Optometry
Optometry is a health care profession concerned with examining, diagnosing, and treating the eyes and related structures, in addition to determining and correcting patients’ vision problems using lenses and other optical aids.
Optometry Prerequisites and Optometry Admission Test (OAT)
While students planning to pursue admission to Optometry programs can expect to complete many science courses, it is very important to research the requirements of every school you plan to apply to, as required coursework for admission can vary from program to program.
The courses listed below are frequently required prerequisites, but your research into a particular school is essential to confirm their requirements.
Please note that General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, BIology, and Physics are all subjects found on the Optometry Admission Test (OAT).
Your long term academic planning should be discussed with a pre-health advisor who can assist you in individualizing the schedule for your given area of study.
You should review the course description in the undergraduate catalog (catalog.utk.edu) of any course you are considering to determine what prerequisites, if any, exist for the course. Freshmen should be particularly aware that Chemistry 122 has a prerequisite of Math 119 (College Algebra) or an ACT Math score of 25. An academic advisor can help you select the math course or sequence that best fits your academic plans.
For Most Optometry Programs
The following classes are required for admission for many Optometry programs; however, the courses required for admission will likely vary depending on the school, and should be researched accordingly.
Please note that many Optometry programs require a grade of C or better in each pre-requisite course.
* These courses are required by the Southern College of Optometry in Tennessee