With an OD, or Doctor of Optometry, you will be able to examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye. Please note this is different from an Ophthalmologist, who is a medical doctor. AAPOS provides a helpful guide explaining the roles of optometrists, and how they differ from ophthalmologists and opticians.

Obtaining an OD requires completion of a 4 year program following a Bachelor’s degree.

The OAT (Optometry Admission Test) must be passed prior to admission to an optometry program. You may take the OAT as early as your sophomore year of your bachelor’s degree.

Program Admission Prerequisites

• 6 Biology courses: Zoology (BIOL 111), Microbiology (BIO 208), Cell Biology (BIOL 327), Biometrics (BIOL 247), Anatomy (BIOL 256) and Human Physiology (BIOL 257)
• 4 Chemistry courses: Introductory Chemistry (CHEM 117), Environmental, Analytical, and Geochemistry (CHEM 220), Organic Chemistry (CHEM 230), Nutrition and Metabolism: Biochemical Mechanisms (CHEM 260)
• General Physics I and II (PHYS 101 and 102)
• Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 100)
• Calculus (MATH 110)
• 2 semesters of English with intensive writing

Additional Requirements

Individual schools may have specific requirements. Check the website of schools that you are particularly interested in applying to.

More Information

• Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
• American Optometric Student Association
• American Optometric Association