https://www.wcsu.edu/prehealth/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2025/07/Pre-Optometry_Pathways.pdfThe pre-requisites for optometry schools can vary.  Students should determine the specific requirements for the optometry schools they wish to apply to.  Most optometry schools require the following courses:

• BIO103/BIO104  General Biology I & II
• CHE110/CHE111 General Chemistry I & II
• CHE210/CHE211  Organic Chemistry I & II
• PHY120/PHY121  General Physics I & II(not calculus based) OR
  PHY110/PHY111 General Physics I & II (calculus based, required for some majors)

• MAT115 or MAT120 Biostatistics or Statistics
• MAT 133 Calculus I with Review and/or MAT181 Calculus I.  Two semesters of calculus are required for some schools.
• 1 year of college English or equivalent including writing intensive courses (General Education)
• PSY100 Introduction to Psychology

Other recommended and/or required courses:

• BIO216 General Microbiology
• BIO105/BIO106 Anatomy and Physiology I & II
• CHE421 Biochemistry

Other requirements:

Shadowing an optometrist is expected.

The OAT (optometry admissions test) is required for applicants to optometry school, and includes a survey of general biology, chemistry, and organic chemistry, reading comprehension, physics, and quantitative reasoning. Some schools may require the Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer) test.

Grades:
GPAs of students enrolled in optometry school range from 3.2-3.5. 

Resources:

If you are considering applying to optometry school, please consult this comprehensive guide that contains information about required coursework, entrance exams, experiential preparation, and a timeline for applying: Pre-Optometry Pathways. 

Obtaining a Committee Letter:

Many optometry schools accept a committee letter, and some may even recommend it. A committee letter is crafted by the pre-health committee currently comprised of Dr. Joshua Cordeira (Biology), Dr. Kristin Giamanco (Biology), Dr. Helena Prieto (Chemistry), Dr. Russ Selzer (Chemistry), and Dr. Emily Stevens (Health Promotion and Exercise). To procure a committee letter, you must submit a request form to Dr. Kristin Giamanco by May 1st. You will supply the pre-health evaluation form to each person writing you a letter of recommendation, which must be received by May 15th. In addition, you must send your resume/CV, a copy of your test scores, transcripts, and personal statement. All materials must be sent to Dr. Kristin Giamanco. For the committee to consider writing you a letter, you must meet with your designated pre-health advisor AT LEAST TWICE the year BEFORE you apply. If you do not adhere to this, the committee may decline your request.