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Academic Advising Center

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
  • 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
  • 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)

 

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