Pre-Optometry Program

Optometry is the primary-care profession that treats vision-related conditions. These professionals earn an Optometry Doctorate in a four-year program after an undergraduate degree. 

Ophthalmology is the specialty of medicine (MD) that includes eye surgeons.

Requirements are very similar to preparation for medical school. The entrance exam is the Optometry Aptitude Test (OAT) and it covers content and skills similar to the MCAT.

Generally, optometrists work with healthy patients and use increasingly sophisticated electronic and optical technology to diagnose and manage conditions of the eyes. Most ODs own their own business or practice in conjunction with opticians who fill prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses. A good fit for this profession would be a person that enjoys people and business.  

Additional Information

American Optometric Association