The Pre-Optometry program of study at East Tennessee State
University prepares students for application to a 4-year Doctor of
Optometry (OD) degree program. The majority of students accepted
to a school of optometry have completed a bachelor’s degree.
Careers in Optometry
Employment
Opportunities
Optometrists examine the eyes and other parts
of the body related to vision. They also diagnose,
treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and other
disorders of the eyes. They prescribe contact lenses
or eyeglasses as needed.
33,100
41,200
jobs in 2012
Many optometrists own their own practices and
may spend a considerable amount of time on
general business activities such as hiring employees
and ordering supplies.
jobs projected in 2022
Median
Annual Wage
97,820
$
in 2012
for more information, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/optometrists.htm
Freshman
summer
Some optometrists spend much of their time
providing specialized care, particularly if they are
working in a group practice with other optometrists
or doctors.
sophomore
summer
junior
summer
senior
Complete prerequisite requirements.
Build professional relationships with professors, advisors, and professionals for letters of recommendation.
Community service / volunteer work / job shadowing / engagement in student organizations. Document experiences.
Choose a major.
Gain research experience.
Campus visits to professional schools of interest
Collect letters of recommendation.
Committee Evaluation
Take OAT.
Timeline
Therefore, you must choose a major
(and minor, if appropriate) by the time you earn 60 credit hours. You do not
have to major in a science field. Choose a course of study that interests you.
Optometry schools look for applicants who are well-rounded, who reason and
communicate well, and have demonstrated empathy. It is true that students
who have an extensive science background have an easier time with the
basic science components of optometry school than do non-science majors.
Optometry schools do not assume, however, that you have had any courses
other than those required.
Advisement
Pre-optometry is not a major.
You
are required to meet with your pre-professional and major advisors each term
before registering for the next semester. Students who receive scholarships or
participate in specialized ETSU programs (such as athletics or Honors College
programs) must also seek advisement from those departments. Serious
consequences can occur if students fail to meet with advisors (e.g., failure to
graduate on time, missing appropriate courses to prepare for the OAT, etc.).
You must meet with your advisor each semester.
Application
Interviews
Advisor
contact
Medical Professions
Advisement Office
423.439.5602
ARC in Culp Center