Looking to attend one of the best optometry schools in California? We are here for you. In this article, we have given an overview of some of the top optometry schools to attend classes in California.
Optometrist are medical personnel who examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system. They are responsible for the treatment, management and correction of disorders and diseases of the visual system, the eye and its associated structures.
Optometric Schools in California
Overview of some of the schools in California to pursue Optometry course
1. Western University College of Health Sciences, College of Optometry
Western University College of Health Sciences is a private health sciences university located in California. The school has its main campus located in Pomona, California, with an additional osteopathic medical school in Lebanon, Oregon.
Western University of Health Sciences, formerly known as College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, was established in 1977 with academic staff and a student population as of 2022 were about 393 and 3,800 respectively.
Courses Offered
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
- Doctor of Dental Medicine
- Doctor of Optometry
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- Doctor of Pharmacy
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
The university also offers several Master of Science courses in the field of Physician Assistant Studies, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences and Medical Sciences. The college of Optometry was accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) on February 6, 2013.
School of Optometry Application Requirements
- Applicant must have a minimum of 90 semester or 135 quarter units of undergraduate coursework
- Applicant must submit standardized test scores as requested by the school
- He or She must also submit two letters of recommendation
- Proof of legal U.S residency - if required
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
School Website: https://www.westernu.edu/optometry/
2. UC Berkeley School of Optometry
One of the top schools in California to attend optometry classes is the School of Optometry, UC Berkeley. UC Berkeley School of Optometry, also known as Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science is a public professional Optometry school located in Berkeley, California.
The school was established in 1923 making it one of the oldest optometry universities in the United States. The school offers a graduate-level, four-year professional level leading to the Doctor of Optometry degree.
At school of optometry, Berkeley, students are trained to provide primary eye and vision care, such as comprehensive eye examination and diagnose, treatment and management of eye conditions and diseases.
Admission Process and Requirements
1. Standardized Test Scores (Now an optional due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Submission of standardized test scores is now an optional for students)
2. Academic transcripts to be verified by OptomCAS
3. Three letters of recommendation received by OptomCAS
4. Supplementary fee paid via the UC Berkeley Admission Portal
5. Applicants will be invited to interview
School Website: https://optometry.berkeley.edu/
3. Marshall B Ketchum University Southern California College of Optometry
The college is a private university located in Fullerton, California that focuses on graduate programs in healthcare. The institution is one of the oldest optometry schools in the world.
Marshall B. Ketchum University was established in 1904 as a multidisciplinary university with the addition of School of Physician Assistant Studies and College of Pharmacy in 2011 and 2013 respectively. The college is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) of the American Optometry Association (AOA).
Marshall B. Ketchum University of Optometry is a four-year post baccalaureate program leading to the award of degree and Doctor of Optometry (OD). The school also offers the following programs: Physician Assistant (PA), Pharmacy, and Master of Science in Vision Science.
General Admission Requirements
1. Applicant must pass OAT and other standardized test
2. Applicants must also have a submit letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation should be submitted directly by the recommender to OptomCAS
3. Academic transcripts
4. Shadowing and Experience
5. OptomCAS Application
6. SCCO Supplemental Fees
7. Criminal Background Check
School Website: https://www.ketchum.edu/optometry
What will you be taught in Optometry School?
Most Optometry programs are four years long and include coursework in subjects like human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry and biochemistry. At Optometry school, you will also learn about eye diseases and conditions, vision science, and other topics related to vision and eye health. You may also have the option option to specialize in areas like contact lenses, vision therapy, ocular diseases, pediatrics etc.
Conclusion
We have given an overview of the top Optometry schools in California in this article. California has only three optometry schools as at the time of writing this article. I suggest you visit each school's website to learn more about their admission requirements, fees and other relevant information.
Other related contents
Best Ballet Schools In New York
