Preparing for a Career in Optometry and Ophthalmology
Optometry is the profession of testing the eyes for defects of
vision in order to prescribe corrective glasses. Ophthalmology is
the branch of medicine dealing with the anatomy, function, and
diseases of the eye. Because Ophthalmology is an area of
specialization in medical school, entrance into that field requires
you to be admitted to a regular M.D. program. See p. 6 of this
Handbook for additional details.
Optometrists provide general eye examinations and recommend lens
therapy, visual therapy, and low vision care. They may be employed
in clinics, hospitals, community health care systems, and
rehabilitation programs.
Admission to optometry school requires appropriate scores on the OAT
(Optometry Admissions Test) and a strong academic record with a
minimum of two years of college work showing at least a 2.0 GPA (the
mean GPA of the entering 1988 class at Pacific University was 3.2).
However, most applicants will need at least three years of
undergraduate work to complete the course requirements necessary for
admission, so the bachelor's degree is desirable. Graduates from
optometry school may obtain either a M.S. degree in Clinical
Optometry or a Doctor of Optometry (D.O.) degree.
The following preparatory coursework is suggested by Pacific
University College of Optometry:
Biological Sciences
Bio 121 or Bio 341
Bio 121 or Bio 321
Bio 331
Chemistry
Chem 150,151
Chem 303
General Physics
Phys 201,202
Mathematics
Math 221
General Psychology
Psych 157
English
(FCS & SCS, or FCS + a sophomore-level-or-above English course)
Statistics
Math 201 or Psych 241
Electives
Finish out minimum required hours with courses in social sciences
and humanities
For further information on Optometry as a career consult the file in
711BH, or write:
Office of Admissions for Professional Programs
Pacific University
Forest Grove, Oregon 97116
(503) 359-2236 |
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