The Doctor of Optometry is a 4-year program that concentrates mainly on the function and pathology of the eye and eye-associated structures. Some programs have graduate and residency programs for students who want to delve deeper into this field. Many OD’s have individual practices, so a background in business is always helpful. OD programs require applicants to complete a standardized exam: OAT—Optometry Admission Test.

Required Courses

Most optometry programs require:

• General Biology I & II
• Human Anatomy and Human Physiology
• General Chemistry I & II
• Organic Chemistry I & II
• General Physics I & II
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology for Biology Majors
• Calculus
• Introduction to Psychology

Recommended Courses

Many recommend:

• One year of math
• Human Anatomy
• Human Physiology

Helpful Resources

• Prerequisites