Pre-Optometry

Congratulations on your interest in becoming an Optometrist! As a pre-Optometry student at Radford University, you will have unique opportunities to engage in research, complete Pharmacy school course prerequisites, participate in STEM clubs, and so much more; all while learning in a community-based education environment. Radford’s small class sizes and demanding laboratory experiences will allow you to connect with faculty and study with classmates in a way that prepares you for the rigors of Optometry school.

While there is not a Pre-Optometry degree, most students choose to major in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Psychology and often minor in programs that celebrate their individual interest. However, pre-Optometry students have the opportunity to select a major that reflects their primary interests, so long as the specific Optometry school’s prerequisite courses are complete. Optometry school prerequisites often include biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, but all pre-Optometry students must investigate the specific requirements of each institution where an application will be sent. As a pre-Optometry student, you and your advisor will compose a degree path that suits your interests and best prepares you for Pharmacy school. The American Optometry Student Association (AOPA) website is also a valuable resource when considering Optometry school after graduating from Radford University.

Use AOPA’s website as a resource to investigate all things pre-Optometry, including information that will help you decide if optometry is the right career path for you)

 

Career Comparisons

The table information below and other useful resources can be found at the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry website.

Career Comparison Table
 ROLE"DR." TITLE?CAREER PATHSAVERAGE HOURS/WEEKTIME TO DEGREE COMPLETIONAVERAGE SALARY
OPTOMETRYO.D., Vision and ocular healthYesPrivate practice, Hospital, Research, Academia, Industry, VA, Military, Retail practice.   40 hours/week4 years of optometry school$140K/year
OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINED.O., MedicalYesPrivate practice, Hospital, Research, Academia, Industry, VA, Public health, Political advocacy50 hours/week4 years of osteopathic medical school plus 3-to-6-year residency$188K/year
ALLOPATHIC MEDICINEM.D., MedicalYesPrivate practice, Hospital, Research, Academia, Industry, VA, Public health, Political advocacy50 hours/week4 years of medical school plus 3-to-7-year residency$208K/year
DENTISTRYD.M.D, D.D.S, TeethYesPrivate practice, Academia, VA, Military, Partnership practice, Public health60 hours/week4 years of dental school$164K/year
PHARMACYPharmD, PharmaceuticalsYesAcademia,Retail pharmacy, Hospital pharmacy, Medical distribution, Ambulatory care, Specialty45 hours/week4 years of pharmacy school$128K/year
PODIATRYD.P.M, FeetYesAcademia, VA, Surgery, Orthopedics, Public health, Sports medicine50 hours/week4 years of podiatry school$134K/year
PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANTPA, MedicalNoHospitals, Clinics, Doctors' offices, Surgery, Specialty40 hours/week3-year master's degree program$115K/year

Resourceful Links:

  • The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO): Resources for pre-Optometry students from early interest, all the way through application cycle assistance.
    • Discover more about ASCO’s Future Student webpage and learn more about their resources.
  • Optometry Education: Data and Trends from ASCO
  • Profile of Optometry Applicants from Fall 2020: Data