Pre-Optometry

Optometry programs require that applicants complete a specific set of prerequisite courses prior to enrollment. PSU does not offer an optometry program. Some optometry programs may not require the applicant to earn a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculating, however, most students accepted by a school or college of optometry have completed an undergraduate degree. Regardless, it is strongly recommended that students complete a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculating to optometry school. 

Portland State offers a strong pre-optometry program whereby students complete their prerequisite coursework, earn a baccalaureate degree, and obtain assistance with the optometry school preparation, selection, and application process. Pacific University’s College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon, is the local program whereby students can apply for admission to complete the professional phase. For a listing of all optometry schools, please visit the web site for the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) at www.opted.org. 

Portland State University Pre-Optometry Course List 

Based on courses required by Pacific University College of Optometry, PSU recommends the courses listed below as a solid foundation for pre-optometry students.

Successful completion of this course list does not guarantee acceptance into an Optometry program.  Admission is limited and competitive. In addition to completing the courses listed below, most pre-optometry students will also complete the requirements for a major as well as other graduation requirements. Most optometry schools require a “C” or higher in all prerequisite courses.

Additional Information:

Pacific University Admissions Requirements:

• Observation Hours: Applicants are required to have a minimum of 10 hours of paid or unpaid observation with an optometrist prior to application. Pacific University encourages the observation be completed within a variety of optometry settings. You will document this in the universal and supplemental application, although no signature from an OD is required. 
• Bachelor's Degree: Student must have a bachelor's degree at time of entrance in professional program or complete bachelor degree requirements for PSU or Pacific University by end of the second year of the professional program. Please contact the advisor for more information on the Bachelor’s Degree Option through Pacific University.
• Transcript Evaluation - The best way to ensure that Pacific will accept your courses is to complete a prerequisite worksheet and submit it to Pacific, along with a copy of your transcripts and course descriptions. This unofficial prerequisite evaluation is to help you determine which required coursework you have completed and which coursework you still need to meet Pacific prerequisite requirements. 
• Application Deadline: Mid February (Both OptomCAS and Supplemental received). It takes 4 weeks for schools to receive the application from OptomCAS. Submit your OptomCAS application by January 15 to ensure you meet the application deadline. 
• Supplemental Application: Pacific University College of Optometry requires a supplemental application in addition to the primary OptomCAS application. 
• Optometry Admission Test (OAT): Must be taken by February 1, to be considered. 
• Admissions Timeline: Interviews take place September-April with admission decisions in September - May before the program begins in Late August.
• Pacific University College of Optometry Admissions Contact Information: Phone: (503)-352-2900 or 1-800-933-9308. Web: http://www.pacificu.edu/optometry. Andrea Lybarger: Assistant Director of Graduate and Professional andrealybarger@pacificu.edu 

Resources:

Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO): ASCO is a non-profit education association representing the interests of optometric education. ASCO's membership includes the schools and colleges of optometry in the United States and Puerto Rico. A number of foreign optometry schools are affiliate members. ASCO is committed to achieving excellence in optometric education and to helping its member schools prepare well-qualified graduates for entrance into the profession of optometry. Learn more about ASCO and the optometry profession by visiting www.opted.org 

The Optometry Admissions Test (OAT): The Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) is required. The OAT is a standardized examination designed to measure general academic ability & comprehension of scientific information. The OAT exam is computerized. The OAT consists of four tests: Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics and Quantitative Reasoning. See www.opted.org for details and registration information. Must be taken by February.

Central Application Service (OptomCAS) and Application: Students typically apply to optometry school about a year before they expect to matriculate to optometry school (e.g. in the summer/fall before their last academic year in college). The Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS) serves as the primary application for all 20 optometry programs and launches the application cycle each year around early July.  In supplemental applications, some optometry schools request additional information from students, such as a response to essay questions, additional GPA calculations, etc. You will need to check directly with each program you plan to apply to for more information on their supplemental requirements.  

One of the letters of recommendation submitted to OptomCAS must be from a professor who has taught you in college (science preferred, not required) and one of the letters of recommendation submitted to OptomCAS must be from an optometrist. 

Additional resource for pre-optometry students: www.optometrystudents.com