WHAT IS OPTOMETRY?
Optometry combines the biological and physical sciences into a clinical discipline that diagnoses and corrects a wide range of vision difficulties. Doctors of Optometry (O.D.'s) provide treatment by prescribing ophthalmic lenses or other optical aids, providing vision therapy to preserve or restore maximum efficiency in vision, and in some states, are authorized to prescribe drugs in the treatment of certain eye diseases. O.D.'s can also detect general diseases of the human body that have the potential capacity to affect vision, such as diabetes, hypertension, and arteriosclerosis. Practicing optometry offers opportunities to work as independent practitioners, as part of a group practice in a health clinic or hospital, or in government or military service. Most optometrists today are self-employed and have very flexible working hours. Career opportunities within optometry include optometric education, research, and health care administration. Specialties consist of pediatrics, low-vision services for visually impaired patients, contact lenses, sports vision, vision therapy, geriatrics, and occupational vision.
DESIRED SKILLS
Business ability, self-discipline, and the ability to deal tactfully with patients are important for success. The work of optometrists requires attention to detail and good manual dexterity.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Programs leading towards the Doctor of Optometry consist of four years of specialized professional education and clinical training. Some programs accept applicants who have completed a minimum of three years of undergraduate study; however most programs prefer or will require completion of an undergraduate degree prior to matriculation. Students need to obtain application materials from the individual schools, take the OAT and apply to schools one year prior to entering a School of Optometry. There is variance between schools regarding the earliest time to apply, but it is best to apply as early as possible. Some schools begin accepting applications in August, while other schools do not begin accepting applications until October. Most schools accept applications until February or March of the year that you plan to enter. Optometry programs consider many factors and criteria for admissions including academic competitiveness (GPA, OAT scores, and undergraduate degrees) and professional potential (biographic information, knowledge of the profession, and letters of reference). Most, but not all, schools interview applicants as part of the process. Applicants are also advised to get a copy of "Optometry: A Career With Vision," which gives descriptions and comparisons of individual school programs, entering class profiles, costs, etc. You may obtain this booklet, at no cost, by writing the American Optometric Association, 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141, 314.991.4100, www.aaopt.org.
MAJOR & CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Students can major in almost any discipline provided the required courses are completed in order to be competitive when applying to schools of optometry. In addition to academics, extracurricular activities are strongly recommended. We also strongly suggest working with an optometrist to get experience within the field. Research projects with faculty members are also recommended. The Student Research Program (SRP), located at 2121 Life Sciences, is a good way to find professors who are willing to do research with undergraduates.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The need for optometrists is expanding as career and job opportunities increase in the service and information technology fields where the need for good visual functioning is high. The aging population in the U.S. creates an additional increase in demand for O.D.'s that will last well into the next several decades. Based on data from USA Today, optometry is one of the top ten income-earning professions in the country and is the third largest healthcare industry. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment growth will be fastest in retail optical stores and outpatient clinics.
RELATED OCCUPATIONS
Workers in other occupations who apply scientific knowledge to prevent, diagnose, and treat disorders and injuries are chiropractors, dentists, physicians, podiatrists, veterinarians, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
HOW CAN THE UCLA CAREER CENTER HELP YOU?
CAREER EXPLORATION
A combination of written information, experiential opportunities, testimonials or exposure to others and academic experience are helpful in exploring possible career opportunities. The career center affords various resources and services to assist students in this process including the Career Center Library, Workshops, Counseling, assessments, and special programming. A career in Optometry requires manual dexterity, attention to detail and excellent interpersonal skills. Make sure this is the career you desire and you are prepared to take the steps necessary to attain your goals.
HEALTH CARE RELATED INTERNSHIPS
Experiential educational and volunteer programs are an excellent way to expand your knowledge of the health professions beyond the classroom. Participation in health related internships will strengthen your application to professional schools and provide exposure experiences that can be highlighted in the personal statement. A select number of health care internships focusing on research, legislation and public policy are available through the Career Center's internship office on a local, national and international basis. A sampling of internship opportunities include (but are not limited to) the National Institute of Health, the Surgeon General's Office, Cedar Sinai, AIDS Action, the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services and the American Heart Association. Visit the Career Center's Internship and Study Abroad Services Office for a resource sheet handout providing an overview of health related internships. Please visit career.ucla.edu for more information.
MOCK INTERVIEW
After reviewing your materials, most schools grant interviews prior to making final decisions regarding admissions. The Career Center offers Interviewing workshops as well as an opportunity to receive a mock interview and feedback prior to your actual interviews.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
The Career Center offers UCLA students and alumni a service which stores and sends letters of recommendation to graduate schools. To open a PPS letter file, visit career.ucla.edu. All letters should be forwarded directly to the Career Center by the author, as these are confidential documents.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
LIBRARY
Schools and Colleges of Optometry: Admission Requirements
WEB
For information on optometry as a career and a listing of accredited optometric educational institutions, as well as required pre-optometry courses, contact:
American Optometric Association, Educational Services, 243 North Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141-7881. www.aoanet.org
Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 510, Rockville, MD 20852. www.opted.org
American Optometric Student Association www.theosa.org
The American Academy of Optometry www.aaopt.org
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PRE-OPTOMETRY PREPARATION
TIMELINE
There are 16 Schools of Optometry in the United States, two in Canada, and one in Puerto Rico. Each of these schools requires a combination of specific coursework, OAT scores, applications, and letters of recommendation. The timeline for the application process begins over a year prior to the academic year you are applying for.
STANDARDIZED TESTS
All schools require the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), which tests academic ability and scientific comprehension. The test is offered in February and October of each year. We recommend taking the February exam in order to have an early application. The OAT consists of four sub-tests: Quantitative Reasoning, Survey of the Natural Sciences (Bio, General Chem, Organic Chem), Reading Comprehension, and Physics. Applications for the OAT can be found at the UCLA Career Center or call: 312.440.2693.
REQUIRED COURSES
This is NOT a comprehensive or required list of prerequisites for all optometry programs. Students maintain responsibility for verifying course selection with individual optometry programs. Be sure to check the catalogs of potential schools or the Admissions Requirements for Schools and Colleges of Optometry.
PREPARATION COURSEWORK
• Biology
Life Sciences 1, 2, 3, 4. One year of coursework with lab. These courses prepare you for the Natural Science section of the OAT.
• Human Anatomy
Phy Sci 13 or 107 (upper division PS courses are generally restricted to PS majors). Phy Sci 13 through UCLA Extension is another good option.
• Human Physiology
*Phy Sci 166 or **Phy Sci 3 or 111A-C (upper division PS courses are generally restricted to PS majors). *Phy Sci 166 may not be acceptable for some schools, please check with the individual schools. **PS 3 does not have a lab component.
• Microbiology
MIMG 101/103L or 100L. One quarter with lab. One course from a community college with lab may also be acceptable.
• Chemistry
Life science or non-science majors: Chemistry 14A, 14B/BL, 14C/CL, 14D. Physical, life or non-science majors: Chemistry 20A, 20B/L, 30A/AL, 30B/BL, 30C. These courses prepare you for the Natural Sciences section of the OAT.
• Biochemistry
Chemistry 153A/153L
• Physics
Physics 6A, 6B, 6C or 6AH, 6BH, 6CH or 1A, 1B, 1C, 4AL, 4BL. One year with labs is generally recommended. Trigonometry-based physics can also satisfy this requirement, but UCLA only offers calculus-based courses and these are required for the various science majors. These courses prepare you for the Physics section of the OAT.
• Psychology
Psych 10 plus 1 upper division class (e.g. Psych 127).
• Math
Math 3A, 3B, 3C or 31A, 31B, 32A. This is your preparation for calculus-based physics. One year of math can include statistics (see below) and computer programming classes (PIC 10A, 10B, 10C). These courses prepare you for the Quantitative Reasoning section of the OAT.
• Statistics
Statistics 10, 13, Biostatistics 100A or Biomath, Psychology 100A (Check with individual schools for acceptability of classes offered outside of the Statistics department). These courses prepare you for the Quantitative Reasoning section of the OAT.
• English
One year of college level literature and composition. Writing I and Writing II courses, select general education literature courses, and any upper division English literature or English Composition courses will satisfy this requirement. Please see the “English requirement for health professions schools” sheet for a complete list of suggested courses. These courses will prepare you for the Verbal Reasoning and Writing Sample sections of the MCAT.
Other recommended courses
Other Biology
Physiology, anatomy, embryology, histology, or cellular biology are all recommended. Check with each individual department counselor for availability of upper division courses.
Embryology - MCD Bio 138
Histology- EEB (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) 157
Cellular Biology - Any upper division Microbiology or MCD Bio class, EEB (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) M158
Other Humanities and Social Science courses are strongly recommended. The non-science GPA is an important component to your overall academic record and liberal arts education. Courses in the following can enhance your communication skills and overall understanding of the world: Anthropology, Communication Studies, Economics, any ethnic studies area (e.g. Women’s Studies, LGBT Studies, Afro-American Studies, Chicana/Chicano Studies, Near Eastern Studies), Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Speech to name a few.
Computer skills are strongly recommended. Many programs have incorporated computers and electronic media into their curriculum. Several programs are strongly recommending that a student owns a computer.
UCLA is not responsible for coursework being accepted by recipient schools. Students should contact the individual schools directly.
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