Pre-Professional Programs at UT Tyler

Overview

Doctors of optometry provide most of the primary vision care that people need. They examine, diagnose, treat and manage eye diseases and disorders.

Optometrists may administer drugs for diagnostic purposes and, in many states, prescribe drugs to treat eye diseases. 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.

Students must earn a bachelor's degree and complete a four-year accredited program at a college of optometry. All applicants must take the Optometric Admissions Test (OAT) to be considered for admission to a college of optometry.

To practice in Texas, optometrists must pass a state licensing exam. Applicants for licensure must have a doctor of optometry degree from an optometric program accredited by the American Optometric Association's Council on Optometric Education.

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the annual average salary of an optometrist (2011 data) is $96,100.

Related career fields include optician, optometric assistant, optometric technician, ophthalmologist (physician), ophthalmic assistant and ophthalmic technologist.

• Prerequisites (select prerequisites)
• Class Profile

Texas Optometry Schools

University of Houston College of Optometry

For more information or questions concerning courses at UT Tyler that will fulfill optometry school prerequisites, please contact:  

Dr. Rachel Mason
Chief Health Professions Advisor & JAMP Faculty Director
Associate Professor of Chemistry & Assistant Chair
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
The University of Texas at Tyler
3900 University Blvd
Tyler, Texas 75799
Office: RBS 3002
Phone: 903.565.5641

Marti Halbrook, MS
Assistant Director, of Academy of Future Health Professionals
The University of Texas at Tyler
3900 University Blvd
Tyler, Texas 75799
Office CAS 132
Phone: 903.566.7193