Pre-Professional Advisors offer support and guidance to University of Kentucky students, from all majors, interested in applying to optometry school. In addition to outlining necessary coursework and guiding students through application processes, Pre-Professional Advisors also direct students to University programs, such as UK Education Abroad or the Center for Community Outreach, that foster well-rounded optometry school applicants.
Students interested in optometry should meet with a pre-optometry advisor at least twice during their freshman and sophomore years and at least three times during their junior and senior years. Pre-Professional Advisors are available for individaul appointments, provide information about internships and job shadowing opportunities, review personal statements, and guide students through the application process. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an advisor by emailing the Stuckert Career Center at UKCareerCenter@uky.edu. Students with a major in the College of Arts & Sciences may also email ASAdvisingCenter@uky.edu to schedule an appointment with a pre-health advisor.
The following is an outline of general optometry school requirements:
Students planning to apply to a school or college of optometry should use this sheet only as a guide. Each institution publishes its own school catalog which specifies its own requirements and procedures. It is essential that students obtain a catalog from the school(s) or college(s) in which they are interested. The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) is an excellent resource, students considering optometry should become familiar with their website (opted.org).
• General Biology or Zoology (1 semester - 1 year) BIO 148, 152 and 155
• Microbiology (1 semester) BIO 208 or BIO 308 and/or 209
• General Chemistry (1 year) CHE 105, 111, 107, 113
• Organic Chemistry (1 semester - 1 year) CHE 230, 231, 232, 233
• General Physics (1 year) PHY 211, 213
• English (1 year)
• Calculus (1 semester - 1 year) MA 123, 113, 132 or 137
• Statistics (1 semester) STA 296
• Psychology (1 semester - 1 year) PSY 100
The follow courses are also recommended or required for some optometry school admission:
• Physiology (1 semester - 1 year) PGY 206, PGY 421G or BIO 350
• Anatomy (1 semester) ANA 209
• Biochemistry (1 semester) BCH 401G
Remember, some optometry schools have additional requirements beyond the courses listed above. Students should reference opted.org for application information and deadlines. The Commonwealth of Kentucky currently has contracts with the University of Alabama, Indiana University, and Southern College of Optometry (Memphis). Currently, recipients of these contracts pay in-state tuition at the respective school. Contract availability is subject to change.
All optometry schools and colleges require applicants to take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). The pre-optometry courses in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics should be taken prior to taking the OAT.
Join the University of Kentucky pre-med listserv to stay connected with pre-optometry announcements and information sessions. To subscribe to the listserv, send an email message to listserv@lsv.uky.edu and type “SUBSCRIBE PRE-MED-L” in the body of the message.
The Commonwealth of Kentucky currently has contracts with the University of Alabama, Indiana University, and Southern College of Optometry (Memphis). Currently, recipients of these contracts pay in-state tuition at the respective school. Contract availability is subject to change.
Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system, including examining eyes and prescribing corrective lenses.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$131,860
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
43,400
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
3,800
new jobs (average)
Most optometrists work in offices or in optical goods stores. Optometrists usually work full time, but part-time work is common. Schedules may vary to include evenings and weekends.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreAt the University of Kentucky (UK), pre-professional paths are interest areas that students complete alongside their UK Core requirements and major curriculum. Successful optometry school applicants come from a variety of majors and backgrounds with diverse interests and talents. While philosophies among the nation’s optometry schools differ, all recognize the importance of a broad education with a strong foundation in the sciences blended with the social sciences and humanities. Students are encouraged to work with their pre-health advisor to explore their options.
Pre-Professional
Stuckert Career Center
859-257-2746
