The Core Prerequisites

ACOE-accredited optometry programmes require a minimum of 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework (about three years) before matriculation. Most applicants hold a bachelor's degree, though a few programmes admit students after three years if prerequisites are complete. The specific requirements vary by school, but a core set is nearly universal:

Required by virtually all programmes

  • Biology (2 semesters with labs): General biology covering cell biology, genetics, and ecology. Upper-level biology courses (anatomy, physiology, microbiology) are strongly recommended beyond the minimum.
  • General Chemistry (2 semesters with labs): Inorganic chemistry fundamentals. A C+ or higher is typically required; competitive applicants earn B+ or better.
  • Organic Chemistry (1–2 semesters with lab): Most schools require one semester; some require two. One semester is the minimum — take two if you can handle it, as the OD curriculum builds on organic chemistry concepts.
  • Physics (2 semesters with labs): General physics with emphasis on optics, light, and lenses. This is directly relevant to optometric practice and the OAT Physics section.
  • Mathematics/Statistics (1–2 courses): At least one course in statistics. Some schools require calculus; others accept college-level statistics alone. Check each school's requirements individually.
  • English/Writing (2 semesters): Composition and literature. Communication skills matter in clinical practice.

Recommended by most programmes

  • Biochemistry (1 semester): Not universally required but strongly recommended by top programmes and increasingly expected.
  • Anatomy and Physiology (1–2 semesters): Human anatomy and physiology provide direct preparation for the OD curriculum. Highly recommended even where not strictly required.
  • Microbiology (1 semester): Relevant to ocular disease and infection — a practical prerequisite even if not listed as required.
  • Psychology (1 semester): Patient interaction is central to optometric practice. Understanding behavioural principles helps.

Planning Your Coursework Timeline

If you're a freshman or sophomore knowing you want optometry, here's a realistic course plan:

  • Freshman year: General Biology I & II, General Chemistry I & II, English Composition, Mathematics
  • Sophomore year: Organic Chemistry I (& II if pursuing two semesters), Physics I & II, Statistics, Psychology
  • Junior year: Biochemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, take the OAT in spring or summer
  • Senior year: Apply through OptomCAS in summer/fall, complete remaining coursework

If you're a career changer or post-bacc student, you can compress prerequisites into 18–24 months of intensive coursework at a four-year university or community college (though some schools prefer four-year institutions for science prerequisites).

Course Quality Matters

Admissions committees notice where you took your courses. Science prerequisites from accredited four-year universities carry more weight than community college courses at most schools. If you must take prerequisites at a community college, consider taking at least one upper-level science course at a university to demonstrate you can handle university-level rigour.

Also important: grades in prerequisite courses matter more than your overall GPA. A 3.3 cumulative with straight As in science prerequisites tells a better story than a 3.6 cumulative with Bs and Cs in science courses. OptomCAS calculates your science GPA separately, and schools pay attention to it.

With your prerequisites in hand and your OAT score in range, you'll need a compelling personal statement to complete your application. Read our personal statement guide next.