Optometrists are healthcare professionals who help people see their best. They examine the eyes, diagnose vision problems, and detect certain eye diseases. Depending on a patient’s needs, optometrists may prescribe glasses, contact lenses, medications, or vision therapy. With a focus on both eye health and overall well-being, they play an essential role in preserving and improving sight.
Optometry School Prerequisites
The list below includes general prerequisite courses that many optometry schools require for admission. Keep in mind that specific requirements can vary by school. Some additional courses, while not required, are highly recommended to strengthen your application.
Students are responsible for ensuring their UCSB (and other) courses meet each school's admission requirements.
CHEM 1A (4 units): General Chemistry
CHEM 1B (3 units): General Chemistry
CHEM 1C (3 units): General Chemistry
CHEM 2AL (2.5 units): General Chemistry Lab
CHEM 2BL (2.5 units): General Chemistry Lab
MCDB 1A (4 units): Intro to Biology I
MCDB 1B (3 units): Intro to Biology II--Physiology
MCDB 1LL (1.5 units): Intro to Biology I Lab
EEMB 2 (3 units): Intro to Biology II—Ecology and Evolution
EEMB 3 (3 units): Intro to Biology III
EEMB 2LL (1.5 units): Intro to Biology Lab II
CHEM 109A (4 units): Organic Chemistry
CHEM 109B (4 units): Organic Chemistry
CHEM 109C (4 units): Organic Chemistry
CHEM 6AL (3 units): Organic Chemistry Lab, Prerequisites: Chemistry 109A with a minimum grade of a C-; Chemistry 109B (may be taken concurrently)
CHEM 6BL (3 units): Organic Chemistry Lab, Prerequisites: Chemistry 6AL and 109A with a minimum grade of C-; Chemistry 109B
Note: Whether or not you take the second lab (CHEM 6BL) should be based on the requirements for your major and the admissions requirements at each optometry school you plan to apply. If you are unsure after visiting a program's website, then reach out to their optometry admissions office for clarification.
MCDB 108A (4 units): General Biochemistry
- Prerequisites: MCDB 1A, and EEMB 2 and MCDB 1B; and Chemistry 1A-B-C; and Chemistry 109A-B-C. Completion of all listed prerequisites require a grade of C or better.
- Chem 109C may be taken concurrently.
MCDB 110 (4 units): Principles of Biochemistry
- MCDB and Non-MCDB majors may choose to take MCDB 110
- Prerequisites: Chem 1A-B-C and 109A-B, with grades of C or better.
MCDB 108B (4 units) is highly recommended.
Note: Some optometry schools may one course in Biochemistry, however, some may equate two quarters to one semester. Decide on a second course based on your major requirements and research each school's admissions criteria. If unsure, contact their admissions office for clarification.
MCDB 131/131L, Prerequisites: MDCB 101A and either Chemistry 109A-B-C; or Chemistry 109A-B and MCDB 110
Note: Students also have the option of taking Microbiology at SBCC or another community college, but some programs may prefer prerequisites to be completed at a four-year institution.
PHYSICS 6A (3 units) and PHYSICS 6AL (1 unit): Introductory Physics with Lab
PHYSICS 6B (3 units) and PHYSICS 6BL (1 unit): Introductory Physics with Lab
PHYSICS 6C (3 units) and PHYSICS 6CL (1 unit): Introductory Physics with Lab
Students who complete the PHYSICS 1 series will need to take PHYSICS 1-2-3-4-5 and PHYSICS 3L-4L-5L to satisfy a full year of Physics with labs. If the major only requires courses through PHYSICS 4 and PHYSICS 4L, then you may enroll in PHYSICS 6AL to satisfy the final lab requirement.
Note: Mathematics 2A or 3A or 34A or AP Math AB Exam score of 3 or higher are required for Physics 6A. Math courses may be taken concurrently with Physics 6A. For more information on the UCSB Math Placement Test required for Math 2A or 3A, go to the Course Placement Information located on the Department of Mathematics website.
These courses are not offered at UCSB.
Courses will need to be completed outside of UCSB. Those living in the Santa Barbara/Goleta area often choose to take these courses at SBCC (BMS 107 & BMS 108) but the courses can be found at many community colleges. Reach out to our Pre-health advising team for recommendations.
When applying to professional schools, completing a full year of math is a good rule of thumb.
For students without prior college-level math or AP Calculus scores:
- Recommended courses include Math 34A/34B, Math 3A/3B, or Math 2A/2B; and PSTAT 5A/5LS, with no preference between series.
For students with AP Calculus scores, throughly review the information below:
- Taking courses for "study list credit". Since UCSB doesn’t list AP exam scores and equivalencies on transcripts, students may need to take math courses for “study list credit” to meet this requirement. Study list credit allows students to retake courses already credited through AP exams. After completion of the course the grade appears on the transcript but doesn’t provide additional units or affect the GPA.
- Options for a student with credit for AP Calculus AB:
- Take Math 34A/3A/2A for study list credit, then Math 34B/3B/2B and PSTAT
- Take Math 34B/3B/2B, Math 4A & PSTAT
- Take Math 34B/3B/2B, a CC course in math (preferably Calculus) & PSTAT
- Options for a student with credit for AP Calculus AB & BC
- Take Math 34A/3A/2A & 34B/3B/2B for study list credit and PSTAT
- Take some combination of study list credit, CC courses & PSTAT
- Move on to higher level math (Math 4A/B, PSTAT 5A, PSTAT 120A/B)
- Options for a student with credit for the AP Statistics exam
- Take PSTAT 5A or 5LS for study list credit
- Take a CC course in statistics, or higher level statistics at UCSB (PSTAT 120, etc)
A combination of 3 UCSB courses taken in the Writing, English or Comparative Liturature departments are acceptable for most California optometry schools. Courses that satisfy GE Areas A-1 and A-2 will satisfy the English requirement.
Note: Courses that satisfy the GE Special Subject Area Writing requirement are not sufficient to satisfy the full year of English requirement.
These courses are highly recommended and may be required by some programs.
PSY 1: Introduction to Psychology (5 units)
and
SOC 1: Introduction to Sociology (5 units)
Prerequisite courses listed are minimum requirements; however, most successful applicants will have exceeded the minimum requirements by taking additional upper division science courses. Examples of appropriate courses include but are not limited to:
- MCDB 101A - Molecular Genetics I: Prokaryotes (4 units)
- MCDB 103 - Cell Biology (4 units)
- MCDB 133 - Molecular and Cellular Immunobiology (4 units)
Students planning to apply to Optometry programs should:
- Visit each program’s website for admission requirements.
- Make sure your courses meet each program’s prerequisites.
- Contact the schools directly if you're unsure about a course.
- Double-check that your UCSB (and other) courses meet specific program requirements.
- Work with our Pre-health advising team throughout the process.
Sample Pre-Optometry Course Schedule, Years 1 & 2
The information below is intended to be a guide and is not intended to be strictly adhered to by all pre-optometry students. Students should consult their major department and Pre-health advisors to determine the best schedule to fit their needs.
Year 1
Fall Quarter
Chem 1A
Math or Statistics (see above)
GE or Elective
Winter Quarter
Chem 1B + 2AL
Math or Statistics (see above)
GE or Elective
GE or Elective (optional)
Spring Quarter
Chem 1C + 2BL
Math or Statistics (see above)
GE or Elective
GE or Elective
Year 2
Fall Quarter
MCDB 1A
Chem 109A
GE or Elective
GE or Elective (optional)
Winter Quarter
MCDB 1B
EEMB 2
MCDB 1LL
Chem 109B
Chem 6AL (may be taken later)
Spring Quarter
EEMB 3
EEMB 2LL
Chem 109C
Chem 6BL (may be taken later)
GE or Elective
Optometry Preparation Checklist
These checklists are designed to serve as a general guide. There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for taking admission tests or applying to optometry programs, and applicants are not penalized for applying at a particular time. We strongly encourage students to meet with a Pre-health advisor to develop a personalized plan that aligns with their individual goals and timelines.
- Visit Career Services to explore interests and learn more about your personal skills and values.
- Start taking intro sciences (General Chemistry sequence).
- Think about possible majors; study what you love!
- Connect with a Pre-health Staff or Peer Advisor.
- Consider volunteer opportunities (campus and community) during 2nd quarter.
- Go to your professors’ office hours.
- Explore student organizations.
- Find shadowing opportunities during breaks and summer.
- Continue with next sequence of science courses (see "Sample Schedule" above).
- Stay involved in extracurricular activities (shadowing, volunteer, etc).
- Begin to think about becoming an officer in your organizations or explore other leadership opportunities.
- Begin research on professional schools, their requirements, and assess your competitiveness.
- Investigate Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) preparation options.
- Identify specialties you are interested in.
- BOTTOM LINE: Keep working and building on the opportunities and experiences you've established!
- Talk to your Pre-health advisor to narrow program options and assess competitiveness.
- Identify at least three individuals to write letters of recommendation.
- Keep working on the opportunities and experiences you've established.
- Schedule a mock interview with Career Services.
- Register for the OAT.
- Study for OAT and take it.
- Complete the Centralized Application Service for Optometry. Click here for more information about the OptomCAS.
Note: If you plan to take a gap year, then taking the OAT and completing the application can wait until senior year.
If not taking a gap year:
- Submit Application(s) if you haven’t already.
- Wait to be contacted by the schools for interview.
- Continue with activities and professional experiences/shadowing.
- Talk with an advisor about an alternate path, if necessary.
- Finish degree requirements and GRADUATE!
If taking 1 or more gap year(s):
- Schedule a mock interview with Career Services.
- Register for the OAT.
- Study for OAT and take it.
- Complete the Centralized Application Service for Optometry. Click here for more information about the OptomCAS.
Academic Requirements & Admissions Considerations
Transcript Review & Trends
Admission committees consider more than final grades. They also consider course load per quarter, P/NP grading, repeated courses, and withdrawals (W). If you are a student considering optometry as your next step, review the AAMC's Anatomy of an Applicant Guide to learn more about what official transcripts communicate to admissions committees.
GPA
Optometry schools expect academic excellence. Typically an undergraduate GPA of 3.30 or better is necessary to be competitive.
Degree Completion & Grades
While some optometry programs accept applicants with at least 90 semester or 135 quarter units, having a completed bachelor’s degree makes you a stronger candidate. Keep in mind that most programs do not accept prerequisite courses with grades of C- or lower.
What you should know about the Optometry Admission Test (OAT).
The OAT Consists of Four Sections
- Survey of Natural Sciences: Biology, General Chemistry & Organic Chemistry
- Reading Comprehension
- Physics
- Quantitative Reasoning
Testing Limits
-
You can take the OAT once every 60 days.
-
You may attempt the test up to four times without special permission.
-
After the fourth attempt, you must apply for and receive permission from the American Dental Association (ADA) OAT Program to test again.
Application Fees
- OAT fee is $450.
- Other fees may apply for rescheduling or canceling testing appointments.
- Limited fee waivers are available for testers who qualify and apply.
Total Exam Time
Total test time is approximately 4 hours, 50 minutes.
Don't forget your PIN
A PIN is needed to apply to take the test and to apply for admission through OptomCAS. You must obtain a PIN by registering for one at www.ada.org/oat.
Fun Fact: It sounds surprising, but the ADA oversees the OAT on behalf of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO). So while the OAT is specifically for optometry school applicants, the ADA is the organization that runs the test administration, registration, and policies.
Study Time & Tips
Reading and Reasoning Skills are Key: The ability to read, analyze, and understand text is a crucial skill. Test takers are required to use reasoning skills to select the best answer. While your first choice may be correct, another option might be an even better.
Study Time Commitment: Plan for ~300-400 hours of preparation. This is about 38 x 8-hour study sessions or 75 x 4-hour study sessions over a 10-week period.
Practice Tests: Take multiple full-length practice tests under test-day conditions.
Optometry School Application Timeline
Refer to this guide to understand what steps to take—and when to take them—during the year leading up to your application cycle.
Year-Round Preparation
The OAT test dates run year-round and can be taken any time, but be mindful of individual program deadlines.
Fall Quarter (prior to application cycle)
Reach out to individuals regarding letters of recommendation. Don't forget to follow up with them regarding your application process and deadlines to submit their letters of recommendations.
Late-June
OptomCAS goes live in late June and closes in late May of the following year. Start early! The application process takes a while.
Schools are able to access your application for review once it has been submitted and is complete.
August
Some schools may send a Secondary Application. Complete this as soon as possible.
Sept.-Oct.
Start Interviewing at optometry schools.
Pro Tips for Optometry Program Applicants
- Prepare Ahead: Gather your resume, unofficial transcript, personal statement, and a list of relevant experiences to streamline the process.
- Proofread Thoroughly: Use proper grammar and have your written components reviewed by others.
- Request Official Transcripts: Follow UCSB Registrar's instructions and check your program's application guide to ensure proper submission.
- Fee Assistance Programs: Review eligibility for discounts on application services and entrance exams, and allow time to gather necessary documentation.
Things to Consider Before Applying
- GPA & Academics: Is your cumulative and science/BCP (Bio, Chem, Physics) GPA at or above 3.5? If not, you may want to explore post-bacc programs.
- OAT Score: Is your composite score at or above the national average of accepted students? If not, consider retaking the GRE.
- Shadowing Experience: Have you shadowed a variety of professionals in different healthcare settings?
- Clinical Experience: Do you have work or volunteer experience with direct patient contact?
- Volunteering (Non-Medical): Have you participated in community service or volunteer work outside of healthcare?
- Research: Have you engaged in undergraduate research?
- Other Involvement: Have you participated in student organizations, athletics, study abroad, or non-medical work experiences?
- Personal Statement: Have you completed a strong draft or final version?
- Letters of Recommendation: Have you requested letters and communicated your tentative application timeline to your writers?
Remember: Quality matters more than quantity. Long-term involvement is more meaningful than short-term experiences.