Pre-professional advisors offer support and guidance to University of Kentucky students, from all majors, interested in applying to optometry school. In addition to outlining necessary coursework and guiding students through application processes, pre-professional advisors also direct students to University programs, such as UK Education Abroad or UK Service and Community Engagement, that foster well-rounded optometry school applicants.
Students planning to pursue a career path in optometry should meet routinely with their primary academic advisor and pre-professional advisors in the Stuckert Career Center. Students can schedule an appointment with a pre-professional advisor in the Stuckert Career Center through Handshake or by emailing UKCareerCenter@uky.edu.
Each optometry school has different requirements for prerequisite courses.
While the following courses are generally required for most optometry schools, students planning to apply to a school or college of optometry should use this list only as a guide. It is essential that students obtain a catalog from the school(s) or college(s) in which they are interested. The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) is an excellent resource; students considering optometry should become familiar with their website (opted.org).
Remember, some optometry schools have additional requirements beyond the courses listed above. Students should reference opted.org for application information and deadlines.
All optometry schools and colleges require applicants to take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). The OAT is administered throughout the year at various testing sites. Prospective optometry students should take the OAT during the second semester of their junior undergraduate year, or during the summer between junior and senior years.
For OAT information, visit https://www.ada.org/en/oat.
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Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system, including examining eyes and prescribing corrective lenses.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$131,860
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
43,400
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
3,800
new jobs (average)
Most optometrists work in offices or in optical goods stores. Optometrists usually work full time, but part-time work is common. Schedules may vary to include evenings and weekends.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreAt the University of Kentucky (UK), pre-professional paths are interest areas that students complete alongside their UK Core requirements and academic program of study. Successful optometry school applicants come from a variety of majors and backgrounds with diverse interests and talents. While philosophies among the nation’s optometry schools differ, all recognize the importance of a broad education with a strong foundation in the sciences blended with the social sciences and humanities. Students are encouraged to meet with their primary academic advisor and pre-professional advisors in the Stuckert Career Center to explore their options and to ensure required coursework is completed.
Pre-Professional
Stuckert Career Center
859-257-2746
