Optometrists play an essential role in promoting health and quality of life by preserving vision, detecting eye disease, and supporting overall wellness. The Pre-Professional Pre-Optometry program at Alvernia University prepares students for admission to schools and colleges of optometry through individualized advising, a strong foundation in the sciences, and opportunities for experiential learning. With guidance on prerequisite coursework and professional preparation, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career dedicated to protecting sight and enhancing the well-being of their patients.


Most students who are planning to attend optometry school choose to major in the sciences (most often biology or biochemistry), since these majors allow them to meet the necessary prerequisite courses. It is possible to choose other majors, if desired, but additional coursework will be needed to meet the prerequisites.


Students are encouraged to join the Pre-Health Professions Club, which offers opportunities to connect with peers who share similar interests, explore different health professions, engage in community service, and build leadership skills.

In This Section
Pre-Professional Programs

Getting Started

Application Instructions


Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the Alvernia web portal or The Common Application. To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.
 

Financing Your Education


There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.
 

Male student at laptop
Learn More
For more information about the pre-optometry program, contact the Admissions Office (1-888-ALVERNIA or admissions@alvernia.edu) or reach out directly to:

Ondra Kielbasa, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology
610-230-5701 | Ondra.kielbasa@alvernia.edu

 


Graduate School Application Details

Graduate School Admission Requirements


Specific admission requirements vary per optometry school. You should consult with schools of interest to determine their specific admission requirements. However, most optometry schools require the following coursework for admission.


Suggested Academic Preparation

  • Bachelor's degree: A bachelor's degree plus prerequisite courses in the sciences are the required for most medical schools.
  • Competitive academic record: Heavy course loads (17-18 credit hours by junior year), multiple science courses with labs in the same semester, and high grades in all courses, especially the sciences, are recommended.


Entrance Examination

  • Most optometry schools require the computer-based Optometry Admission Test (OAT), offered year-round at Prometric sites. Some schools also accept the MCAT as an alternative.

 

Centralized Application Service - OPTOMCAS


Applications typically open in August or September of the year before enrollment, with deadlines varying—some as early as December. Check your school of interest and the OptomCAS website for specific deadlines.
 

Resources 

 

Pennsylvania Professional Schools

Curriculum

Most optometry schools require the following coursework for admission to a graduate program:


Chemistry: 2 Semesters

  • General Chemistry I
  • General Chemistry II


Organic Chemistry: 2 Semesters

  • Organic Chemistry I
  • Organic Chemistry II


Math: 2 Semesters

  • Calculus I
  • Calculus II


Biology: 2 Semesters

  • Principals of Biology I
  • Principals of Biology II
  • Microbiology


Physics: 2 Semesters

  • Physics I
  • Physics II


English: 2 Semesters


Psychology: 1 Semester


Some optometry schools require the following coursework for admission to a graduate program:


Anatomy and Physiology: 2 Semesters

  • A & P I
  • A & P II


Upper-Level Sciences

  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology
  • Microbiology
     
Career Outlook


Optometrists enjoy an independent career lifestyle and have skills they can use anywhere in the world. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of optometrists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage in 2024 was $134,830.
 

Experiential Learning


With hundreds of community connections in Greater Reading and beyond, pre-professional students can complete internships in a variety of healthcare settings. Recently, pre-professional students have complete internships with:

  • Tower Health
  • Carim Eye and Retina Center
  • Berkleigh Eye Care
  • St. Joseph Medical Center
  • Penn State College of Medicine Hershey
  • Eye Consultants of PA


Note: The observational hours/shadowing requirement varies from school to school. Refer to individual program admission requirements for details.
 

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