The Martin-Gatton CAFE offers support and guidance to students throughout the college interested in applying to optometry school. In addition to outlining necessary coursework and guiding students through application processes, advisors also direct students to university programs, such as UK Education Abroad or the Center for Community Outreach, that foster well-rounded optometry school applicants.

"Practicing doctors of optometry experience keen satisfaction in their profession. The fact that many optometrists choose to practice on a part-time basis well into their retirement speaks highly of the rewards of the profession. Adding to optometrists’ satisfaction is the fact that they have a great work/life balance with a great salary. Over the years, optometrists have expanded their services to include more eye-health-related procedures, which assist their patients and have enabled their practices to grow." – Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) Career Guide

Prepare

Students may pursue any major as long as pre-optometry prerequisite coursework is completed. Students are advised to choose a major that is the best fit for their personal interests and strengths. Pre-optometry students should research optometry schools of interest and understand their admissions standards.

Join the pre-med listserv to stay connected with pre-optometry announcements and information sessions. To subscribe, email listserv@lsv.uky.edu and type “SUBSCRIBE PRE-MED-L” in the body of the message.

Students interested in optometry should meet with a pre-optometry advisor at least twice during their freshman and sophomore years and at least three times during their junior and senior years. Pre-professional advisors are available for individual appointments and provide information about internships and job shadowing opportunities, review personal statements and guide students through the application process.

All optometry schools and colleges require applicants to take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). The pre-optometry courses in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics should be taken prior to taking the OAT.

Each institution publishes its own school catalog that specifies its own requirements and procedures. It is essential that students obtain a catalog from the school(s) or college(s) in which they are interested. The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) website is an excellent resource for students considering optometry.

Pre-Optometry Coursework

The following is a general outline of optometry school requirements (not including UK Core or major requirements):

  • General Biology or Zoology (1 semester-1 year) BIO 148, 152, 155
  • Microbiology (1 semester) BIO 208 or BIO 308 and/or 209
  • General Chemistry (1 year) CHE 105, 111, 107, 113
  • General Physics (1 year) PHY 211, 213
  • English (1 year)
  • Calculus (1 semester-1 year) MA 123, 113, 132 or 137
  • Statistics (1 semester) STA 296
  • Psychology (1 semester-1 year) PSY 100

The following courses are also recommended or required for some optometry schools:

  • Physiology (1 semester-1 year) PGY 206, PGY 421G or BIO 350
  • Anatomy (1 semester) ANA 209
  • Biochemistry (1 semester) BIO 401G

Some optometry schools have additional requirements beyond the courses listed above. Reference ASCO for application information and deadlines.

Pre-Professional Advisor

Christopher Crutchfield
christopher.crutchfield@uky.edu
859-323-7680
N24C Agricultural Science Center

Get Involved

Other Resources

Come See for Yourself

To learn more about this program, campus life, and chat with an advisor, schedule a campus visit. Virtual visits may be necessary in some cases. 

Visit Us

Ready to turn your passion into a career?

Explore endless opportunities at the University of Kentucky and take the first step toward your future.

Visit Campus 

More Information