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. Air Force Optometrist Career Information American Academy of Optometry American Optometric Association (AOA); Annual Meeting, June 27 - July 1, 2012 American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) U. of California, Berkeley School of Optometry Friday Visitation Program U. of California, Berkeley School of Optometry Opto-Camp Considering Optometry School? U. of Houston College of Optometry Texas Optometry Career Opportunities Program (TEXOCOP) Illinois College of Optometry Admissions Information Session, March 24, 2012 Illinois College of Optometry Focus on Your Future Summer Program Massachusetts Society of Optometrists National Optometric Association (NOA); Convention, July 17-21, 2012 Navy Optometrist Career Information The Ohio State University College of Optometry Improving Diversity in Optometric Careers (I-DOC) The Ohio State University College of Optometry Open House and Career Day, April 14, 2012 Optometrist Career Overview Optometrist Occupational Outlook Optometry FAQ Optometry One of 50 Best Careers Optometry Overview Optometry Student Profile Pacific University College of Optometry InSight Summer Program State Optometric Associations (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 Table Links to prerequisites for each U.S. optometry school are found at the bottom of the Choosing Your Courses page.
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.