Optometry

O.D. Doctor of Optometry

“Doctors of optometry are independent primary healthcare providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions.” (American Optometric Association 2021)

Optometrists can specialize in contact lenses, vision therapy, sports vision, ocular disease, geriatrics, pediatrics, low vision (working with visually impaired patients), occupational vision, education, and research.

Optometry programs take an additional four years after earning your bachelor’s degree. After completing an O.D. program, you may go straight into practice or complete a residency program if you want additional training in a specialty.

Suggested Timeline
- OptometryTimeline.pdf (ufl.edu)
Pre-Requisite Chart
- PreHealthRequirements.pdf (ufl.edu)
- ASCO-Prerequisites.2-2021-updated-6-21-21.pdf (optometriceducation.org)
- General Chemistry: CHM2045/L and CHM2046/L or CHM2051; or CHM2047/L (CHM2054L may be substituted for CHM2045L and CHM2046L)
- General Biology: BSC2010/L and BSC2011/L Organic Chemistry: CHM2210 or CHM2212 and CHM2211 or CHM2213 and CHM2211L (CHM3217, CHM3218, and CHM2211L may substitute)
- Physics: PHY2053/L or PHY2048/L or PHY2060 and PHY2054/L or PHY2049/L or PHY2061
- Biochemistry: BCH4024 or CHM3218
- Math: MAC2311 or MAC3472 and STA2023
- English: Two semesters of any English department course. Examples are ENC1101, ENC1102, ENC3254, LIT2110)
- PSY2012
Electives
- Recommended electives include PSY 2012, Upper Division Psychology, APK 2100C, & APK 2105C. Additional electives that may be beneficial can be found in the link below
- https://www.advising.ufl.edu/docs/PreHealthElectives.pdf
GPA Information
- The overall GPA to be minimally competitive for Optometry School is within the 3.4 – 3.5 range
- The cumulative science GPA to be minimally competitive for Optometry School is within the 3.3 – 3.4 range

BCP science GPA Information- BCP GPA: All undergraduate, graduate and cumulative courses identified on transcripts as Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Course Classification Guide - OptomCAS Course Subjects - Liaison (liaisonedu.com)

The resources listed below are just a handful of those that are available to you. Please do some exploration on your own to see what other options may be available to you.
Research
Shadowing

UF Medi-Gators Virtual Shadowing Program

Anti-Racism Resource List

Professional Organizations
CAS Websites
- Overview – OptomCAS
Presentations
- Workshops – Academic Advising Center (ufl.edu)
Professional School Directory
- There are currently a total of 23 schools and college of optometry within the United States
- ASCO Member Schools and Colleges – ASCO (optometriceducation.org)
- https://myasco.opted.org/searchEngines/admissions_advanced_search_form.aspx
Standardized Test Resources & Information
- Optometry Admission Test (ada.org)
- The Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) is scored from a 200 to 400 with a mean score of 300.
- The sections of the OAT include:
  - Natural Sciences – this includes information on Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, & Chemistry
  - Reading Comprehension
  - Physics
  - Quantitative Reasoning – this includes information such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, etc.
- All schools will accept the OAT. However, some may also accept the following:
  - MCAT
  - GRE
  - DAT
  - PCAT
  - It is important to do your research on the schools of interested to see what exams they may or may not accept in place of the OAT
Fee Assistance
- There is currently no Fee Assistance Program available for the OAT exam. However, the ASCO provides a reference list for estimated cost

Application Requirement	Costs ($)
OAT Exam	$500 for the exam (optional preparation courses: $100 – $1,000)
Standardized Tests Accepted Other Than the OAT	All schools/colleges of optometry accept the OAT; some also accept MCAT ($320), GRE ($205), DAT ($495), or PCAT ($210)
OptomCAS Application	$180 for first designation; $70 for each additional designation
Supplemental Application	Schools/colleges of optometry may have supplemental application fees $30 – $75
Transcript Processing	$10 – $20
In-person Interviews	Attire > $150, Airline Ticket > $400, Hotel > $200/night, Ground Transportation > $50
Virtual Interviews	None
Background Checks	Background check fee varies based on the number of past addresses and which background check service the school/college of optometry uses
Acceptance Deposits	$500 – $1,000

Applicant Guides
- OAT Guide (ada.org)

Suggested Reading
- Optometry News | AOA
- Optometry News - Healio
- Test Prep Information
  - Additional standardized exam information and preparation links. UF does not endorse any test prep companies or resources.
  - OAT Test Prep Study Options | Kaplan Test Prep (kaptest.com)
  - OAT Prep Books: Gold Standard OAT (Optometry Admission Test) (oatbooks.com)
  - OAT Flashcards [with OAT Practice Questions] (flashcardsecrets.com)
  - OAT Practice Test Questions (Prep for the OAT Test) (testprepreview.com)
  - How to Prepare for Standardized Tests | ExploreHealthCareers.org
  - Optometry Admission Test OAT Practice Questions (studyguidezone.com)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiatives (Repeated)
- ASCO DEI
- Diversity Links | explorehealthcareers.org
Summer Opportunities
- Summer Internship Program (SIP) 2019 - Training Programs in the Biomedical Sciences - Office of Intramural Training & Education at the National Institutes of Health (nih.gov)
- Other Summer Programs at the NIH - Office of Intramural Training & Education at the National Institutes of Health
Financial Assistance
- Fee Assistance Programs
  - Fee Assistance Programs are no longer available for OAT
- Scholarships
- Student Financial Affairs
  - UF Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships | Financial Aid at the University of Florida (ufl.edu)

There are no Specialty Programs at the University of Florida for Optometry at this time.

Academic Advising Center

Academics

Extracurriculars

Application

Additional Resources

Specialty Programs