Pre-Optometry Path
Program Overview
Introduction to the Pre-Optometry Path
The Pre-Optometry Path is designed for students who aspire to become optometrists. This program helps students choose courses and experiences that optometry schools look for, ensuring they are well-prepared to apply to optometry school.
Academics
Students of several different majors can apply to become optometrists. If a student is a biomedical sciences major, they will be well-prepared to apply to optometry schools. For other majors, the following typical classes are needed as prerequisites for optometry programs:
- General Biology (BIO101, 4 credits with lab)
- General Chemistry I & II (CHE111 & CHE112, 8 credits with lab)
- Organic Chemistry I & II (CHE241 & CHE 242, 8 credits with lab)
- Physics for Life Sciences I (PHY103 & PHY104, 8 credits with lab)
- Statistics (MAT161, 3 credits) or Biostatistics (BIO333, 3 credits)
- Calculus I (MAT221, 3 credits)
- General Psychology (PSY101, 3 credits) A good score on the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is also required.
Healthcare Experience
Schools often expect students to have experience shadowing or working with an optometrist. The university offers an excellent opportunity to get these hours through its affiliation with Eye Care for the Adirondacks, a rehabilitation facility.
Applying to Optometry School
Application to optometry schools is through the OptomCAS system. Most program deadlines are in the fall for the following year. The OptomCAS system will process the application and then submit it to the selected schools.
Program
The university has a 3 + 4 articulation agreement with the SUNY Optometry program to help students become optometrists faster and save one year of tuition. In this program, students apply near the end of their sophomore year. If accepted, they start at SUNY Optometry after their junior year. After their first year, credits will transfer back to the university to complete their bachelors degree.
SUNY College of Optometry, O.D. 3 + 4 Program
This program option provides for three years of study at the university followed by four years of study at the SUNY College of Optometry. The curriculum of study includes the general education program plus basic courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus. Upon successful completion of the first year of study at the SUNY College of Optometry, students will be awarded the B.A. in Biology.
Admission Requirements
Qualified applicants must be freshmen or sophomores and meet minimum criteria for high school, SAT/ACT, and college achievement. Candidates will be interviewed by the Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee and a representative of the SUNY College of Optometry.
Minimum Criteria for Acceptance
If applying as an incoming freshman, high school transcripts must have a 92% or better average, and SAT scores must be at least 1300 total (at least 670 math and 550 Verbal) or an ACT minimum of 32. If applying in the sophomore year, students must have a 3.3 overall GPA, 3.3 CUM in math and science courses, and no grade in these math and science courses.
To Apply
To apply, students need to submit a file to the Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee with the following information:
- A letter of intent describing optometry, the role of the optometrist, and reasons for wanting to enter this profession (12 pages).
- Documentation of minimum criteria (official high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores or university transcripts).
After Acceptance
Candidates who successfully enter this program will be monitored to ensure they stay on track to matriculate to SUNY College of Optometry after their third year. Candidates will meet with a member of the committee at the beginning of each semester to review grades and other optometry-related activities.
Recent Graduates
Examples of recent graduates who have successfully pursued a career in optometry include:
- Sam Robinson, Class of 21, who attended the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University.
- Patrick Boyea, Class of 19, who also attended the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University.