Allied Health – Optometry
Optometry Allied Health Guide
What is Optometry?
Optometrists (or doctors of optometry, DO) are the primary healthcare professionals for overall eye health. They conduct eye exams and vision tests in order to diagnose and treat illnesses related to the eyes. They also prescribe eyeglasses and contacts for vision impairments and can administer vision therapy in certain cases. Optometry is frequently confused with ophthalmology (medical/surgical eye professionals) or opticians (specialists that prepare and fill prescriptions related to vision). Optometrists typically undergo four years of education following their bachelor’s degree and can work with populations of all ages.
Undergraduate Prerequisite Coursework
- Biology I & II with Lab
- Chemistry I & II with Lab
- Physics I & II with Lab
- Organic Chemistry I & II with Lab
- Calculus
- English/Writing
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Sociology/Anthropology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Anatomy
- Physiology
This list covers the most frequently required prerequisites. Please see individual program websites for exact requirement information.
Education & Advanced Degrees
- Doctor of Optometry (DO)
- PhD in Vision Science
Advanced Degree Requirements
- Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) scores
- Letters of Recommendation (Academic, Professional, Optometrist)
- Document observation hours in 2 or more settings
This is a list of the most frequently required admissions requirements. Please see individual program websites for exact requirement information.
Potential Workplace Settings to Explore
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Military and veteran services
- Industrial settings
- Acute care facilities
- Community settings
- Private Practice
Career Resources
- Join OneHop using your jhu.edu email address
- Complete your profile
- Search “Allied Health” in Groups to join the conversation!
OneHop Allied Health Professions Alumni Group
- Join the OneHop Allied Health Professions Alumni Group where current students interested in allied health can connect with alumni allied health professionals.
Allied Health Professional Associations for Students
- American Optometric Association (AOA)
Explore Allied Health Professions “Allied health encompasses a broad group of health professionals who use scientific principles and evidence-based practice for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic diseases; promote disease prevention and wellness for optimum health, and apply administration and management skills to support health care systems in a variety of settings.” – Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP, 2021)