|
VII. OPTOMETRY |
| Optometry is
the primary health care profession dedicated to caring for the visual
system. More specifically, optometrists are concerned with the diagnosis,
treatment, and prevention of ocular anomalies. The Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)
possesses the knowledge and skills to evaluate the refractive status of
the eye. In addition, the optometrist plays a primary role in the
selection, design, provision, and adaptation of corrective measures for
the preservation and improvement of the visual system. Part of the
optometrist's role is to detect early signs of ocular, neurological,
behavioral, and systemic health problems, and refer patients to
appropriate specialists. Counseling patients about good health is yet
another part of an optometrist's profession. Optometrists provide patient
care in several environments: private offices, interprofessional group
practices, health maintenance organizations and hospital outpatient
clinics, or in conjunction with ophthalmologists in total care clinics.
Unlike ophthalmologists who possess the M.D. degree, optometrists do not
perform surgery. The Optometry
Admission Test
(OAT). The OAT is a test for applicants seeking admission to colleges of
optometry. It is designed to measure general academic ability and
comprehension of scientific information. The extent to which the test
results are used in deciding whether an applicant will be admitted to a
college of optometry varies among the colleges. Colleges of optometry
consider OAT results with other information, such as college records and
references, in reaching admission decisions. The test is offered in
Houston. An applicant to a college of optometry is encouraged to take the
OAT well in advance of intended entrance into professional school. The OAT
is offered twice each year, usually in March and October. It is suggested
that an applicant take the test in March, one year prior to entering
optometry school, but no later than the fall of the year preceding the
desired admission date. The OAT is divided into four examinations which
are: survey of the natural sciences (biology, general chemistry and
organic chemistry), reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, and
physics. The entire test requires one-half day. More information regarding
the OAT may be obtained by writing: Optometry Admission Testing Program 211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 1840 Chicago, IL 60611 Phone: (312) 440-2693 Admission to Schools
and Colleges of Optometry,
revised annually, lists the accredited optometric schools and colleges in
the U.S. and Puerto Rico, their admission requirements, summary
information about each school, as well as general information about the
optometric profession, and is available from: American Optometric Association 243 N. Lindbergh Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63141 More information on
optometry schools can be obtained from: Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 514 Rockville, MD 20852
Preparing
to Enter Optometry School There presently are sixteen schools and colleges of optometry in the United States and Puerto Rico. The only college of optometry in Texas is at the University of Houston. The information provided
here focuses on this school since most students in the state will be
primarily interested in an institution which caters to Texas residents.
Students interested in information about optometric programs other than
the one offered by the University of Houston should write to the Association
of Schools and Colleges of Optometry or the American Optometric
Association. The addresses for both of these associations are given in
preceding paragraphs, along with that of the University of Houston College
of Optometry at the end of this section. Students may prepare for a career
in optometry by consulting with practitioners and by enrolling in course
work which strengthens their academic foundation and satisfies the
requirements for admission to the profession. Practical experience may be
gained by working with an optometrist or another professional health care
provider. Students are encouraged to consult with the preprofessional
advisor and to correspond with the office(s) of admissions of the
optometry school(s). This will help ensure that the student enrolls in
courses which provide the essential background for success in optometry
school. Ninety (90) semester hours are required for admission to the
College of Optometry at the University of Houston. Approximately 60 of the
90 hours are in mathematics and science courses. Students who apply
without a baccalaureate degree must complete the University of Houston
requirements for such a degree before being eligible to receive the Doctor
of Optometry degree. The professional curriculum is four years. The
following are the minimum prerequisite courses: [Before a student
considers taking any course at a junior college, the appropriate
professional school should be contacted to determine if the course(s) will
be accepted.] Math (min. of 7 hr) to include 2413 or 2376. Phys 1401, 1402 (or 2425, 2426). Biol 1406, 1407, 3428, (or 2401 and 2402) 2420, and 3440. Chem 1411, 1412, 3411, 3412, and 4411. Psyc 2301 and 2471 Students admitted to the
University of Houston College of Optometry without baccalaureate degrees
must complete Engl 1301 and 1302 (or 1374), and two sophomore
literatures prior to enrollment. All math and science
prerequisites should be completed before taking the Optometry
Admission Test (OAT). A minimum GPA of 2.7 is required for admissions
consideration at the University of Houston College of Optometry. The
typical competitive applicant, however, usually exceeds the minimum GPA
requirement. Applications are
available from the Office of Student Affairs and Admissions of the
University of Houston College of Optometry. Classes are selected to enter
the professional program in the fall of each year. Applications and
admissions-related documents are due March 15 of the year for which the
student is seeking admission. Applications are accepted after March 15 but
such "late" applications are considered only on a
space-available basis. Applicants expecting a recommendation from
the Preprofessional Advisory Committee should complete the procedure
outlined in this handbook under "Professional School Application
Checklist." Additional Information.
Prospective students are encouraged to visit the University of Houston
or write for additional information. Office of Student Affairs and Admissions College of Optometry University of Houston 4800 Calhoun Road Houston, TX 77204-6052 Phone: (713) 743-2040, or 1-800-282-8426 |
Back to Table of Contents