Doctor of Optometry (OD) Admissions Pathway
Optometry is a healthcare profession focused on the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of eye and vision disorders. Optometrists provide services such as vision testing, prescribing corrective lenses, detecting eye diseases, and managing conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. They also offer advice on eye care and perform minor procedures. Optometrists work in various settings, including private practices, clinics, hospitals, and retail optical stores.
Schreiner University does not offer an OD degree. However, students can complete their prerequisite coursework for optometry school through the completion of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology (Pre-Optometry Track) from Schreiner University. Other degrees are possible as long as the optometry school prerequisites are met. Students are encouraged to research the specific requirements of optometry schools of interest by visiting their websites for information on admission requirements.
| Texas Optometry School Coursework Requirements |
| Biology (8 hours) |
BIOL 1301, BIOL 1102, BIOL 1302, BIOL 1103 |
| General Chemistry (8 hours) |
CHEM 1301, CHEM 1101, CHEM 1302, CHEM 1102 |
| Organic Chemistry (4 hours) |
CHEM 2311, CHEM 2111 |
| Biochemistry (4 hours) |
CHEM 3305, CHEM 3105 |
| Physics (8 hours) |
PHYS 1301, PHYS 1101, PHYS 1302, PHYS 1102 |
| Calculus (4 hours) |
MATH 2422 |
| Statistics (3 hours) |
MATH 2330 |
| Anatomy & Physiology (4 hours) |
BIOL 2301, BIOL 2101 |
| Higher-Level Biology (4 hours) |
BIOL 3352, BIOL 3152 |
| Microbiology (4 hours) |
BIOL 3314, BIOL 3114 |
| Psychology (3 hours) |
PSYC 1301 |
| English (6 hours) |
ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302 |
Pre-optometry students should maintain a comprehensive log of their healthcare experiences and volunteering opportunities throughout their undergraduate studies. This documentation will be invaluable when applying to optometry school, as it showcases commitment to the field, hands-on experience, and dedication to serving others.
Pre-optometry students traditionally take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) in the spring or summer of their junior year. Students should time their OAT exam carefully, ensuring they have completed key coursework and prepared thoroughly. Taking the OAT too early can result in poor scores due to inadequate preparation, while taking it too late may delay applications, reducing admission chances.
Applications for optometry school are usually submitted in the summer between junior and senior year, around June, through the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS). Optometry schools may require supplemental applications for their specific program.
Application Success Tools
Schreiner offers a dedicated Health Professions Coordinator who provides support for pre-health professions students throughout the application process for medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, and other health-related schools and programs. This resource is intended to guide students through developing compelling applications, crafting strong personal statements, securing meaningful recommendations, and navigating interview and exam preparation for highly-competitive programs. With tailored one-on-one advising and a network of professional resources, the Health Professions Coordinator helps ensure that students present their strongest possible candidacy to achieve their career aspirations in the health professions.
These agreements create pipeline programs where eligible Schreiner students are guaranteed interviews and/or acceptance to partnering professional schools. These programs help reduce the uncertainty and stress of the application process. They also provide a more focused educational experience, allowing students to plan their coursework and activities with a clear path toward their professional goals. Schreiner currently holds articulation agreements with the following professional schools:
-
- University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) School of Optometry
At Schreiner University, we support our pre-health students’ success every step of the way. Located within the Schreiner Library, our Health Professions Exam Prep Library offers a comprehensive selection of preparation books for essential entrance exams, including the MCAT, OAT, DAT, and GRE. These resources provide focused support and study tools tailored to help students excel. Whether you’re preparing for medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, or graduate school, our library is here to help you achieve your goals.
Our Health Professions Program offers pre-health students a variety of opportunities to earn valuable health-related certifications, including Stop the Bleed, Basic Life Support (BLS), Mental Health First Aid, and more. These certifications provide essential hands-on training and equip students with the critical skills needed to respond effectively to real-world health scenarios. By completing these certifications, students enhance their professional qualifications and gain a competitive advantage as they prepare for their future careers in health professions.
The Health Professions program offers pre-optometry students a unique opportunity to participate in mock interviews designed to prepare them for optometry school applications. Through this initiative, students engage in simulated interviews conducted by experienced faculty and./or professionals in the optometry field. The program provides personalized feedback, helping students refine their communication skills, articulate their motivations, and effectively present their qualifications. This hands-on experience aims to boost students’ confidence and readiness, ensuring they are well-prepared for the competitive optometry school interview process. Contact the program coordinator about scheduling a mock interview.
