Pursuing the Doctor of Optometry Degree (OD)
This is a terminal degree that takes 4 years of optometry school after the bachelor’s degree. Preparation for optometry school involves curricular and extracurricular experiences which demonstrate communication and leadership skills, community service, research, and familiarity with the optometry profession.
For more about the field of optometry, visit the Occupations Outlook Handbook.
We do not have a School of Optometry in the state of Mississippi, but there are great schools all over the country. There are seats reserved for Mississippi at the University of Alabama-Birmingham and the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis.
Incoming freshmen indicate their interest in optometry on the UM application. Others complete the short online form to be assigned to an HPAO advisor and notified about HPAO programs and services.
Enroll in HPAO
Welcome to Pre-Optometry
Whether you're just beginning to explore a career in optometry or actively preparing for optometry school, you'll find the resources and guidance you need here. We're dedicated to helping you navigate your academic journey, build strong foundational skills required for Optometry School, and take the next steps toward a future career in eye care.
Matthew Zachery Weaver
Academic Advisor II
Prepare to complete your Optometry School application
You will need the followiing:
- Experience in an optometry setting, such as shadowing an optometrist,
- A competitive Optometry Admissions Test score,
- Letters of evaluation that address personal qualities and characteristics of the applicant, and
- Evidence of leadership and community involvement.
It’s never too early to start thinking about preparation for optometry school.
How has HPAO helped you?
HPAO has helped me in various ways. It ensured that I stayed on track with my classes for the optometry school I wanted to attend, gave me advice on extracurricular activities I should participate in, and aided in connecting me to other pre-optometry schools during the HPAO career fair. I was able to learn a lot about the difference in criteria between optometry schools and what they are looking for in a future student. Overall HPAO has been a very helpful experience in guiding me towards what I want to do in the future.
Natalie Nguyen
(B.A, in Biological Science with Minors in Chemistry and Society & Health)
Meet some Pre-Optometry Students
Kangana Patel
How has HPAO helped you?
See Kangana’s Answer
Anna Nowell
Why did you decide to pursue this health profession?
See Anna ’s Answer Natalie Nguyen
What is your major and why did you choose it?
See Natalie’s Answer