Doctor of Optometry Program

The Doctor of Optometry program at the University of the Incarnate Word's Rosenberg School of Optometry is a four-year curriculum based on the medical model, emphasizing individualized attention and clinical development. The program integrates classroom experience and patient contact, providing early exposure to clinical training through community outreach programs, rotations through clinics, and externships in clinical sites both nationally and internationally.

Program Features

• Case-based seminars
• Grand rounds
• Problem-based learning
• Incorporation of educational technologies such as web-based learning, classroom performance systems, digital libraries, podcasts, and video conferencing
• Opportunities for clinical research through the Summer Fellowship Training Program
• Study abroad opportunities in Europe

Admission Requirements

To apply for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Successful completion of a minimum of 90 semester hours of college coursework from an accredited institution of higher learning
• A grade of C or better must be achieved in all prerequisite courses
• A recommended minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
• A recommended minimum overall OAT score of 300; alternative standardized admissions exams accepted include the GRE, MCAT, and DAT
• Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a Doctor of Optometry (OD)
• Personal statement conveying interest in and passion for the profession
• A minimum of 20 hours of optometry shadowing with an OD; work experience may meet this requirement

Prerequisite Courses

Required prerequisites include:

• Biology (1 course with lab)
• Human Anatomy and/or Human Physiology (1 course with lab), or substitute courses such as Biology II, Cell Biology, or Genetics
• General Chemistry (2 courses with lab)
• Organic Chemistry (1 course with lab)
• General Physics (2 courses with lab)
• Microbiology or Bacteriology (1 course with lab)
• Biochemistry or Molecular Biology (1 course, minimum junior level)
• Calculus (1 course)
• Statistics (1 course)
• Psychology (1 course)
• English (2 courses, examples include English Composition I, English Composition II, Technical Writing, Literature)

Additional Requirements for Students Entering Without a Bachelor's Degree

Additional required courses include:

• Humanities (2 courses, may include Theology, Philosophy, History, Foreign Language, Literature, Art)
• Behavioral and Social Sciences (2 courses, may include Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, History, Anthropology, Geography, Economics, Communications)

Recommended Courses

Recommended but not required courses include:

• Human Physiology II
• Human Anatomy II
• College Mathematics
• Ethics

Standardized Admissions Exams

Applicants are required to submit a valid standardized test score. The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is strongly recommended, but the program also accepts the GRE, MCAT, and DAT.

Letters of Recommendation

A minimum of two letters of recommendation are required, with a maximum of four. One letter must be from an optometrist, and the second letter is recommended to be from a faculty member or academic advisor.

Interview

Only applicants with the strongest credentials will be invited for an interview. The interview process includes a personal interview with a faculty member and information on the curriculum, clinical experience, financial assistance, housing, and student services.

Selection Procedure

The Admissions Committee reviews the candidate's complete application portfolio, including the personal interview. Acceptances are offered to the most qualified candidates on a rolling basis.

Matriculation

Accepted students must submit a matriculation form along with a $1,000 matriculation fee, which can be split into two payments. The full deposit is non-refundable, with $900 applied toward the student's tuition.

Transfer Admissions

The program does not currently accept transfer students, including those with advanced standing.

International Application Information

International applicants may submit acceptable TOEFL scores if English is not their primary language. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an accredited agency such as WES or ECE.

University of The Incarnate Word

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Overview:

University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is a private Catholic university located in San Antonio, Texas. Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, UIW is the largest Catholic university in Texas and is known for its commitment to serving the community and providing a transformative educational experience.

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Services Offered:

UIW offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Advising, tutoring, writing and learning center, career services, testing services, TRiO program, and first-generation student support.

Student Life:

Residence life, student life activities, student advocacy, wellness and sports programs, counseling, and health services.

Financial Aid:

Aid and award process, cost estimation, calculators, scholarship resources, work study, loan assistance, forms, tuition and fees information, verification process, consumer information, and FAQs.

Military and Veterans Center:

Admissions, support services, and resources for military personnel and veterans.

International Student and Scholar Services:

Support and resources for international students.

School of Professional Studies (SPS):

Admissions and student success services.

Health Professions Student Services:

Specific services for students in the Feik School of Pharmacy, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rosenberg School of Optometry, and School of Rehabilitation Sciences.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UIW offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities. Students can participate in athletics, intramural sports, music and arts programs, community service initiatives, and social events. The university also has a strong sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

UIW offers over 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations, and over 20 graduate and doctoral programs.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

UIW is a Hispanic Serving Institution and ranks No. 1 in the nation among faith-based universities graduating Hispanic students with bachelor’s degrees.

Faith-Based Education:

UIW provides a Catholic educational experience that emphasizes values, ethics, and service to others.

Excellent Faculty:

UIW has a dedicated faculty committed to student success and providing a high-quality education.

Strong Alumni Network:

UIW has a large and active alumni network that provides support and opportunities for students.

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Academic Programs:

UIW has 11 schools and colleges, including five health professions schools:

College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Dreeben School of Education

Feik School of Pharmacy

H-E-B School of Business and Administration

Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions

Rosenberg School of Optometry

School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering

School of Media and Design

School of Osteopathic Medicine

School of Rehabilitation Sciences

School of Professional Studies

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Other:

UIW is a leader in transformational education and inspires students to ignite change. The university is also recognized for its commitment to social mobility and has been named a Best College by U.S. News & World Report.