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.

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.
 

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.
 

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:

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

Suggested Academic Preparation

• Bachelor's degree: Many optometry programs require a bachelor's degree; some require the completion of at least 90 semester hours. All programs will require specific prerequisite undergraduate courses be completed prior to admission to optometry school.
• Competitive academic record: Because the academic programs tend to be very rigorous, most schools recommend the completion of a bachelor's degree before entering optometry school and strong GPAs.

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

• OptomCAS
• ASCO Member Schools And Colleges

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 

• American Optometric Association
• Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
• Optometry Centralized Application Service

Pennsylvania Professional Schools

• Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry
   

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.
 

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.