About Our Program
The Pre-optometry Advising Track is for students who have aspirations of pursuing a doctor of optometry degree (OD). Pre-optometry studies can be fit into any major in any school. Some majors to consider include biochemistry, biology, chemistry, psychology and environmental health science. Having a pre-optometry concentration ensures that you meet all the requirements for application to an OD program. In addition, you will receive guidance throughout your undergraduate career that will strengthen you as a candidate for graduate admissions. The requirements for entry into an OD program vary a bit from school to school, but all include taking the OAT.
Our location affords prospective pre-optometry students the opportunity to volunteer and gain experience. In addition, Clarkson offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Becoming involved in these activities and participating in community service is an integral part of the student's growth and demonstrates the student's desire to become an active member in the community. We also offer a series of Introduction to Healthcare seminar courses that introduce students interested in all areas of healthcare to issues such as professionalism, health delivery systems, medical ethics and the research basis for clinical care.
Pre-Optometry Requirements
- Introductory Biology with Laboratory (two semesters)
- Introductory Chemistry with Laboratory (two semesters)
- Organic Chemistry with Laboratory (two semesters, one lab)
- Microbiology with Laboratory
- Physics (two semesters)
- Biochemistry
- Psychology
- Sociology
Some Graduate Schools Might Also Require
- Anatomy & Physiology with and without laboratory
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Humanities (two semesters)
- Social Sciences (two semesters)
How to Apply
As you apply to an undergraduate program of study at Clarkson, you can also apply for the Pre-optometry Advising Track by providing all required materials for the first-year undergraduate admission application and checking the box on the application for Pre-optometry as a "special advising option," in addition to selecting the undergraduate major of your choice. You are free to pursue any major with the Pre-optometry health advising track added on to your coursework. For example, you might study choose to study psychology to learn how to motivate and direct patients and their families. Whatever you study, the specialized knowledge and skills you acquire as an undergraduate will broaden your career opportunities as a pharmacist.
The advantage at Clarkson is that we do not differentiate between the different pre-health science students. Pre-optometry students take part in all the events and activities promoted by the Pre-Health Science Advising Office. These include speakers in the specific health professions and health-related areas, general meetings to learn about changes in health careers and materials for preparation for the various admissions tests. In addition, there is an active pre-health professions co-ed fraternity that recruits members from all aspects of the Clarkson community.
