Pre-Optometry

What is “pre-optometry”?

“Pre-optometry” is a term used to describe students who plan to enter a school of optometry after graduating from college. You should know that there is rarely if ever a “pre-optometry” major at any college. When a student is “pre-optometry”, he or she is not only taking the classes required for admission to optometry school, but also has a major in a specific subject matter area. A student can choose any major and still go to optometry school as long as he or she has 1) successfully completed the courses required for admission to optometry school, 2) has both a strong science and overall college GPA, and 3) has demonstrated a dedicated interest in optometry medicine.

What courses are required for admission to optometry school?

Optometry school prerequisite courses vary and the student is responsible for checking admissions requirements for the schools of their choice. The following are recommended by most optometry schools:

• Algebra/Statistics/Calculus
• Anatomy/Physiology (full year)
• Calculus
• English composition (full year)
• General biochemistry
• General biology (full year)
• General chemistry (full year)
• General psychology
• Microbiology (one semester)
• Organic chemistry (full year)
• Physics (full year)