| ICO welcomes applicants of all ages and varied professional backgrounds. In recent years, we have witnessed an increase in the number of students who have made career changes into the field of optometry for a variety of reasons: desire to work with patients, job stability, or simply a long-standing interest in science and vision which they had previously not had the opportunity to explore. If you are coming from an academic background which was not focused on laboratory science, the preparation for the rigorous science curriculum of optometry school will be challenging, but for applicants who are motivated to build a strong academic foundation, it is possible to successfully transition to optometry school!
As a "non-traditional" applicant, you are required to fulfill all of the general admission requirements, including successful completion of the Required Pre-Optometry Curriculum and the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). Pre-Optometry courses do not need to be completed within a specific time frame, however the OAT must be completed within the last 2 years.
Although a bachelor's degree is recommended for application to ICO, it is not a requirement. You are eligible to apply if you will have earned at least 90 semester hours (135 quarter hours) prior to enrollment. Decide which is right for you.
In the process of making the life-changing decision to pursue an optometric career, it is highly recommended that you expand your knowledge of the profession of optometry and learn as much as possible about the optometry school experience. This will ensure that optometry is best for you.
Resources for Exploring the Profession
Shadowing & Observing an Optometrist
Attend an Open House or Info Session
We recommend that you begin to assess your own strengths and weaknesses as soon as you make the decision to apply to optometry school. This will allow you time to work on any areas which may need improvement.
Compare Your Academic Background to the Entering Class Profile
Strengthen Your Application
Applications for admission are always available beginning in August preceding the year you wish to enroll. As you prepare to apply, keep in mind that you do not need to have completed all requirements for admission, such as prerequisite courses and the Optometry Admission Test at the time of application. As long as you will have successfully completed all academic requirements for admission before you begin optometry school and will take the OAT by March 15 of the year you would like to enroll, you should still apply early in the process.
Application Process Step by Step
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