A full curriculum of pre-professional courses is offered at Eastern Oregon University for those seeking admission to a school of optometry to complete a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. Typically, students will complete one of the science degrees, but other degrees are accepted by professional optometry schools. Typical prerequisite coursework includes one-year sequences of general chemistry with lab, anatomy, and physiology with lab, and general physics with lab, in addition to courses such as biochemistry, microbiology, calculus, statistics, psychology, and English composition. Prerequisite coursework serves as preparation for the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) required for applicants seeking admission to optometry schools. Some optometry schools require observation experience under the supervision of an optometrist.
Students are strongly encouraged to work closely with their advisor when selecting appropriate coursework. Admission is highly competitive. The majority of students admitted to optometry schools have above-average scholastic standing, earned high pre-admission examination scores, demonstrated a good general knowledge of the profession, have been active in co-curricular campus and community activities, and have a carefully prepared application.
PDF of Pre-Optometry checksheet