Optometrists do more than perform routine eye exams. They are on the frontline, providing eye and vision care, prescribing medications, vision therapy and surgical procedures. They diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries and other disorders of the eyes. Optometrists help individuals worldwide to have clear vision and maintain good eye health.


Students interested in attending optometry school should contact the ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥ Pre-Professional Program Advisors as soon as possible upon enrollment at ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥. It is the responsibility of the student to research optometry schools in which they are interested. Optometry schools will have their own admission requirements, and students should take courses needed for those specific programs. The ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥ Pre-Professional Program Advisors guide pre-optometry students to choose the best major and courses, so they have the best chance for acceptance to optometry schools.

In This Section
Pre-Professional Programs

Getting Started

Where You Can Get A Degree

The pre-optometry program is available at the following ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥ campus:

Preparing for Optometry School

Students interested in attending optometry school should contact the ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥ Pre-Professional Program Advisors as soon as possible upon enrollment at ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥. It is the responsibility of the student to research optometry schools in which they are interested. Optometry schools will have their own admission requirements, and students should take courses needed for those specific programs. The ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥ Pre-Professional Program Advisors guide pre-optometry students to choose the best major and courses, so they have the best chance for acceptance to optometry schools.

Application Instructions

Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the or . To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥â€™s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

Male student at laptop
Learn More
For more information about the pre-optometry program, contact the Admissions Office (1-888-ALVERNIA or admissions@alvernia.edu) or reach out directly to:

Brandi Burns, MMSPAS, PA-C
brandi.burns@alvernia.edu

Ondra Kielbasa, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology
610-230-5701 | Ondra.kielbasa@alvernia.edu


Program Overview

Curriculum

Most optometry schools require the following coursework for admission to a graduate program:


Chemistry: 2 Semesters

  • General Chemistry I
  • General Chemistry II


Organic Chemistry: 2 Semesters

  • Organic Chemistry I
  • Organic Chemistry II


Math: 2 Semesters

  • Calculus I
  • Calculus II


Biology: 2 Semesters

  • Principals of Biology I
  • Principals of Biology II
  • Microbiology


Physics: 2 Semesters

  • Physics I
  • Physics II


English: 2 Semesters


Psychology: 1 Semester


Some optometry schools require the following coursework for admission to a graduate program:


Anatomy and Physiology: 2 Semesters

  • A & P I
  • A & P II


Upper-Level Sciences

  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology
  • Microbiology
Career Outlook

Optometrists enjoy an independent career lifestyle and have skills they can use anywhere in the world. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of optometrists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage in 2021 was $124,300.

Experiential Learning

With hundreds of community connections in Greater Reading and beyond, pre-professional students can complete internships in a variety of healthcare settings. Recently, pre-professional students have complete internships with:

  • Tower Health
  • Carim Eye and Retina Center
  • Berkleigh Eye Care
  • St. Joseph Medical Center
  • Penn State College of Medicine Hershey
  • Eye Consultants of PA
Pre-Health Professions Club

The Pre-Health Professions Club provides a setting in which students working toward careers in health professions can share information, learn more about health professions, and develop friendships with students with similar interests. Past club activities include autopsy observations, health fairs, free health screening services and visits to local healthcare organizations.