Optometry School
There are no colleges of optometry in North Carolina. However, the state of North Carolina has contracts with four of the 16 colleges: Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham; Univ. of Houston in Texas; Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia; and Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. The courses required for entry into these schools differ somewhat depending upon the school. All require:
◦ English 101, 102
◦ Math 231
◦ Biol 101, 101L
◦ Chem 101, 101L, 102, 102L,241, 241L, 261
◦ Phys 104, 105
◦ Psyc 101
◦ Stat 151 or Psyc 215
◦ Micro 251 or 255 Additional requirements by school are: (R = Required; X = Recommended)
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Alabama
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Houston
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Pennsylvania
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Southern
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| Biol 276, 276L | X | R | X | X |
| Biol 202 or 205 | X | R | -- | R |
| Biol/Chem 430 | X | R | -- | -- |
| Chem 262, 262L | -- | R | R | R |
| Eng. Lit. | -- | R | -- | -- |
| Math 232 | -- | -- | -- | X |
| Psyc Plus | R | -- | -- | -- |
| Soc. Sci. (2 sem) | R | X | X | X |
College Major: There is no specific major that is required, or that is 'best' to pursue. Optometry schools are looking for well-educated and well-rounded individuals.
The OAT: Most optometry schools require the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT). The usual time to take it is in the spring semester (usually February) of the Junior year. Students should prepare for this test.
Application: Applications are submitted to optometry schools on an individual basis. The time to start is in the summer before your last year in college.
Extracurricular Activities: Extracurriculars are a very important part of the applicant's materials. Some volunteer experience with an optometrist is a must, and a letter of recommendation from an optometrist is usually required.
Useful Optometry Links: