Optometrist: What are your plans after school?

Patient: I'm not sure.

Optometrist: If you have an interest in helping people and enjoy math and science, I'd like you to consider optometry as a career - we have a need for high caliber young people in our profession.

Patient: What makes optometry such a smart career choice?

Optometrist: Optometry is a profession where you can provide a valuable service to the public - improving people's vision. A challenging career provides satisfaction in knowing you are making a difference in people's lives as well as providing opportunities for continuing professional development.

Patient: What other perks do optometrists have?

Optometrist: As valued and respected members of a patient's healthcare team, optometrists enjoy a comfortable livelihood, respect in their communities, many different practice opportunities, flexible working schedules and comfortable work surroundings.

Patient: Is the profession of optometry growing?

Optometrist: Yes, Optometry is growing and constantly changing as a result of continual improvements in technology and treatments as well as increasing demands for services based upon an aging population, increasing visual demands in the work environment (computers) and increasing healthcare standards.

Patient: What type of education is required to become an O.D.?

Optometrist: Doctors of Optometry (O.D.'s) complete a challenging four-year accredited degree program at one of the schools or colleges of optometry. Most accepted students have previously completed an undergraduate degree. Additionally, each institution has its own undergraduate prerequisites, so applicants should contact the school or college of their choice for specific requirements.

Patient: What undergraduate courses should I take?

Optometrist: Select a major that you enjoy and that will allow you to demonstrate success academically. Most students major in the sciences, but this is not required. Required courses include one year each in general biology general chemistry and general physics. Additional coursework in mathematics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, statistics and psychology may also be required. The science courses should be pre-professional level courses designed for science majors or health professional students and should offer laboratory experience. Brief survey courses in the sciences will not adequately prepare you for optometry school. Be sure to consult with the pre-optometry advisor at your school or an advisor at the school or college of optometry that you plan to attend.

Patient: How do I apply for admission to optometry school?

Optometrist: Since each optometry school may have slightly different admissions criteria, you should contact each school and/or college to which you are interested in applying. Most optometry schools and colleges require applicants to complete an application; write a personal essay; submit transcripts from colleges attended; take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) and submit scores; provide letters of recommendation; participate in a personal interview; and demonstrate experience in or exposure to the field of optometry.

Patient: When should I apply to optometry school?

Optometrist: You should begin the application process approximately one year before you plan to start school. Early applications are desirable, and deadlines range from December 31 to March 31 for the various schools and colleges of optometry. Contact the school or college of your choice to obtain application instructions and forms.

Patient: What is the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)?

Optometrist: The OAT is designed to allow a candidate to demonstrate knowledge and problem solving abilities in biology, general chemistry, general physics and organic chemistry. Additional sections evaluate quantitative reasoning (problem solving) and reading comprehension.

Patient: When should I take the OAT?

Optometrist: Most students elect to complete two or more years of college and most science prerequisite courses prior to taking the exam.

Patient: When is the OAT examination administered?

Optometrist: The OAT exam is administered twice a year throughout the United States and Canada. The deadline for applications is approximately six weeks prior to the exam. Following is a chart of dates for the examination:

2004-2005
Optometry Admission Test (OAT)
Dates and Application Deadlines

2004

Test Date: October 16, 2004
Regular Application Deadline: (1,2) September 7, 2004
Final Late Application Deadline: (3) September 20, 2004

2005

Test Date: February 5, 2005
Regular Application Deadline: (1,2) December 28, 2004
Final Late Application Deadline: (3) January 10, 2005

Test Date: October 15, 2005
Regular Application Deadline: (1,2) September 6, 2005
Final Late Application Deadline: (3) September 19, 2005

1) Applications postmarked after this date must include the additional $25 late application fee.

2) All requests for Special Testing Centers and other special testing arrangements should be submitted by this date. Requests received after this date will be honored only if staff, space and time constraints allow.

3) Applications received after this date will not be accepted.

Also, one can request a free OAT information booklet and a test application form by contacting the Optometric Admission Testing Program, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 1846, Chicago, IL 60611-2678, (312) 440-2693.

Patient: What type of selection procedures do the schools use to evaluate applicants?

Optometrist: Schools and colleges of optometry admit students who have demonstrated strong academic commitment and who exhibit the potential to excel in deductive reasoning, problem solving, interpersonal communication, and empathy. Potential optometry students are evaluated on the basis of grade point average, performance on the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), extracurricular and community activities, a personal interview and professional potential.

Each institution has its own criteria; therefore, you should contact the school or college of your choice to obtain a copy of its catalog and specific application guidelines.

Patient: How much will optometry school cost?

Optometrist: The cost of your education will depend upon where you choose to attend school. Annual tuition and fees at public schools and colleges of optometry average approximately $11,000 per year for residents; private college tuition and fees average approximately $20,000 per year.

Many of the schools and colleges of optometry have financial arrangements or contract programs that allow students from various states to attend their institution at the resident rate. Contact the admissions officer at the school or college of your choice for specific tuition and fee information.

Patient: What if I need financial assistance to fund my education?

Optometrist: Financial aid, primarily in the form of government-subsidized, low interest loans, is available to students attending schools and colleges of optometry. Other loans, grants and work-study aid are available, and vary from one institution to another. For details, contact the financial aid officer at the school or college of your choice.

I suggest that you visit this website - www.opted.org -- to learn more and you can also link to every school or college of optometry in the United States and Puerto Rico. After you check out this site, come back to see me and we will talk more about a rewarding career in optometry.