Pre-Optometry Pathway

Optometrists provide most of the primary vision care that people need. They examine, diagnose, treat, and manage eye diseases and disorders. Traditionally, they prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, vision therapy, and low vision aids. They may also use special tests and tools to identify and evaluate vision defects that are symptomatic of other diseases.

UTSA does not offer a degree for Optometry. Students can complete their pre-requisites toward Optometry school application.

Timeline for optometry school applicants. This timeline is subject to change based on students’ competitiveness and readiness to apply.

Before applying to an optometry programs, schools will expect you to establish academic readiness through undergraduate coursework. Optometry schools have specific coursework that is required for admission.

Research the requirements of the schools where you plan to apply as course requirements will and can vary from school to school. You can consult the individual Optometry school websites for information on admission requirements.

The below science and math courses are common among each individual Optometry program; students should check individual websites for additional course pre-requisite requirements.

Biology

BIO 1203 + BIO 1201(lab) and

BIO 1223 + BIO 1221 (lab) (new course numbers effective fall 2022*)

MMI 3713 + MMI 3722 (lab) (previously BIO 3713 + 3722)

 Chemistry

CHE 1103 + CHE 1121 (lab) and

CHE 1113 + CHE 1131 (lab)

Organic chemistry

CHE 2603 + CHE 2612 (lab)

Biochemistry*

BCH 3303 Effective Fall 2024 this is the new course number for non-chemistry majors.

BCH 3313 this is the new course number for Chemistry/Biochemistry majors.

Physics

PHY 1603 + PHY 1611 (lab) and PHY 1623 + PHY 1631 (lab);  or
PHY 1943 + PHY 1951 (lab) and PHY 1963 + PHY 1971 (lab)

Statistics (Approved courses)

 STA 1053, or STA 1403

 Mathematics

Calculus: MAT 1214 or MAT 1193

Social & Behavioral Sciences

PSY 1013

* BIO 1404 and BIO 1414 (previous Biology course numbers still meet approved Biology pre-requisites)

* BIO 3513 or CHE 3303 or CHE 3313 (previous catalog course numbers will still meet the Optometry school pre-requisite for Biochemistry).

*indicates additional UTSA pre-requisite course required

1. Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO)
2. American Optometric Association (AOA)
3. Optometry Admission Test (OAT)
4. Texas Optometry Schools - see below links

• University of Houston College of Optometry
• University of the Incarnate Word, Rosenberg School of Optometry