A pre-optometry student holds one hand with her pointer finger up in front of a male patient sitting on a bed. A pre-optometry student holds one hand with her pointer finger up in front of a male patient sitting on a bed. A pre-optometry student holds an instrument used to look at the eye up to a male patient.

Pre-Optometry Pathway

Pre-optometry at CMU

Optometry is a healthcare profession that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye diseases and disorders. Optometrists provide a wide range of eye care services, including prescribing glasses and contact lenses, detecting eye diseases, and performing eye surgery.

Our pre-optometry pathway is designed to prepare you for a successful career in optometry. We offer a rigorous curriculum that will challenge you academically, but we also offer a supportive environment where you can grow and learn.

Program Snapshot

Program Type: Full-Time
Location: On Campus
Program Length: 4 years

Studying pre-optometry

The core coursework for the pre-optometry pathway includes biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, and mathematics. You will also have the opportunity to take elective courses in subjects such as optics, vision science, and ophthalmic pharmacology.

In addition to your coursework, you will also participate in extracurricular activities that will help you develop your skills and knowledge in optometry. These activities may include shadowing optometrists, volunteering at eye clinics or hospitals, or participating in research projects.

Suggested undergraduate majors include:

Our pre-optometry advisor is available to help you every step of the way. They will help you create a personalized plan of study, prepare for the OAT, and apply to optometry school.

We also offer a variety of support services for pre-optometry students, such as tutoring, study groups, and mock interviews.

Courses What Will Transfer DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Pre-optometry pathway highlights

As a pre-optometry student, you'll:

  • Have the opportunity to live among your peers in a living learning community right on campus.
  • Join registered student organizations dedicated to giving you professional and personal experiences to make you a competitive applicant to medical school.
  • Have access to a pre-professional pathways newsletter that reports on the latest trends and strategies for applications.

Optometry careers

Optometrists perform eye exams to check for vision problems and diseases. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed. Careers within optometry are diverse and provide many opportunities for challenging and rewarding service. Most optometrists are general practitioners, handling a variety of vision needs.

Career Projected Salary
Optometrist
$125,590
Ophthalmologist $219,810
A pre-optometry student holds a tool used to look at eyes up to a male patient sitting on a bed.

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