PRE-OPTOMETRY

MINOR

Optometrists are independent primary health care professionals whose Perks of the Profession main role is to provide specialized vision care. They are referred to as doctors of optometry, but unlike ophthalmologists, they are not required to EXCELLENT INCOME go to medical school. They conduct eye examinations in order to diagnose, The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports treat and manage diseases, injuries and disorders of the visual system, the a median annual income of $111,790 eye and associated structures. Optometrists are not licensed to perform (2018 data). eye surgery but they are responsible for diagnosing deficiencies in the GREAT JOB OUTLOOK eye and prescribing corrective lenses and/or vision aids and therapy when Employment of optometrists is appropriate. They work in private practices, eyewear retail stores and projected to grow 10% from 2018-2028 numerous types of health care facilities. which is faster than the average for all occupations. The aging population is Optometrists must have strong decision making skills to evaluate the results increasing demand for optometrists. of diagnostic tests and decide on the best course of treatment. They should be at ease interacting with patients and be able to communicate SPECIALIZATION effectively both in writing and orally. They need to be detail oriented to Areas of specialization include family ensure medications and prescriptions are accurate and patient care data are practice, low vision rehabilitation, appropriately monitored and recorded. pediatric or geriatric optometry and ocular disease among others. To practice optometry a student must graduate from an accredited school of optometry with the Doctor of Optometry degree. They must then pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam. Additional training after Regional Optometry optometry school is not required to practice but optometrists may opt for a Schools one-year residency to get advanced clinical training in a specialty area. n Illinois College of Optometry n Indiana University High Undergraduate Optometry n Massachusetts College of Pharmacy School Degree School and Health Sciences (four years) (four years) n New England College of Optometry n NOVA Southeastern University No specific major is required. As long as you successfully complete the n Salus University prerequisite courses you can compete for admission, regardless of your n Southern College of Optometry major. The profession will be stronger and more enriched by being made up of people with a wide variety of backgrounds. Allow yourself to explore a n State University of New York College of Optometry wide range of different interests early in your college career. When you find n something you enjoy, chances are you will do well in it. Let your curiosity be The Ohio State University your guide. n University of Pikeville Students in the JMU Pre-Optometry Minor Pre-Optometry minor must take courses in: JMU students who are interested in For the 2016-2018 becoming an optometrist can choose entry years 14 JMU n Biology (6) to enroll in the pre-optometry minor. students applied to n Chemistry (5) The minor includes courses required for admission to optometry schools. optometry programs. n Physics (2) Thirteen matricu- n Statistics (1) Admission to optometry schools is very competitive. In addition to the lated to nine different n Calculus (1) prerequisite coursework, students will optometry programs. n Psychology (1) most likely need to n Writing (1) n S hadow (observe) an optometrist. n Literature (1) n P ursue clinically related activities including paid or volunteer work.

n C omplete the Optometry Admission Test, a test assessing reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning as well as knowledge of science Contact Information and physics. Website: www.jmu.edu/pph n P articipate in research opportunities and/or leadership experiences. Email: [email protected] n M aintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 grading scale). To be Office: G24 Roop Hall a competitive applicant, students generally need a much higher GPA. Phone: 540-568-6652 n D emonstrate experience with diverse individuals – from children to elderly, including able-bodied as well as physically or cognitively OTHER LINKS challenged and those that are disadvantaged. American Optometric Association www.aoa.org n O btain letters of recommendation.

Optometry Students.com At JMU pre-professional health advisors are available to guide students not www.optometrystudents.com only in course selection and the application process but also in the other Association of Schools and Colleges activities required for an optometry school applicant to be competitive. of Optometry www.optometriceducation.org

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03-2020