Pre-Professional Program - Pre-Optometry

A pre-optometry program of study may be developed that prepares student for admission into professional programs at universities granting a doctorate degree in Optometry (OD). Central Washington University does not offer a degree program in optometry but does offer all prerequisite courses necessary for admission to optometry programs at other universities.

Optometrists are primarily involved in testing eyesight for the purpose of prescribing corrective lenses. Students interested in optometry usually obtain a four-year degree prior to entering optometry school. Alternatively, students may take a three-year pre-optometry program at Central and then transfer to the optometry school of their choice where they will complete a two- or three-year program. The 19 schools in the U.S. and Canada offering professional optometry degree programs vary in their entrance requirements. Therefore, students interested in pre-optometry should determine the specific requirements of the optometry school to which they wish to transfer. Most schools require some experience (observation) with optometry prior to application. Social science, humanities, and writing courses are usually required in addition to the science courses listed below. The OAT (Optometric Aptitude Test) scores are required to apply to most schools.