Optometry

Schools and colleges of Optometry award the O.D. degree after fouryears of study. The first two years typically consists of foundational science courses and their application to the study of medicine. The final two years are more patient-focused and the student is exposed to a variety of specialties within the medical field.

Following graduation, some students undergo more advanced, specialized training in a field of their choice, such as pediatric or geriatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation, family practice, hospital or primary care optometry. All students must successfully complete the training in the school or college of optometry and pass a State Board Examination. Optometrists typically work in an office setting, usually in a private practice. Some optometrists work in group practices but most function independently. As with other health care professionals, they may be employed by a health service organization, work in hospitals or other institutions, such as schools or government agencies. They are trained to examine the eye for any abnormalities and test for proper eye function. When problems are detected, treatment can include corrective glasses or contact lenses, eye therapy or prescription drugs (some states only). For more advanced diseases, optometrists refer patients to another medical practitioner, often an opthamologist who is a D.O. or M.D. specializing in care of the eye.

American Optometric Association
http://www.aoa.org

Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO)
http://www.opted.org

What is a competitive Optometry Application?
http://www.opted.org/files/public/Profile%20of%20the%20Entering%20Class%202011.pdf

OptomCAS Applicant Data Report: 2010-2011

Prepare for the OAT(for your further research; not endorsed by HPAO)

OAT Destroyer
OAT Achiever


Recommended University of Maryland Pre-Requisite Courses

Recommended Pre-Requisites for Optometry School

 

Academic Timeline


Academic Planning During Your College Career


1. Pre-Health Track: Taking the pre-requisites courses
2. Choosing a Major: Choose a subject that you are passionate about!


Clinical / Volunteer / Research Opportunities


1. Found on and off campus


Admissions Process


1. Letters of Recommendation
2. Entrance Exams

First-year


1. Transition to campus climate & culture
2. Familiarize yourself with campus resources
3. Attend Pre-Health workshops
4. Enroll & successfully complete required prerequisite courses
  • Begin required math sequence
  • Begin required CHEM sequence in most cases 131/32 and 231/32
  • BSCI 105
5. Develop good study skills & habits
6. Identify Pre-Health student organizations
7. Identify volunteer & community service opportunities

Sophomore Year


1. Enroll & successfully complete required premedical courses
2. Meet with Academic and Pre-Health Advisor
3. Participate in Volunteer, Community service & Research opportunities, and particularly clinical experiences
  • Complete required math sequence
  • Continue with required CHEM sequence, 241/42 and 271/72 in most cases
  • Consider other 200 level BSCI recommended courses before moving on to cell biology
4. Research health professional schools
5. Consider a broad course selection
6. Identify courses/majors where you can develop strong foundations in critical thinking, writing, reading & communication
7. Develop relationships with professors

Junior Year - Senior Year 

  1. Attend the Pre-Health workshops   that cover the Credentials service and application process
  2. OAT exam taken for medical school when offered (consult OAT web site for deadlines to register and for exam dates). Ideally by June of application year.
  3. Schedule prep courses for standardized tests if desired
  4. See Timeline  for applicants
  5. Submit common applications

Senior Year

1. Interviews
2. Admissions Offers
3. Graduate from College