Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures. For information about optometry and optometry programs, visit the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO).
Exploration of the field is highly encouraged. You can do so by shadowing practitioners and working or volunteering in healthcare settings.
The timeline for application looks different for each student. Current Mizzou students can talk with their MedOpp advisor about their personal timeline and building their candidacy for optometry school.
Courses
The following courses* are common requirements for optometry school and must be completed before matriculation**:
- One year (8 credit hours) of general chemistry with lab
- One year (8 credit hours) organic chemistry with lab
- One year (8 credit hours) of physics with lab
- One year (8-10 credit hours) biological sciences with lab
- One semester of microbiology with lab
- One semester of biochemistry
- One year (6 credit hours) of English— many schools will accept Mizzou’s English 1000 and a Writing Intensive course
- One semester of calculus
- One semester of statistics
- Two semesters of psychology
* See Plan of Study for Mizzou course numbers.
** Disclaimer: this list is not necessarily comprehensive. Please consult schools’ websites for exact requirements.
All U.S. optometry schools (and select schools in Canada) accept the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). The OAT is a comprehensive examination that enables optometry education programs to assess the knowledge and preparedness of program applicants.