Optometry

DESCRIPTION	Optometrists are the major providers of primary eye care in the U.S. They examine the eyes for vision problems, disease, and other abnormal conditions. They test for proper depth and color perception, the ability to coordinate and focus the eyes, and they prescribe lenses and/or treatments including glasses, contact lenses, corrective eye exercises, therapy, and in some states, therapeutic drugs for specific diseases. Army Optometry Educational Assistance U. of California, Berkeley School of Optometry Friday Visitation Program U. of California, Berkeley School of Optometry Opto-Camp U. of Houston College of Optometry Texas Optometry Career Opportunities Program (TEXOCOP) Illinois College of Optometry Focus on Your Future Summer Program Indiana U. School of Optometry Summer Research Program for Undergraduates Optometrist Career Overview Optometry FAQ Optometry Overview Optometry Student Profile Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry Information Session, December 10, 2009 (Additional optometry links are located on the "Health Professions Links" page.)
DEGREE	O.D.
PROGRAM LENGTH	4 years
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS' ORGANIZATION	ASCO (Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry) Optometry Schools
APPLICATION SERVICE	OptomCAS (Optometry Centralized Application Service)
ACADEMIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS	Minimum three years; BA or BS preferred; two semesters General Chemistry; one to two semesters Organic Chemistry; two semesters each of Physics, Biology, Math. Microbiology, Psychology, English (specific additional requirements recommended by individual schools). Prerequisites (pdf)
ADMISSION EXAM	OAT (Optometry Admission Test)
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & EXPERIENCES	Optometry students must be intelligent, scientifically curious, motivated, and socially conscious. Evidence of good citizenship and professionalism. Demonstrated knowledge of profession.
RECOMMENDATION LETTERS	Health Professions Committee letter (usually confidential) sent with additional individual letters of support. Some schools accept individual letters of recommendation.