Pre-Optometry Program

Pre-professional track

Nothing compares to looking up and seeing the stars for the first time in years or rediscovering the joy of reading with a good pair of progressive glasses. Optometrists make all that and more possible for their patients as they examine and treat the eyes and other parts of the visual system.

Hamline’s pre-optometry advising program prepares you to be a competitive applicant for optometry school. Our students apply to optometry programs with confidence as they develop high-level skills in the natural and social sciences thanks to Hamline's in-depth coursework. Combined with research and internship experiences to enhance teamwork and communication tools, you'll stand out from the crowd as a Hamline graduate.

People become more susceptible to vision-impairing conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration as they age, requiring vision care. The number of Americans ages 65 and older will more than double over the next 40 years, reaching 80 million in 2040. The projected growth of the aging population of the United States will increase demand for optometrists and eye care professionals. On average, 1,700 optometrist job openings are expected each year over the next decade.

Hamline optometry alum Vassiliki Prattas '16 smiling

The mentorship I received from Hamline faculty and staff allowed me to grow into the health professional I am today. I left Hamline confident in my knowledge and problem-solving abilities, as well as the interpersonal skills I polished in my time there.

Vassiliki Prattas '16, biochemistry; instructor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Prerequisite coursework

There are no specific majors that make students more competitive when applying to optometry school or other healthcare professional programs, though many students choose a natural sciences degree due to the overlap between the coursework and postgraduate admission requirements. Students who combine the required premedical coursework with a major outside the natural sciences (e.g., philosophy, religion, or psychology) have been equally successful in gaining admission into medical school.

Prerequisite coursework varies by program. We advise that students determine the specific application requirements for the schools that they are interested in. Here is a list of school-specific prerequisites for programs that are members of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry.

Applying to optometry school

Optometrists must complete a doctor of optometry (OD) degree program and obtain a license to practice in a particular state. OD programs take four years to complete, and most students have a bachelor’s degree before entering such a program. Most optometry schools want applicants to have clinical shadowing and/or volunteer experience. Clinical experience weighs heavily in admissions decisions. Applicants are also required to take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) and provide letters of recommendations and a personal essay.

Application timeline

Always check the OptomCAS for specific application deadlines. Prospective students should refer to the following timeline when preparing for and navigating the optometry school application process.

Before applying

  • Prepare for the OAT (Optometry Admission Test). Register and choose from several dates, but it is recommended you take it no later than each school’s OptomCAS deadline.
  • Consult OptomCAS for each school’s prerequisites.
  • Order and collect official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities that you have attended
  • Ask for recommendation letters and open an interfolio account to store them.

June – August of the application cycle

  • Take the OAT or wait for the release of your score from an earlier test.
  • Confirm deadline dates for OptomCAS and optometry schools.
  • OptomCAS application is available at the end of June. Have letters of recommendation sent to OptomCAS. Verification of primary application by OptomCAS.

August – December

  • August—OptomCAS begins releasing applications to schools.
  • Prepare and practice for interviews. Use Big Interview as a resource for interview preparation.

December – April

  • Continue to submit applications in accordance with individual institutional deadlines.
  • Ensure all school-specific supplemental applications are finished by their respective cutoff dates.
  • Be prepared for the start of the interview cycle.
  • Await admission notifications as programs finalize their decisions and contact candidates.

OptomCAS

Though OptomCAS is the primary application system for numerous optometry programs, submission deadlines vary significantly across institutions. It is essential to identify the specific dates and prerequisites for every program to which you intend to apply. For the most current information regarding member institutions, consult the participating schools list on OptomCAS. While their quick checklist is a helpful starting point for your application, you must still carefully examine the full set of instructions.

Additional information

Contact information