Research optometry schools
So, you’re interested in optometry! The first step is learning about the education necessary to become a doctor of optometry. There are 25 accredited optometry schools in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Take the time to do some research to help you decide which schools you want to apply to.
A helpful resource is theaosa.org/schools. This AOSA resource provides a map of all the optometry schools and the link to each school’s official website. It also provides the contact information for the AOSA Trustee of that institution so you can reach out with any questions.
Important information to find for each school: location, board passing rates, tuition cost, pre-requisites, recommended GPA and recommended OAT score.
Join the pre-optometry club at your undergraduate institution
Joining a pre-optometry club at your undergraduate institution is a great way to meet other pre-optometry students and receive information about applying, optometry schools and the profession in general. Also, involvement in these clubs looks good on a resume. You also can join the AOSA as a pre-optometry student.
Make connections
It is helpful to make connections with optometrists during this time. They can be mentors for you, let you shadow them or even help you get a job at their practice. You also need a letter of recommendation from an optometrist while applying to optometry school, so it is a game changer to have an optometrist who knows you well and is willing to help you on your path to becoming an optometrist.
Also, don’t underestimate the value of becoming friends with your fellow pre-optometry students. They know what you are going through more than anybody else and can provide advice, friendship and help along the way.
Prepare for the OAT
Every prospective student must take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). The first step in preparing is knowing the format of the test and the topics that are covered. The test has four parts: natural sciences (100 questions in 90 minutes), physics (40 questions in 50 minutes), reading comprehension (50 questions in 60 minutes) and quantitative reasoning (40 questions in 45 minutes). There is an optional 30-minute break in the middle. The test takes a total of five hours and five minutes. Scores range from 200-400. You will receive your score immediately after the test. ADA.org has more information and the official OAT Guide.
I highly recommend taking practice tests on the computer to get used to the format of the test and the timing. The test is a marathon, so make sure you practice sitting for the whole time and timing yourself to make sure you know the pace you should go through the questions. Talking to students who already took the test or going to studentdoctor.net can help you figure out what method of studying is best for you.
Take the OAT
It is recommended to take the OAT the summer before your final year of undergraduate studies. It is best to have most of your optometry school pre-requisites completed by this time because the test contains a lot of that information. You can take the OAT an unlimited number of times but be aware that there is a 90-day waiting time between attempts.
To apply to take the OAT, first go to ADA.org/OAT/PIN to get the personal identification number that is needed to apply to take the test. Then you can log in on the ADA website and apply for the test. The cost of the test as of 2021 is $500. After your application and fee are processed, you will be instructed to contact Prometric to choose the date and location of your test. All testing takes place at Prometric Centers in both the U.S. and Canada. Prometric.com also is a great source for more information on what to expect the day of the test.
Fill out an application on OptomCAS
Once your OAT is completed, you can start applying to optometry schools! This is done though the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS.org). This allows you to fill out one application that is sent to multiple schools of your choice. The application opens late June and closes late May of the next year. It is best to apply the same summer you take the OAT. Use the OptomCAS Transcript Form to get your official transcripts to OptomCAS before the application deadline. It also is helpful to have a personal copy of your transcript to help you fill out the coursework section of the application. This also is when the people who are writing letters of recommendation for you will be receiving an email from OptomCAS so they can fill out their section of the application. Exact instructions can be found at optomcas.org.
Interview
Once schools have received your application, you will start to be contacted by schools to schedule an interview. This process varies with every school, so visit their websites for specific information. Just be yourself and show your interviewers the passion you have for optometry. If you got this far the interviewers already know that you are an intelligent and motivated student. This interview is the time to show them you are a future optometrist, and that you have the social skills to serve patients.
Get accepted and start optometry school
Being a pre-optometry student is a lot of work, but many students have come before you and are now working or studying for their dream job. These optometrists and optometry students can give you advice and help if you reach out to them. Also remember that the American Optometric Student Association has your back and wants to help you reach your optometric goals. This past year we have even started the AOA/AOSA Opportunities in Optometry Grant Program for underrepresented minority students who are interested in optometry. The purpose is to help cover some of the costs of the OAT, school applications and professional attire and travel costs for interviews. For more information, go to theaosa.org/scholarships.
