17 Easiest Optometry Schools To Get Into [Admission Requirements]

Published January 27, 2023 · · Updated May 12, 2024 · 8 minutes · by Kamerpower ·

17 Easiest Optometry Schools To Get Into | Best Optometry Schools In The World. Optometry may be a fascinating and enjoyable subject to study. As an optometrist, you will have the opportunity to help patients with vision problems and impairments. With a variety of placement opportunities, you will be able to put your knowledge into practice while also learning about the issues that can affect your eyesight. 

Optometry is one of the highest-paying medical jobs in the world. So venturing into this career path is one of the best decisions you would make in your life.

What is Optometry?

In optometry, the eyes and visual systems are checked for abnormalities or deformities. An optometrist is essentially any healthcare professional who deals with eye care, from those with post-graduate training to doctors with a doctorate. Optometrists are qualified to examine the eye and any issues it may have and to recommend the best course of action. Ocular disease, neuro-optometry, and eye therapy are the most prevalent conditions that optometrists deal with.

What are the minimum requirements for optometry?

Bachelor of Optometry is a 4-year undergraduate degree pursued by eligible candidates who satisfy the following requirements.

• Complete the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) – some schools will accept GRE scores.
• Submit your official transcript with your GPA and proof you have completed any prerequisite coursework.
• Complete the OptomCAS application
• Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Complete an essay prompt.

What can you do with a degree in optometry?

Optometry is a growing profession around the globe, with graduates typically working in hospitals, opticians, or larger retail stores – though they may also be community-based. To become a practising optometrist, you must first complete your optometry degree, followed by a year of supervised training in the workplace. You will be required to register with the governing body for optical professions in your country.

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Easiest Optometry Schools To Get Into 

1. University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry

The School of Optometry offers hands-on clinical training at the renowned UAB Eye Care facility to equip future eye care professionals with the knowledge and skills they’ll need to serve their community. These excellent tools are great news for people in the Birmingham area and beyond because the institution graduates 97.87 percent of program participants.

2. Southern College of Optometry.

Memphis, Tennessee’s Southern College of Optometry is a private, recognized optometry school. It has provided professional training in vision care and eye health. One of the largest facilities of its sort in the country is located at the Southern College of Optometry. The school’s ambulatory surgery center has earned accreditation from the prestigious American Board of Medical Specialties, making it the only one in Tennessee to do so.

3. Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry.

Students at the College of Optometry at Nova Southeastern University divide their time between two years of science coursework and two years of clinical training. Regardless of their subject of study, students receive great support from the university, which includes supporting international mission trips and providing cutting-edge technology to all participants. The school’s faculty also includes eye test specialists and members of the American Academy of Optometry.

4. University of Missouri at St. Louis College of Optometry. 

With a 31% acceptance rate and a 95.65% pass rate, the UMiss-SL College of Optometry must be doing something right. To ensure that the vast majority of their students graduate, they seek out promising optometrists from all over the nation and help them throughout the program. The school’s dedication to students is in line with its guiding principles of growth, responsibility, discovery, and community.

5. Oklahoma College of Optometry.

One of the best places to study to become a full-time practicing optometrist is the Oklahoma College of Optometry. The Oklahoma College of Optometry provides its students with a variety of degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Along with their associate degree programs, they also offer a number of certificate programs.

6. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) is a private university in Boston, Massachusetts, with an emphasis on medical and health-related science degrees. The institution offers standard and accelerated academic programs with a focus on pharmacy and health science careers. Students studying optometry at the college learn about cutting-edge technology.

7. New England College of Optometry (NECO).

The school only studies optometry because it is an autonomous optometry school. The following programs are available through NECO: the 4-year Doctor of Optometry program; the accelerated OD program; the advanced Standing International program; the MS/OD China program; the MS in Vision Science; the OD/MS Dual Degree; the OD/PhD Dual Degree; and the residency programs.

8. University of Houston College of Optometry

The mission of the University of Houston College of Optometry is to lead in the discovery and dissemination of knowledge in optometry, vision science, and clinical care with unparalleled excellence, integrity, and compassion; enhancing vision for life.

9. Indiana University School of Optometry

The mission of the Indiana University School of Optometry is to protect, advance and promote the vision, eye care, and health of people worldwide by Preparing individuals for careers in optometry, the ophthalmic industry and vision science. Advancing knowledge through teaching, research, and service.

10. University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry

This easy optometry school to get into provides a four-year graduate-level professional program leading to the Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, as well as a one-year ACOE-accredited residency program in clinical optometry specialities (primary care, ocular disease, contact lenses, low vision, binocular vision, and paediatrics).

11. Western University of Health Sciences

Western University of Health Sciences is a medical school that offers degrees in nursing, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, podiatric and veterinary medicine. The western university provides the best in health care services.

12. Arizona College Of Optometry, Midwestern University.

Arizona College is also among the top optometry schools with the easiest admission requirements. Arizona College Of Optometry motivates students to improve their technical skills while encouraging them to become the best eye-care professionals. 

13. Michigan College of Optometry – Ferris State University

The Michigan College of Optometry is the only optometry school in Michigan. Michigan College Of Optometry is affiliated with Ferris State University. At Ferris state university you would walk side-by-side with expert faculty members.

14. University of Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry

The only optometry program connected to a place of worship is the Rosenberg School of Optometry at the University of Incarnate Word. The UIWRSO is dedicated to training students to become competent, compassionate, and caring optometrists. UIWRSO actively recruits talented candidates who are prepared for leadership roles and who have a strong desire to learn new things throughout their lives.

15. Ohio State University College of Optometry.

The Ohio State University’s College of Optometry is well-regarded given that it is one of the biggest state universities in the nation. The faculty at the institution is made up of pioneers in optical technology, authors of the top medical journals in the nation, and the most accomplished members of the most illustrious faculty associations.

16. Salus University.

Any student interested in studying optometry has to research Salus University. Salus University is a small, private, non-profit university with a location in the sprawling suburb of Elkins Park. Salus University graduates in optometry had earnings that are roughly $8,777 higher than the national average for optometry graduates.

17. Midwestern University – Glendale.

The small, private, not-for-profit Midwestern University – Glendale is situated in the sprawling suburb of Glendale. In the most recent year for which we have data, roughly 50 optometry students at Midwestern University – Glendale received this degree.

Why is Optometry important?

Due to the importance of the eyes in our daily lives, optometrists are in high demand in contemporary society. Optometrists are taught how to use a range of techniques to assess a patient’s vision. They also gain knowledge on how to examine someone’s eyes in order to identify eye conditions and offer treatment to enhance general health.

Is it hard to get into optometry schools?

Admission to an optometry school can be extremely competitive, which may be attributed to the schools’ admission requirements and the large number of applications received by each institution. However, there are some institutions with less stringent admission requirements that are easier to get into than others. So stay tuned as we take you through some of the most straightforward optometry schools shortly.

What are the requirements for Optometry Schools?

• Recommendation letter: It’s crucial to obtain strong letters of recommendation that will appeal to the admissions committee. You must begin the process of creating yours as soon as you can, and you must begin to consider them.
• Application Essay: Consider the personal statement as a chance to convince admissions committee members that you’ll be an excellent student. They want to know your motivations for enrolling in their optometry program as well as how you plan to support their university. 
• Finding out admission requirements: Finding out all the admissions requirements for each program you are applying to is the first step in applying to optometry school. The expectations for each program may be different.