Pre-Optometry

Optometrists do more than perform routine eye exams. They are on the frontline, providing eye and vision care, prescribing medications, vision therapy and surgical procedures. They diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries and other disorders of the eyes. Optometrists help individuals worldwide to have clear vision and maintain good eye health.

Students interested in attending optometry school should contact the Alvernia Pre-Professional Program Advisors as soon as possible upon enrollment at Alvernia. It is the responsibility of the student to research optometry schools in which they are interested. Optometry schools will have their own admission requirements, and students should take courses needed for those specific programs. The Alvernia Pre-Professional Program Advisors guide pre-optometry students to choose the best major and courses, so they have the best chance for acceptance to optometry schools.

In This Section

Pre-Professional Programs

Getting Started

Where You Can Get A Degree

The pre-optometry program is available at the following Alvernia University campus:

Reading

Preparing for Optometry School

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.

Program Overview

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 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage in 2021 was $124,300.

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

Pre-Health Professions Club

The Pre-Health Professions Club provides a setting in which students working toward careers in health professions can share information, learn more about health professions, and develop friendships with students with similar interests. Past club activities include autopsy observations, health fairs, free health screening services and visits to local healthcare organizations.