Optometry

1. Optometry

2. The Profession Optometrists are the major providers of primary vision care in the US They examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, eye and associated structures, and diagnose related systemic conditions Treatment includes glasses, contact lenses, vision therapy, aids for low vision, and therapeutic drugs for specific diseases

3. Optometrists also work with ophthalmologists and opticians Often first to detect symptoms of eye disease, such as cataracts and glaucoma and systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, arteriosclerosis

4. Outlook for the Profession Nation�s third largest independent healthcare profession Favorable working conditions, regular hours, minimum of emergency calls As the population ages, optometry services are in increasing demand 90% of Americans >45 years old require vision correction Growing number of senior citizens with age-related eye diseases

5. As our society becomes more mechanized, vision requirements are more exacting Growing number of people engaged in near-point visual tasks Changes in Medicare law in 1987 authorized reimbursement to optometrists

6. General Information Must complete a four-year accredited degree program at a school or college of optometry to practice There are 17 schools of optometry in the US You must have completed 90 semester hours of coursework Admission requirements vary by school

7. Course Requirements 1 year of biology 1 year of General Chemistry 1 semester or 1 year of Organic Chemistry 1 year of Physics 1 year of English 1 year of College Algebra/Trigonometry/Calculus 1 semester or 1 year of Psychology 1 semester of Microbiology 1 year of Anatomy and Physiology (some; but a good series of courses to have)

8. UAB School of Optometry Required courses: 2 semesters of biology with lab 1 semester of microbiology 2 semesters of General Chemistry with lab 1 semester of Organic Chemistry with lab 2 semesters of Physics with lab 1 semester of calculus 1 semester of statistics 2 semesters of English 2 semesters of Psychology 2 semesters of Social and Behavioral Sciences

9. Recommended courses Anatomy Physiology Biochemistry

10. Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry Same requirements as UAB, plus the following Any two of the following: Microbiology Biochemistry Anatomy Physiology Additional preparation: Statistics Computer literacy

11. Southern College of Optometry Nearly the same requirements as UAB, but need only 3 hours of psychology Also suggest you take: Biochemistry Anatomy Physiology Cell biology Business management Computer science

12. Choice of Undergraduate Major Optometry schools emphasize preparation in mathematics and statistics; most require one course in psychology Optometry schools will look at rigor of the program you choose Good rule of thumb: two laboratory courses each semester

13. Factors Evaluated by Admission Committees Eight factors: Academic record Optometry Admission Test (OAT) Letters of evaluation The interview Extracurricular activities and work experience Experience with optometry Research experience Value of work

14. Application Process Begins during summer or early fall, one year before you expect to begin optometry school OAT is going computerized, so you will be able to take this just about any time Choose schools in which you have a reasonable chance of acceptance Consult with me and the Schools and Colleges of Optometry: Admission Requirements (the green book) Most schools have �rolling� admission, so getting your application materials in quickly will help

15. Websites of Interest Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry: www.opted.org Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry: www.nova.edu Southern College of Optometry: www.sco.edu University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry: www.uab.edu/optometry