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| Optometry is a health care profession concerned with the care and maintenance of human vision. A Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) or Optometrist is trained and licensed to examine, diagnose, and treat conditions of the vision system. Responsibilities and services include the examination of the eyes and related structures to detect eye diseases, vision problems, or therapy to provide improved vision. In the course of a routine eye examination, an optometrist may detect other bodily ills (diabetes, hypertension), which may manifest themselves in the eye and surrounding tissues. An Optometrist is not licensed to perform surgery; in instances requiring such service, a referral is made to other health care professionals. Optometrists are authorized to use diagnostic and therapeutic pharmaceutical agents in the treatment of eye disease in all 50 states. |
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Career Opportunities
There is a need for Optometrists throughout the U.S. Increased demands for vision care result from population growth, an increasing aging population, more emphasis on prevention and health care, increasing numbers of third party vision care programs and other factors crucial to modern society. The public is also showing a greater awareness of how good vision relates to driving, industrial production, student achievement and adjustment to aging. Nearly two out of every five Optometrists in practice today are over the age of 50. To meet the urgent need of training future practitioners, new schools of optometry have opened. The profession of optometry is growing and opportunities for future Optometrists are projected as excellent. |
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General Information
A free guide for persons interested in optometry may be obtained by writing to the following address and requesting the current version of “Admissions to Schools and Colleges of Optometry.”
American Optometric Association
243 North Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, Missouri 63141 |
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Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)
The OAT is a standardized exam that is required for admission at all optometry schools. The OAT is a computer based test that may be taken year round. Computer based testing of the OAT is administered at Thomson Prometric Centers. Examinees may schedule the date, times, and place of their choosing and scores are received at the testing center immediately upon completion of the exam. The exam may be taken an unlimited number of times, however a waiting period of 90 days is required between each test date. The OAT is designed to measure general academic ability and scientific knowledge. The entire test requires one half day for administration. The examinations included are: Survey of Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry); Reading Comprehension (Organic Chemistry and Basic Sciences); Quantitative ability (Math); Physics (standard topics covered in a first year physics course). The test must take be taken no later than the fall of the year preceding the intended date of enrollment in a school of optometry. However it is recommended that students take the OAT during the spring of their junior year. Scores range from 200-400 with the national average score for acceptance being approximately 330.
You may obtain further information and register for the OAT online at https://www.ada.org/oat/index.html This site also provides an online examinees guide with further information regarding the computer based testing program.
The Optometry Admission Testing Program can be contacted by mail or telephone at:
Optometry Admission Testing Program
Address: 211 East Chicago Avenue, 6th Floor
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
Phone: (800) 232-2159
A profile of admitted students, required coursework and application fees and deadline at the schools of optometry in the United States, can be viewed at http://www.opted.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3344 |
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