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Prepare for a career in optometry

We'll help you choose courses and experiences that optometry schools look for.

Pre-Optometry Path

Students of several different majors have applied to become an optometrist in the past and we help to make sure that you are prepared to apply to optometry school.

Academics

If you are a biomedical sciences major you will be all set for applying to these schools. If not, here are typical classes needed as prerequisites for optometry programs:

  • General Biology (BIO101, 4 credits with lab)
  • General Chemistry I & II (CHE111 & CHE112, 8 credits with lab)
  • Organic Chemistry I & II (CHE241 & CHE 242, 8 credits with lab)
  • Physics for Life Sciences I (PHY103 & PHY104, 8 credits with lab)
  • Statistics (MAT161, 3 credits) or Biostatistics (BIO333, 3 credits)
  • Calculus I (MAT221, 3 credits)
  • General Psychology (PSY101, 3 credits)

Also, you will need a good score on the Optometry Admission Test (OAT)

The Honors Program at SUNY Plattsburgh is important way to show academic excellence.

Healthcare Experience

Schools will often expect you to have experience shadowing or working with an optometrist. We can offer you and excellent opportunity to get these hours through our affiliation with Eye Care for the Adirondacks, a rehabilitation facility.

Applying to Optometry School

Application to optometry schools is through the OptomCAS system. Most program deadlines are in the fall for the following year. The OptomCAS system will process your application and then submit it to the schools you select. Submit your OptomCAS application and arrange for materials to arrive at OptomCAS by the program’s deadline. Many schools have rolling admissions, which means they accept qualified candidates as their applications become complete, including OAT scores.

Recent Graduates

Malika Saleem, Class of ’23

  • B.S. in Biomedical Sciences at SUNY Plattsburgh
  • University of California, Berkley

Sam Robinson, Class of ‘21

  • B.S. in Biomedical Sciences at SUNY Plattsburgh
  • Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University

Patrick Boyea, Class of ’19

  • B.S. in Biomedical Sciences at SUNY Plattsburgh
  • Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University
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