ID
Will Taylor biology faculty

Pre-Optometry

If you're interested in becoming an optometrist, UW-Eau Claire's pre-optometry curriculum provides a pathway to graduate school for students interested in a career in optometry. 

Specialized support is available to pre-optometry students through the Health Careers Center.

Available as
Pre-Professional Program
Description

Develop Critical Skills

Good eyesight is an integral part of everyday living, making optometry an important element of professional health care. Optometrists examine the eye for disease and determine vision health. They are also able to write prescriptions and even identify symptoms of serious illness.

Pre-optometry is not a major at UW-Eau Claire, but rather a declaration of your intention to continue your education and become an optometrist. No specific undergraduate major is required for a career in optometry, but certain courses, skills and experiences are favored — especially when applying for graduate school. For example, health professional schools often require a high GPA, a competitive Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) score, letters of recommendation, optometrist shadowing hours, and a completed Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS) application. Science aptitude and strong communication skills are also expected.

Pre-optometry students are supported by exceptional advisors and faculty members, including the Health Careers Center who stays current on pre-optometry requirements and trends in the optometry school application process and will help you understand what it takes to develop a competitive application.

Degree Types

Program Details

Degree Types
Pre-Professional Program, No Degree
Degree Level undergraduate
Available asPre-Professional Program
Campus
Eau Claire
Offered
On Campus
Requires a minor No
Authored on
Hallmarks
Health Careers Center entry
Individualized Attention and Support

Are you planning a future in a health career? UW-Eau Claire is one of only a few schools of its size with a specialized Health Careers Center dedicated to helping you achieve your health career goals. We offer access to targeted programming, high-quality clinical and volunteering opportunities, and personalized academic and pre-professional advising delivered by our caring expert staff.

Pre-professional health club Bob Fest 2023
Relevant Student Organizations

On-campus student organizations — like the Pre-Professional Health Club — connect students like you who are also interested in becoming optometrists. These extracurriculars are an excellent way to learn from guest speakers, engage in volunteer work and tour graduate programs in the region.

Facts List

Just
the
facts

Mayo Clinic Health System A Top UWEC Employer
The renowned health organization was the #1 employer of all Blugold grads in 2022-2023.
Investing in the Health Sciences
UWEC was awarded $340.3 million to build a state-of-the-art Science and Health Sciences Building for students pursuing STEM careers.
10 Pre-Professional Health Paths
These robust programs will provide you with the support and academic planning needed to enter professional degree programs.
Next Generation of Medical Pioneers
Each year, 10 students are selected for the Blugold Biomedical Innovator program, which connects students directly with Mayo Clinic Health System professionals.
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What can I do

Where can the pre-optometry program lead me after graduation?

After earning your undergraduate degree from UWEC, your next step toward becoming an optometrist is earning your doctor of optometry (OD) degree. Most UWEC students attend the Illinois College of Optometry, Midwestern University Chicago College of Optometry, or Southern College of Optometry.

Courses information
SampleCourses

Suggested pre-optometry courses at UWEC are courses that are required by most optometry schools and courses to best prepare you for the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). 

Courses you can expect as a pre-optometry student include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, introductory and advanced biology, physics, psychology, and sociology. Requirements vary by program and students should connect with the Health Careers Center and access pre health advising information early and often. Visit the Health Careers Center for a more detailed guide on pre-optometry  advising.

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