QUICK FACTS: OPTOMETRY

Description: Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eyes and associated structures. They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and medications to treat eye diseases as well as perform certain surgical procedures.

Salary and employment opportunities: The average salary for all optometrists is about $130,000. Southern School of Optometry reports that starting salaries for their grads range from $70,000 to $90,000. Opportunities for practice are strong. Optometrists may practice solo or in a group; they may also be part of a diverse group of medical professionals as part of an HMO or hospital staff.

Education required:

Undergraduate: Although most optometry schools will admit a student with only 3 years of undergraduate work, about 90% of admitted students have completed an undergraduate degree.

Professional: 4 years

Admissions requirements:

May vary somewhat among the different schools. The ones given below are for Southern College of Optometry in Memphis.

Required courses:
 8 hours of biology/zoology
  4 hours organic chemistry
  8 hours physics
  3 hours biochemistry or molecular biology
  8 hours general chemistry
  3 hours calculus and 3 hours statistics
  3 hours Introduction to Psychology
Grade Point Average: Average GPA for 2004 entering class was 3.46
Optometry Admissions Test (OAT): Average score for 2004 entering class was 325. Score should be 300 or greater.