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Optometrists are the major providers of primary eye care in the U.S. They examine the eyes for vision problems, disease, and other abnormal conditions.  They test for proper depth and color perception, the ability to coordinate and focus the eyes, and they prescribe lenses and/or treatments including glasses, contact lenses, corrective eye exercises, therapy, and in some states, therapeutic drugs for specific diseases.

Acceptance to optometry school is extremely competitive and requires not only a strong academic record and standardized test (OAT) Optometry Admission Test, but optometry schools also expect evidence of:

  • Leadership
  • Service/Volunteerism
  • Written and oral communication skills
  • A working knowledge of the health profession
  • Research
Major:  Normally students choose to major in biology, chemistry or biochemistry; however, optometry schools do not require or expect a specific major for admissions.  Students should major in the subject they enjoy most.  This will more than likely ensure better grades and better understanding since the majority of the courses he/she is taking are ones that they enjoys.  
Academic Admission Requirements:  Student interested in optometry school usually require the follow courses.  If you are interested in Optometry contact the schools you are interested in applying to and VERIFY their pre-requisite courses.

Courses   Recommended
English  FYS 101, ENG 101 Freshmen Yr
General Chemistry
with Lab		 CHM 111, CHM 112 Freshmen Yr
General Biology
with Lab		 BIO 101, BIO 102 Freshmen Yr
Organic Chemistry
with Lab		 CHM 227, CHM 228 Sophomore Yr
Physics
with Lab		 PHY 201, PHY 202 Junior Yr
Math Calc I, II, or Stats
(two semesters)		  
Behavioral Science One semester of Psychology
Additional semester of Psychology or Sociology		  
Microbiology    

*Specific additional requirements recommended by individual schools.

AP Credit: Most health professional schools do not accept AP credit in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.  Students with AP credit in a science are highly advised to take the freshman sequence (CHM 111/112, BIO 101/102).

Recommended:  Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics
For more information: 
Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) www.opted.org
The American Academy of Optometry www.aaopt.org
Optometry’s Centralized Application Service www.optomcas.org
Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) www.opted.org/info_oat.cfm
Canisius Students have gone on to the following programs:
  • New York College of Optometry 
  • New England College of Optometry
  • Illinois College of Optometry