Pre-Optometry

The American Optometric Association defines a Doctor of Optometry as “an independent primary care provider who examines, diagnoses, treats and manages diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures.”

Doctors of Optometry must complete a four-year degree program at one of approximately 16 accredited schools of optometry. The Biology Department at Missouri Southern offers a pre-optometry program that allows students to meet the requirements for admission to optometry school while completing the Bachelor of Science in Biology degree. The admission requirements to the schools of optometry vary, but students should expect to take courses in anatomy, physiology, calculus, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, statistics, as well as courses in the humanities. For an overview of optometry school requirements, go to: http://www.opted.org/info_profile1.cfm.

Admission to an optometry program is competitive. Successful applicants will have demonstrated strong academic performance during their undergraduate course work. Potential optometry students may be evaluated on the basis of grade point average, performance on the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), recommendation letters, extra curricular and community activities, and a personal interview. For information about the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), go to: http://www.opted.org/info_oat.cfm.

Experience or exposure to the field of optometry is also important. The Biology Department offers pre-optometry students internship opportunities that allow them to shadow practicing optometrists. This is an invaluable way to gain knowledge and familiarity with the profession of optometry.

For more information about the pre-optometry program at Missouri Southern, contact the pre-optometry advisor: Dr. Scott Wells.

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