational Requirements:
Undergraduate Degree:
- Major Selection: While no specific major is required, common choices include biology, chemistry, health sciences, or other related fields. Choose a major that interests you and in which you can excel.
- Prerequisite Courses: Complete the necessary coursework typically required by optometry schools. Common prerequisites include:
- General Biology (with labs): COC’s BIOSCI 106 and BIOSCI 107
- General Chemistry (with labs): COC’s CHEM 201 and CHEM 202
- Organic Chemistry (with labs): COC’s CHEM 255 and CHEM 256
- Physics (with labs): COC’s PHYSICS 110 and 111 or PHYSICS 220, 221, and 222
- Biochemistry
- Anatomy and Physiology: COC’s BIOSCI 201 and 202 or 204 and 205
- Microbiology: COC’s BIOSCI 221
- English or Composition: COC’s ENGL 101 and ENGL 103
- Psychology (recommended): COC’s PSYCH 101
- Mathematics (Calculus and Statistics): COC’s MATH 140 and MATH 211
- Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry General and School Specific Pre-requisites Links to an external site.
2. Gaining Clinical Experience:
Shadowing and Volunteering:
- Shadowing Optometrists: Gain firsthand experience by shadowing optometrists in various settings. Aim for at least 100 hours of shadowing to demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the profession.
- Volunteering: Participate in healthcare-related volunteer opportunities. This demonstrates your dedication to helping others and provides valuable experience.
3. Academic Excellence:
Maintain a Strong GPA:
- GPA Requirements: Most optometry schools have a minimum GPA requirement (often around 3.0), but competitive applicants usually have higher GPAs, particularly in science courses.
- Grade Improvement: If you have a low GPA, consider retaking courses or taking additional coursework to improve your academic record.
4. Standardized Tests:
Optometry Admission Test (OAT):
- Requirement: All optometry schools require the OAT, a standardized exam that assesses academic ability and scientific knowledge.
- Preparation: Prepare thoroughly for the OAT using prep courses, study guides, practice exams, and by reviewing relevant coursework. Aim for competitive scores, especially in the sections on biology, chemistry, physics, and quantitative reasoning.
5. Letters of Recommendation:
Securing Strong Recommendations:
- Sources: Obtain letters from professors (preferably science faculty), optometrists you have shadowed, and supervisors from volunteer or work experiences.
- Timing: Request letters well in advance to give your recommenders ample time to write thoughtful and detailed recommendations.
6. Personal Statement:
Crafting a Compelling Statement:
- Content: Explain your motivation for becoming an optometrist, your relevant experiences, and your career goals. Highlight what makes you a unique and suitable candidate for optometry school.
- Revisions: Write multiple drafts and seek feedback from advisors, mentors, and peers to refine your statement.
7. Application Process:
OptomCAS (Optometry Centralized Application Service):
- Platform: Most optometry schools use OptomCAS for applications. It allows you to apply to multiple programs with a single application.
- Components: Ensure you complete all sections, including personal information, academic history, work and volunteer experiences, and personal statement.
8. Interview Preparation:
Preparing for Interviews:
- Research: Learn about each program to which you apply, including their mission, values, and curriculum.
- Practice: Conduct mock interviews with advisors or mentors to practice common interview questions and improve your communication skills.
9. Additional Considerations:
Financial Planning:
- Cost of Education: Understand the financial commitment required for optometry school, including tuition, fees, and living expenses.
- Financial Aid: Research scholarships, grants, and loan options available for optometry students.
Networking and Support:
- Professional Organizations: Join organizations such as the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) to access resources, networking opportunities, and professional development.
- Mentorship: Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support throughout your pre-optometry journey and beyond.
CA Optometry Schools
- UC Berkeley Links to an external site. Berkeley, CA
- Marshall B. Ketchum University Links to an external site. Fullerton, CA
- Western University of Health Sciences Links to an external site. Pomona, CA
Resources
Websites
- Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry Links to an external site.
- Future Eye Doc Links to an external site.
Optometry Opportunity
To promote diversity and equity in the optometric profession for generations to come, the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) have created the AOA/AOSA Opportunities in Optometry Grant program. This fund is designed as a one-time $1500 stipend for under-represented minority students interested in the field of optometry to help defray the costs associated with applying to optometry school.
The Opportunities in Optometry application deadlines are April 1, July 1, and November 1. Please give us up to 60 days after the deadline to review applications and inform you if you are a grant recipient. Note that if you apply in between deadlines that we will not begin reviewing applications until the next posted deadline (4/1, 7/1, or 11/1), so allow 60 days after the nearest deadline before reaching out about your application status. If you have questions on the application, please reach out to the Optometry Cares Program Manager, Molly Brown, at mbrown@aoa.org.