Pre-Optometry

The Pre-Optometry program is a one of HBU’s Health Professions Programs. It is designed to help prepare you to apply to optometry schools. The state of Texas has two optometry schools: The University of Houston and University of the Incarnate Word. Each optometry school has its own set of prerequisite courses, and students can fulfill these prerequisites at HBU in our pre-optometry program. The following courses are often required by optometry schools. Students must check with schools for exact requirements.

  • General Biology (BIOL 2454, 2455, 3301)
  • Advanced Human Anatomy & General Physiology (BIOL 3454, 3456)
  • Microbiology (BIOL 3414)
  • General Chemistry (CHEM 2415, 2416)
  • Organic Chemistry (CHEM 3313, 3131)
  • Math (1434, 1451)
  • Physics (PHYS 1416, 1417)
  • Statistics (PSYC 2301 OR MATH 3304)
  • Psychology (PSYC 1313)
  • English (ENGL 1320, 1330)
  • Ethics

Selecting Majors
Please be aware that pre-optometry is not a major. You should select a major based on your area of interest, but science majors are recommended in order to satisfy many of the prerequisite courses while you pursue your HBU degree. Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Biology or Chemistry majors are especially compatible with the above designated courses and are recommended by the Health Professions Office. Additional elective courses, beyond those needed for graduation, may be necessary to complete all the pre-optometry prerequisites so that students are ready to apply to optometry schools.

Receive Advising
Email the Health Professions Office for advising and questions on selecting majors, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, community service and clinical experience by e-mail or by making an appointment.

Meet with other Pre-Optometry Students
HBU has a student group for all students interested in a career in optometry. Dr. Jackie Peltier Horn is the faculty sponsor for HBU POPS, the Pre-Optometry Professional Society. This student organization meets monthly. Students may learn about the daily work and cutting-edge technology from optometrists in the field. They also hear from optometry schools concerning the optometry admissions process. The group also visits optometry schools and participates in optometry-related community service projects. Please contact POPS for more information.

Our Successes
HBU alumni can be found in optometry schools across the county such as
•University of Houston
•University of Incarnate Word

“It’s always good to go back home. After graduating with my bachelor’s and dual master’s degrees from HBU, I went on to work in the business arena. The prevailing economic climate, as well as an internal desire for something more, prompted me to go back to school. Although I hadn’t been back to HBU in several years and the campus had transformed, my dedicated professors were still around and willing to talk with me as well as write my recommendations for optometry school. Without exception, all of them were proud of what I had already accomplished, but supportive and excited about what I set out to do. I know that the knowledge they imparted to me in class, as well as their loving advice, will serve me well as I start this next chapter of my life in optometry school!”
Zubin Chacko, The University of Houston College of Optometry

 

How can I be a strong candidate for optometry school?

  • Factors that determine admittance to optometry school

    There are many factors that determine whether a student is admitted to optometry school. Here are some important things for you to know. Admission to optometry school is highly competitive. Therefore, emphasis is placed on a high GPA (grade point average) and OAT (Optometry Admission Test) score.

    • The OAT measures general academic ability, and comprehension of scientific information. It includes Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Physics, Biology, General and Organic Chemistry. As an example, a recent University of Houston’s admitted class had an average GPA of 3.56 and an OAT Academic Average Score of 340.
    • Participate in Campus Activities. Optometry schools will be interested in what you did during your undergraduate years inside and outside the classroom. In addition to being a member of POPS, participate in Student Government, the yearbook, service organizations or any other area where you have an interest.
    • Leadership experience. Optometry schools will want to know about your leadership experience, so become a chairman of a POPS committee, a Scout leader, a leader in your place of worship or your community.
    • Clinical Experience. Optometry schools prefer that you have exposure to the field.  Begin to volunteer or work in an optometry office or clinic.