Optometrist
Optometrists specialize in the study of the human eye. They examine patients’ eyes with a diverse set of instruments. Additionally, they treat vision problems, usually by prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses, vision therapy, or rehabilitation programs. They also prescribe medicines to treat eye diseases and allergies.
CAREER DESCRIPTION*
- National median salary: $134,830
- National projected career growth: 8%
- Many optometrists own and operate their own practices
TYPICAL EDUCATION**
- Years of School (including undergraduate): 7-8 years
- Minimum required GPA: 3.22
- Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) required
- Most programs require 90 credits of undergraduate coursework, but a bachelor’s is highly encouraged
COMPETITIVE STUDENTS ALWAYS...
- Maintain a competitive academic record
- Score well on the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)
- Participate in volunteer and leadership opportunities
- Shadow professionals in the field
- Gain clinical experience as an optometry technician
NEARBY SCHOOLS
- Nebraska does not have an optometry school
- Illinois College of Optometry: 165-170
- University of Missouri at St. Louis College of Optometry: 46
- Chicago - Midwestern University College of Optometry: 60
- Glendale - Midwestern University College of Optometry: 56
Prerequisites vary by program. Students are responsible for ensuring all entrance requirements are met. Most schools prefer science classes to be taken in-person versus online.
TYPICAL PREREQUISITES
Biological Sciences (minimum credits: 16)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| BIOL 1450 Biology I & Lab | 5 | F, S, M | High school Biology and Chemistry |
|
BIOL 1750 Biology II & Lab |
5 | F, S, M | BIOL 1450 |
|
BIOL 2440 The Biology of Microorganisms & Lab |
4 | F, S, M | High school Biology and Chemistry |
|
BIOL 2740 Human Anatomy & Physiology I & Lab |
4 | F, S, M | High school Biology and Chemistry |
| BIOL 2840 Human Anatomy & Physiology II & Lab | 4 | F, S, M | BIOL 2740 |
Chemistry (minimum credits: 16)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| CHEM 1180 & 1184 General Chemistry I & Lab | 4 | F, S, M | MATH 1300 or 1320 or CHEM 1140 and 1144 |
| CHEM 1190 & 1194 General Chemistry II & Lab | 4 | F, S, M | CHEM 1180 and 1184 and MATH 1300 or 1320 |
| CHEM 2210 & 2214 Fund of Organic Chemistry & Lab | 5 | F, S | CHEM 1140 and 1144 or 1190 and 1194 |
| CHEM 3650 & 3654 Fund of Biochemistry & Lab | 4 | F, S | CHEM 2210 and 2214 or 2260 and 2274 |
ORCHEM 1180 & 1184 General Chemistry I & Lab |
4 | F, S, M | MATH 1300 or 1320 or CHEM 1140 and 1144 |
| CHEM 1190 & 1194 General Chemistry II & Lab | 4 | F, S, M | CHEM 1180 and 1184 and MATH 1300 or 1320 |
| CHEM 2250 Organic Chemistry I | 3 | F, S, M | CHEM 1190 and 1194 |
| CHEM 2260 & 2274 Organic Chemistry II & Lab | 5 | F, S | CHEM 2250 |
| CHEM 3650 & 3654 Fund of Biochemistry & Lab | 4 | F, S | CHEM 2210 and 2214 or 2260 and 2274 |
Physics (minimum credits: 10)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| PHYS 1110 & 1154 Physics for Life Science I & Lab | 5 | F, S, M | MATH 1300 or 1320 |
| PHYS 1120 & 1164 Physics for Life Science II & Lab | 5 | F, S, M | PHYS 1110 and 1154 |
Recommended Mathematics (minimum credits: 8)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| MATH 1950 Calculus I | 5 | F, S, M | MATH 1300 or 1320 and MATH 1330 |
ANDPSYC 3130 Statistics for Behavioral Sciences |
3 | F, S, M | MATH 1120, 1300, 1320, or STAT 1530 |
| BIOL 2020 Statistics for Life and Environ. Science | 3 | F, S | MATH 1120, 1130, 1300, or 1320 |
| SOC 2130 Social Statistics | 3 | F, S, M | MATH 1120, 1300, 1320, or STAT 1530 |
| STAT 3000 Statistical Methods I | 3 | F, S | MATH 1300 or 1320 |
Psychology (minimum credits: 3)
| Course | Credits | Semester |
| PSYC 1010 Introduction to Psychology | 3 | F, S, M |
Recommended Electives
Composition, Social Sciences, Humanities, Computer Science, Business, Economics, Sociology, and Public Speaking.
Additional Information
It is recommended students take courses in chemistry, biology, mathematics, & psychology beyond the required minimum.
*Data and information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Data and information from Chicago Midwestern University
Last update: 9.2025