Pre-Optometry

You can help care for people’s eyes and make sure they see properly.

REQUEST INFORMATION CONTACT A PROFESSOR IN THE PROGRAM

WHY STUDY PRE-OPTOMETRY?

U.S. News & World Report ranked optometrists 49th on the list of 100 Best Jobs in 2019.

If you want to be an optometrist, you’ll need to take many prerequisite courses that optometry schools require. We will work closely with you to make sure you have taken the appropriate courses. We also provide many opportunities for you to complete the other highly recommended activities that the optometry schools are looking for, such as undergraduate research and optometrist shadowing.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

You’ll get a solid foundation in the biological sciences, physical sciences, and behavioral sciences, so you will do well on the OAT exam that many optometry schools require.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A DEGREE IN ?

The undergraduate research and optometrist shadowing experiences will help you become a strong candidate in today’s competitive optometry school application process.

Eye care clinics
Biomedical research labs
Optometry schools

Featured Courses in This Program

VIEW REQUIREMENTS

BIOL 1310

Animal Physiology

This course provides an introduction to animal structure and function. Basic mechanisms of physiology related to major systems will be covered, including neurobiology, endocrinology, movement, circulation, gas exchange, digestion, and ionic and osmotic balance. The course will use a comparative approach that emphasizes how physiological differences among species have evolved based upon the need for the animal to adapt to the environment. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites BIOL 0101 and 0102.
BIOL 1306

Neurobiology

The biology of nervous systems will be studied at various levels, including the cellular and molecular biology of neurons, sensory systems, motor control, and higher cortical functions in humans. All topics are viewed across phyla and from an evolutionary perspective. The course will emphasize scientific reading and oral communication of scientific material. Three hours of lecture and four hours of lab per week.
BIOL 1401

Developmental Biology

The development of animals and plants will be studied. The course will examine both the embryological changes occurring during development, as well as the genetic, cellular, and molecular mechanisms that drive these changes. The development of the major model organisms will be emphasized, as well as a discussion of techniques used in modern developmental biology labs. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 0203.
PSY 0101

Introduction To Psychology

An introduction to psychology and the major subfields of psychology. Topics include: experimental psychology; research methodology and statistics; learning; memory; brain and behavior; perception; human development; assessment techniques; personality theories; social psychology; psychological disorders and treatment.

UNIQUE PROGRAM FEATURES

Distinction one:

Highly qualified students can participate in the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University’s 3+4 Doctor of Optometry program.

Distinction two:

You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with our Center for Rural Health Practice.

Distinction three:

You’ll get the chance to shadow local optometrists.