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Pre-Optometry
Program

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & HEALTH

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An optometrist is an eye doctor who has earned the Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree.

Optometrists examine eyes for both vision and health problems, and correct refractive errors by prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. Some optometrists also provide low vision care and vision therapy. Optometrists in the United States also are licensed to prescribe medications to treat certain eye problems and diseases. Optometrists also may participate in your pre- and post-operative care if you have eye surgery performed by an ophthalmologist.

close up of an eye, pre-optometry

View Course Information

Pre-Health Professions - Lisle Pre-Health Professions - Mesa

What Our Graduates Do With This Degree

Pre-Professional Alumni

Our graduates are accepted into top-tier medical, dental and other health professional schools, including University of Michigan, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, The University of Texas, New York University, Saint Louis University, Loyola University Chicago and Midwestern University. They have gone on to work at Rush University Medical Center, Northwestern Medicine, Edward-Elmhurst Health and Mayo Clinic, among many others. In fact, if you go to any clinical site in the region, odds are a Benedictine alumnus works there.

What Should My Major Be?

While optometry schools do not typically require a specific major, many students find our BS in Health Science or BS in Biology to match well with the pre-requisite courses needed to gain entry. Other majors work as well, and we recommend your finding one that suits your personal interests.

optometry, eye testing
optometrist, eye exam

What's Required to be and Optometrist

An optometrist generally must complete a four-year college degree program with specific pre-requisite courses, plus four years of post-graduate professional training in optometry school. Admission to schools of optometry is competitive. Admissions teams look for candidates who demonstrate an understanding of the profession and community engagement.

Optometry Resource Links

optometry, eye exam

I can sum up my experience at Benedictine in one word, ‘challenging.’ Let’s face it, organic chemistry is not going to be easy no matter where you take it or who you take it with. But the fact that the science professors had an open door policy made it very doable, even enjoyable. As a serious science student, if you took the time and put the effort into your coursework, your professors were willing to put the time into you. They knew who you were — something that is simply not possible in lecture halls filled with several hundred students.

Nina Goyle

NINA GOYAL, M.D.
B.S.’98, BIOLOGY
Eye Physician and Surgeon Partner at University Ophthalmology Associates and Assistant Professor at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago