Optometry

Doctors of Optometry examine, diagnose, treat and treat and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures. Optometrists complete a four-year doctoral program which lead to the O.D. (Doctor of Optometry) degree. O.D.s are able to identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye, prescribe medications, perform certain surgical procedures, provide vision therapy, and assist patients with eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Required Coursework (Iowa State University course numbers)

The coursework listed below should be used as a starting point for degree planning. This list is not intended to be a complete list of requirements for all optometry schools, nor is every class listed required by all optometry schools. Information about the various optometry schools, as well as a list of their required coursework, can be found on the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry website as well as individual school websites

  • Biol 255 and 255L & Biol 256 and 256L
  • Biol 211 and 211L & Biol 212 and 212L
  • Micro 302 (lab requirement varies by school)
  • Chem 177 and 177L & Chem 178 and 178L
  • Chem 331 and 331L & Chem 332 and 332L OR Chem 231 and 231L (depending on school)
  • BBMB 303 OR 316 OR 404 & 405
  • Phys 131 and 131L & Phys 132 and 132L OR Phys 231 and 231L & Phys 232 and 232L
  • Math 160 or other calculus course (depending on school)
  • Stat 101
  • Psych 101

Most physical therapy programs also require observation hours. General information about required hours can be found at http://aptaapps.apta.org/ptcas/observationhours.aspx, however it is important to look at individual schools for complete information about observation requirements.

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