University of Nevada, Reno
Professional School Advising
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
411 Davidson Math & Science Center
775.784.4591
www.unr.edu/science
OPTOMETRY SCHOOL PREPARATION
Optometrists are the main providers of vision care. Doctors of Optometry (O.D’s) examine
peoples’ eyes to diagnose vision problems; test patients’ depth and color perception and ability to
focus; prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses; can detect general diseases of the human body that
have the potential capacity to affect vision, such as diabetes, hypertension, and arteriosclerosis.
Optometrists differ from ophthalmologists, who are physicians (M.D.’s) specializing in eye
surgery and treatment of eye diseases; and dispensing opticians, who fill lens prescriptions
written by the optometrist or ophthalmologist. For more information on a career in optometry,
read the US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook’s website:
www.bls/gov/ooh/healthcare/optometrists.htm
MAJOR: There is no one prescribed major for acceptance to optometry school. Students must
prepare themselves with a basic background in chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology as
well as the social and behavioral sciences, and the humanities. Beyond this basic preparation,
you should choose a major that interests you.
Professional School Advising offers personal assistance with the professional school application
process, including program selection, academic guidance, seminars, the personal statement,
mock interviews, advise on getting letters of recommendation, admission testing and application
guidelines for students in the College of Science.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Specific course requirements may vary for each optometry
program. It is the applicant’s responsibility to determine the specific requirements of each
program to which they are applying. Each school’s requirements are available at the Association
of Schools and Colleges of Optometry website: www.opted.org. In general, courses at UNR that
fulfill the basic requirements:
English
1 year (English 101, 102)
General Chemistry
1 year with lab (Chemistry 121, 122)
Organic Chemistry
1 year with lab (Chemistry 341, 342, 345)
Biology
General (Biology 190, 191 & 192)
Anatomy Physiology (Biology 223 & 224)
Microbiology (Biology 251)
Physics
1 year with lab (Physics 151R, 152R)
Psychology
General and Abnormal (Psychology 101, 441)
Mathematics
1 year calculus (Math 181, 182), Statistics 152
Biochemistry
General Biochemistry (Biochemistry 400)
OPTOMETRY EDUCATION: The Doctor of Optometry degree is a 4 year program
completed at an accredited school of optometry. Some programs accept applicants who have
completed a minimum of 3 years of undergraduate study; however most programs prefer or will
require completion of an undergraduate degree prior to matriculation.
OPTOMETRY ADMISSION TEST (OAT):
The computer based OAT is required by all colleges of optometry, and tests academic ability and
scientific comprehension. The test is offered throughout the year. It is recommended that you
take the OAT before applying to optometry school. The test has 4 sections: Survey of the Natural
Sciences (Biology, General and Organic Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics, and
Quantitative Reasoning. You can register for the OAT at www.opted.org and find test
preparation materials and a sample test at www.ada.org/oat/index.html
EXPERIENCE: While academics are a very important part of being accepted into an optometry
school, the schools and colleges are not just looking for the 4.0 G.P.A students. Volunteer or
paid experience with an optometrist is essential to your preparation for optometry school; the
quality of the clinical experience is more important than the quantity. Schools prefer to see wellrounded applicants who are involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities while still doing
well academically.
APPLICATION PROCESS: The application process for most optometry schools starts
approximately 12-15 months prior to your matriculation date. All optometry schools belong to
the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS) which allows you to apply through
one initial web-based application at www.optomcas.org Applicants are encouraged to apply
early and be aware that application deadlines vary for each school.
Supplemental/Secondary Application: After submitting your initial application, most
optometry schools will require that you complete their application, often called the supplemental
or “secondary” application. At this time, you will be asked to also send the school a fee. It is the
responsibility of the applicant to check the requirements of each school to make sure they have
been fulfilled.
Interviews are the final stage of the application process. If a school offers you an interview, it
means they are seriously considering you. All schools interview potential matriculates.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:
Three to four letters of recommendation are required for application to optometry school. They
should be from a professor, from an optometrist who can evaluate your potential in the field, and
an employer or someone with whom you have done volunteer work (check each school’s
literature for specifics). OptomCAS offers a Letter of Reference service that allows up to 4
letters.
You may also consider storing your letters with a document delivery service such as Interfolio.
With the use of Interfolio your letters can be kept on file for up to 5 years and delivered to the
program you are applying to at your convenience. You can find more information on their
website: www.interfolio.com
Selection for admission is based on many factors including undergraduate GPA, test scores,
letters of recommendation, length and depth of optometry experience, extracurricular activities,
the interview, personal statement, research experience, and awareness of and experience in
health related fields.
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