Doctor of Optometry, O.D.
Examine the eyes for visual defects and prescribing corrective lenses.
For descriptions of this profession, see: For Applicants and Advisors section and Optometry: A Career Guide section of the Association of Schools of Optometry or Explore Health Careers
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
Optometry School: 4 years
Residency: Optional 1 year
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Schools may require English, cell biology, genetics, math, social sciences, humanities and/or other courses. Check directly with those schools and the Schools and Colleges of Optometry.
| SUGGESTED COURSES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year of General Biology | Biology 101 Molecules, Genes and Cells |
Biology 102 Evolution, Organisms & Ecology |
|
| 1 Year of General Chemistry | Chemistry 130 Structure & Properties of Inorganic Compounds w/ Lab |
Chemistry 170 Stoichiometric Calculations |
Chemistry 260 Thermodynamics, Equilibrium & Kinetics w/ Lab |
| 1 Year Organic Chemistry | Chemistry 120 Structure & Properties of Organic Molecules w/ Lab |
Chemistry 310 Enzyme Mechanics |
|
| 1 Year Physics | Physics 120 Principles of Physics I w/ Lab |
Physics 130 Principles of Physics II w/ Lab |
|
APPLICATION TIMELINE
For admittance directly after DePauw: Prerequisite courses completed by the end of junior year; Apply summer before senior year.
For Gap Year: Prerequisite courses completed by the end of senior year; Apply summer after senior year.
APPLICATION SERVICE
Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS)
- Available July 1
- Submission date opens July 1
- Deadlines vary by school and range from December through May.
- Schools not participating in OptomCAS, apply directly to the school.
- Apply early! Do not wait until the application deadline.
STANDARDIZED TEST
Optometry Admission Test (OAT): Take after biology, all chemistry, and physics courses are completed.
The OAT has four sections (Scale 200-400, with a national average of 300): Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning. The test takes approximately 280 minutes to complete and is offered virtually every day of the year. See the website to register. You receive your scores immediately upon completion of the test.
Free and low-cost preparation materials:
- Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
- Check with the Hubbard Center
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
- Overall and science GPA
- OAT scores
- Extracurricular activities
- Optometry-related experience
- Research experience
- Community service
- Leadership experiences
- Letters of recommendation- Often including one from the Health Professions Adviser
- Interview
- Personal statement
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
General:
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, CALL 765-658-4622, OR EMAIL HUBBARD@DEPAUW.EDU
