Pre-Optometry

The pre-optometry program at Centre offers classes that you need to get into optometry school. In addition, many of our pre-optometry students do internships with local optometrists.

Doctors of Optometry (O.D.s) complete a challenging four-year degree program at a school or college of optometry. Most accepted students have previously completed an undergraduate degree. Generally, admission requires strong scores on the optometry entrance exam (OAT), taken after your junior year.

Most pre-optometry students major in the sciences, but this is not required. If you have an interest in helping people, and enjoy math and science, consider optometry as a career.

Faculty Advisor

Pre-optometry students should consult with faculty advisor Professor Drew Morris and can reach him by email here. Additional information on Optometry school requirements.

What Courses Should I Take?

Students interested in pursuing a degree in optometry after Centre should expect to take courses in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Anatomy/Physiology, Physics, and other disciplines.

Recommended in Your First Semester

- CHE 131, MAT 130, or BIO 110

Suggested Courses

For a list of general and school-specific prerequisites, view the By State Optometry Prerequisites.

Foundational Courses

- Evolution, Biodiversity, Ecology (BIO 110)
- Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 226)
- Microbiology (BIO 340)
- Introduction to Biochemistry and Cell Biology (BMB 210)
- General Chemistry I (CHE 131)
- Organic Chemistry I (CHE 241)
- Introduction to Statistics (MAT 130)
- Calculus I (MAT 165)
- Introduction to Psychology (PSY 110)
- General Physics I (PHY 210)

Elective Courses

- Histology (BIO 345)
- Immunology (BIO 355)
- Molecular Genetics (BMB 330)
- Topics in Writing (ENG 170)

Useful Links