Doctor of Optometry, O.D.

Examine the eyes for visual defects and prescribing corrective lenses.

For descriptions of this profession, see: For Applicants and Advisors section and Optometry: A Career Guide section of the  or 

LENGTH OF PROGRAM

Optometry School: 4 years

Residency: Optional 1 year

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Schools may require English, cell biology, genetics, math, social sciences, humanities and/or other courses. Check directly with those schools and the . 

SUGGESTED COURSES
1 Year of General Biology Biology 101
Molecules, Genes and Cells
Biology 102
Evolution, Organisms & Ecology
 
1 Year of General Chemistry Chemistry 130
Structure & Properties of Inorganic Compounds w/ Lab
Chemistry 170
Stoichiometric Calculations
Chemistry 260
Thermodynamics, Equilibrium & Kinetics w/ Lab
1 Year Organic Chemistry Chemistry 120
Structure & Properties of Organic Molecules w/ Lab
Chemistry 310
Enzyme Mechanics
 
1 Year Physics Physics 120
Principles of Physics I w/ Lab
Physics 130
Principles of Physics II w/ Lab
 

APPLICATION TIMELINE

For admittance directly after DePauw: Prerequisite courses completed by the end of junior year; Apply summer before senior year.

For Gap Year: Prerequisite courses completed by the end of senior year; Apply summer after senior year.

APPLICATION SERVICE

 (OptomCAS)

STANDARDIZED TEST

Optometry Admission Test (OAT): Take after biology, all chemistry, and physics courses are completed.

The OAT has four sections (Scale 200-400, with a national average of 300): Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning. The test takes approximately 280 minutes to complete and is offered virtually every day of the year.  You receive your scores immediately upon completion of the test.

Free and low-cost preparation materials:

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

General:

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, CALL 765-658-4622, OR EMAIL HUBBARD@DEPAUW.EDU

Guides, Forms, Resources