If you’re interested in becoming an optometrist, you’re on the right path. Optometry is a rewarding profession where you get to help improve people’s eyesight and quality of life. To become an optometrist, you’ll need to pursue a degree in optometry, which typically takes four years post-undergraduate. Before that, though, you need to complete an undergraduate degree that prepares you for optometry school. That’s where pre-optometry studies come in.

Pre-optometry studies focus on the core subjects that will prepare you for a career in optometry, including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Where you choose to study pre-optometry will undoubtedly affect your success in getting into optometry school and your overall chances of succeeding in your optometry career.

Here are some of the best colleges and universities in the world for pre-optometry studies.

1. Johns Hopkins University:

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins University is widely recognized as one of the top pre-optometry schools in the world. Its Department of Biology provides courses and research opportunities that delve into the molecular and cellular foundations of life.

2. University of California, Berkeley:

Located in Berkeley, California, this is one of the oldest public research universities in the US. Its Molecular and Cell Biology program provides specializations in genetics, immunology, and biochemistry that will help you excel in optometry school.

3. University of Michigan:

Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, this university’s Biology department is one of the best in the US, and its research opportunities are available not only to upperclassmen, but also to qualified undeclared freshmen.

4. University of Washington:

Located in Seattle, Washington, this university offers a Biology program that provides its students with an understanding of the molecular, cellular, and organismal aspects of living systems. It also has a team of faculty dedicated to advising pre-optometry students.

5. University of California, Los Angeles:

Located in Los Angeles, California, this university provides a Biology program that covers the foundational topics of cellular and molecular biology, genetics, and physiology. Additionally, the university has many research opportunities that will give you hands-on experience in the field.

Other honorable mentions include Cornell University, University of Pennsylvania, Emory University, and Duke University.

In conclusion, choosing the right college or university for pre-optometry studies sets the foundation for your optometry career. The institutions listed above provide a solid background in the core subjects that will be essential for a successful optometry school experience. Good luck in your endeavors towards becoming an optometrist!