Department of Biology
College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Location: Sundquist Science Complex, D125
Phone: 931-221-7781
Optometry is the primary health profession dedicated to caring for vision. Through academic and clinical training, optometrists acquire the knowledge and skills needed to diagnose, treat, and prevent problems of the visual system. A Doctor of Optometry receives four (4) years of specialized professional education and clinical training at an accredited school of optometry, after completion of their undergraduate prerequisites.
Admission into Optometry School
The minimum entrance requirement for optometry school is three (3) years of college (90 college credit hours). However, the academic programs tend to be very rigorous. Ninety-six percent of students admitted by the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN, today have a B.S. degree or higher with an average of 3.3 GPA. The course requirements are slightly different for each optometry school. You may visit the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry’s Website at www.opted.org to determine the specific requirements for each school. For more information, contact the Biology Department at 931-221-7781.
Program Requirements
Student applicants are also required to complete the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) as a prerequisite to admission. Please contact department for a list of required courses and suggested programs of study.
Return to: