Pre-Optometry

Optometry includes examination, diagnosis and treatment of the eyes and surrounding structures, and the treatment of vision problems. Learn more about the classes and the national exam you need to prepare for an optometry school or college. Also learn information about optometry schools and general information about optometry.

What is the national standardized test?

The Optometry Admission Test, OAT, is required by most Optometry Schools. The best way to prepare for the OAT is to do well academically in the pre-requisite courses before studying for the OAT. The OAT comprises a survey of the natural sciences (Biology, Gen Chem, Organic Chem), Reading Comprehension, Physics, Quantitative Reasoning. To be more familiar with the OAT exam, please read and understand the OAT Guide, published each year, on the OAT URL. 

What is the Clinical Competency expectation?

• Optometry schools expect you to be familiar with the optometry profession.
  • Don’t confuse optometry with ophthalmology. 
    • An optometrist conducts routine vision tests and treats common eye conditions. 
    • An ophthalmologist is an MD or DO and focuses on medical and surgical eye care.
• You are expected to join the Pre-Optometry Club. See the HP General Information Google Classroom, Topic 2, Item 4 for more information.
• Seek paid or unpaid work in an optometry office or clinic.
  • Remember to document your hours!
• Students should have a significant number of optometry experience hours, but there is no specific number of hours or unified rubric.

What else should I know?

You must learn and incorporate the Association of American Medical Colleges Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students in your prerequisite courses and extracurricular activities. Please value the professional skills and have demonstrated experiences in them to showcase in your application. 

More information, such as what you should major in or how to handle repeats or withdrawals at UM-Dearborn, can be found in our FAQ section.