Pre-Optometry
Welcome to the Biology Department!
Are you passionate about eye health and considering a career in optometry? The Biology department at The University of Akron is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and rigorous pre-optometry program to help you achieve your goal of becoming an optometrist.
What is Optometry?
Optometrists are focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and maintenance of the human eye. Common responsibilities include performing vision exams, prescribing corrective lenses, diagnosing eye conditions, and promoting eye health to patients. Optometrists are distinguished from ophthalmologists, who are able to perform a wider range of surgeries than optometrists, and opticians, who fit and adjust eyeglasses. Learn more about optometry as a career path.
Why Choose Our Pre-Optometry Program?
Our program is designed to give you a solid foundation in the biological sciences, ensuring you're well-prepared for optometry school and beyond. Here's what makes our program stand out:
- Rigorous Curriculum: Our courses cover essential topics such as human physiology, microbiology, and genetics, providing the knowledge base you need for optometry studies.
- Hands-On Experience: Gain practical experience through laboratory work, research projects, and internships. We have partnerships with local medical institutions, research centers, and community hubs, including Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Summa Health, and the Akron Zoo.
- Dedicated Faculty and Staff: Our experienced professors and advisors are here to guide you every step of the way, from course selection to optometry school applications. Read more about our faculty and their research, or learn more about our pre-health advising services.
- Pre-Optometry Club: Join our active student organization, which offers allows students to prepare for admission into optometry school, learn about advances in the field, visit optometry schools, get advice and review for the OAT, and attend conferences associated with optometry.
- Preparation for Optometry School: We provide specialized advising to help you navigate the optometry school application process, including guidance on prerequisite courses, entrance exams, and interview preparation.
Curriculum Highlights
Our pre-optometry program includes a mix of core Biology courses and electives tailored to your interests and career goals. Most pre-optometry students choose to major in Biomedical Science, but we also offer a Biology degree with slightly different requirements. Key courses in our program include:
- Principles of Biology I & II: Foundational courses covering a wide variety of biological concepts on a basic level, including genetics, energy, nutrients, evolution, human diversity, and ecology.
- Foundations of Physiology: Study the physiological processes in humans, including neurophysiology, sensory processes, and endocrinology.
- Microbiology: Explore the world of microorganisms and their roles in health and disease.
- Genetics: Understand the principles of heredity, genetic variation, and molecular biology.
Research Opportunities
Engage in cutting-edge research with our faculty members who are experts in fields such as visual science, human behavior, and molecular biology. Conducting research as an undergraduate will enhance your understanding of scientific methods and boost your optometry school application.
Tiered Mentoring
Our Tiered Mentoring program allows undergraduate Biology and Biomedical Science students to pursue hands-on research opportunities in labs at the University of Akron as well as with our partners, including NEOMED and Summa Health. Previous research projects have included the following:
Start Your Optometry Journey With Us
Embark on a rewarding journey towards a career in eye care with our supportive and challenging pre-optometry program. For more information, contact our Biology department advisors or visit our undergraduate information page to learn more about admissions, course offerings, and student resources.
We look forward to helping you achieve your dreams of becoming an optometrist!