List of Optometry Schools in Virginia

Optometrists are known for making a difference in making life better for people around them by handling their vision care and diagnosing problems related to their eyes. All this is possible after they go through extensive years of studies to become good optometrists only then they can carry out their job as an optometrist daily.

Becoming an optometrist can be one of the best decisions one can make as it is a rewarding career with a wide range of growth opportunities. To make all of this possible first of all you will have to have a well-established mindset and knowledge and this is only possible by enrolling yourself in a reputable and accredited optometry college.

You have to have good college grades and OAT scores and also clear any subject prerequisites required by any college. Schools that specifically offer optometry have a four-year program that trains the students and makes them able to become doctors of optometry also known as optometrists.

List of Optometry Schools in Virginia

This article will help you figure out the best college for you to become an optometrist in Virginia. Following is an extensive list compiled for you which will help you decide according to your convenience:

1.   Virginia College of Optometry

A public research university found in Charlottesville, Virginia was founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819. It is one of the top universities in the USA with a tightly selective admission pool. Its optometry programs are accredited by Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE).

• Admission Requirements

UVA accepts students with a 17  ACT Composite Score or 900 SAT Composite Score (test optional), but to stay on the safer side you should have an SAT score between 1320-1510, ACT scores between 30-34, and 3.0 Cumulative High School GPA

• Acceptance Rate

The university has a strict acceptance rate of an average of 23% acceptance rate

• Financial Aid

UVA gives financial aid to in-state and out-of-state students but for that, you need to complete your FAFSA and CSS profiles and about 60% of candidates receive aid

• Accreditation

Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE

• Curriculum and Clinical Experience

The UVA Optometry program falls under the category of a specialty facility for contact lens education. The student will encounter patients wearing various types of contact lenses and dealing

with a wide range of issues. The extern, for instance, will receive experience in both straightforward cosmetics fits, such as spherical, toric, and multifocal, as well as complicated cosmetic fits related to conditions like keratoconus, corneal graphing, aphakia, and irregular astigmatism. Additionally, the extern will work with unique customized soft lenses, scleral, hybrid, and rosek lenses.

The extern will also take part in the Primary Eye Care Clinic, where he or she will interact with patients who have a wide range of illnesses, from diabetes to multiple sclerosis. The extern will receive experience in everything from co-managing glaucoma to straightforward refractive care.

• Tuition Fees

In-District Tuition Fee	In-state Tuition Fee	Out-of-state Tuition Fee
$15,840	$15,840	$49,041

2.   The University of Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry

Known as the largest catholic university in Texas with main campuses in San Antonio and Alamo Heights, Texas founded in 1881 by sisters of charity of incarnate word. Their optometry program is fully equipped and students are laced well to be on the mission of health and human dignity.

• Admission Requirement

Completion of application, High School Transcript, Your G.E.D scores, AP/Achievement or CLEP Test Score (if taken), Dual credit transcript, and optionally you might need a letter of recommendation, SAT/ACT scores (optional)

• Acceptance Rate

The university has a wide acceptance rate so it might be easy for you to get in with a 94% acceptance rate

• Financial Aid

Federal loans are provided and students also need to complete their FAFSA profile for other government loans and financial aid available in addition, they can also apply for Federal Work Study (FWS)

• Accreditation

Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE)

• Curriculum and Clinical Experience

You need to complete 203.5 credits to complete your optometry and for a detailed curriculum, plan to visit UiW Optometry Curriculum. In addition, the university optometry degree has a clinical trial program for the side-by-side experience.

• Tuition Fees

In-State Tuition Fee	Out-of-State Tuition Fee
$45,998	That can be confirmed by the financial assistance at the official website

3.   Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry

Situated in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania founded in 1919 is a Private university that offers specialization programs in several programs to become healthcare professionals. The College of consistency provides the highest level of optometric and audiological education. The institution still feels proud to set the legacy for an outstanding four-year optometry program.

• Admission Requirements

The college only accepts students whose Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS) is all clear. OptomCAS usually starts the application process at the end of June each year. To apply for OptomCAS. Other than that you also need to clear your OAT. In addition, you also need to get through with the online Atlus Suite assessment which also has Casper Test included. To keep a check on the complete admission requirement plan which is updated each year click here.

• Acceptance Rate

The University of Salus accepts students four times a year through GradCAS, CSDCAS, CASPA, and OptomCAS according to the requirements of the program. It has an 85% acceptance rate.

• Financial Aid

The university provides several financial aids in the form of scholarships, loans, campus employment, and budgeting plans. For a detailed financial aid, plan.

• Accreditation

The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Its optometry degrees are also accredited program is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) of the American Optometric Association (AOA).

• Curriculum and Clinical Experience

The curriculum is designed based on different tracks to be followed by students throughout the year. For a fully detailed curriculum plane. Also, the college offers a clinical experience that prepares the student with practical experiences you can find the clinical experience details by clicking here.

• Tuition Fees

In-State Tuition Fees	Out-of-State Tuition Fees
$45,150	$45,800

 

4.   Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry

It is a private medical college and health science university which was founded in 1977  with its main campuses in Pomona, California, with an additional osteopathic medical school in Lebanon, Oregon. Its California campus has an Optometry College which is fully equipped.

• Admission Requirement

MCAT Scores are to be submitted, an Essay / Personal Statement is required, and Sciences/Non-Sciences

GPA is required, GRE and OAT scores are required, Extracurricular Activities participation may be required, Letters of Recommendation is required, Interview is required, State Residency is optional.

Other than that applicants applying for admission to the DO program must meet the following minimum academic requirements at the time of application: A minimum of 90 semester hours, from a regionally-accredited college or university. Application may be submitted before taking the MCAT. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a requirement. The MCAT exam must be taken before January of the entering year. All applicants must complete eight (8) semester units of Biology Inorganic Chemistry (with lab) Organic Chemistry (with lab) Physics and six (6) semester units of English and Behavioral Science. Average UGrad GPA is 3.49.

For further application, details visit the official page of the institute.

• Acceptance Rate

The optometry college has an extremely strict acceptance rate of 20%.

• Financial Aid

The average financial aid awarded each year is $49415 and almost 94% of students receive financial aid.

• Accreditation

The institute is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and is also recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE).

• Curriculum and Clinical Experience

To review the detailed curriculum plan. The Optometry department has a progressive approach and offers six to eight weeks of rotation practical work to make learning better clinical experience details are linked here.

• Tuition Fees

In-State Tuition Fees	Out-of-State Tuition Fees
$40,890	$40,890

 

5.   Southern College of Optometry

Founded in 1932 with a vision to influence without any boundaries it is a private college of optometry located in Memphis, Tennessee. It has a system dedicated to offering the best education in the optometry sector and also offering the best care for patients.

• Admission Requirement

OptomCAS Application and All Supporting Documents, SCO’s Supplemental Application, Optometry Admission Test (OAT) Scores, and along with your school transcripts. To apply click here. A Math & Science GPA of 3.0, with an overall GPA of 3.2, is the minimum make-up range of an entering class. Standardized Testing Requirements Applicants are encouraged to take the exam during the spring of the year before applying.

• Acceptance Rate

As of 2022 806 students applied and only 133 students got in so the recent acceptance rate as of 2022 was 17%. SCO quick fact check.

• Financial Aid

SCO has a financial aid office that facilitates students who are facing financial constraints. For details that are kept up to date click here.

• Accreditation

Southern College of Optometry is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award a doctoral degree.

• Curriculum and Clinical Experience

For a detailed curriculum, plan click here. The curriculum is listed for each professional year student. The college has a specially designed externship program that offers a well-planned clinical experience to students.

• Tuition Fees

Non-Regional Tuition Fees	Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina	Kansas	Tennessee	West Virginia	Regional Tuition Fees	Out-of-State
$39,938	$20,738	$33,438	$27,120	$28,428	$19,497	$36,324

 

6.   Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry

Located in Downers Grove, Illinois, and Glendale, Arizona was founded in 1900 it is a private medical and professional school with campuses in Downers Grove, Illinois, and Glendale, Arizona. Its Arizona College for Optometry offers several professional degrees for aspiring optometrists.

• Admission Requirement

You need to have a minimum cumulative GPA and a science coursework GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. A baccalaureate or BA  degree can work but a BS degree is given preference. Submit the results of one of the following entrance examinations:  Optometry Admissions Test (OAT),  Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), Dental Aptitude Test (DAT), Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). 

A competitive test score (at least at or above the mean score for each exam) is recommended for all applicants. Provide two recommendation letters, and be able to participate in community work and extracurricular activities. You also need to pass the midwestern university criminal background check. You also need to agree to say no to any kind of drug or substance abuse. Pre-requisites are listed here.

• Acceptance Rate

It has a tight-knit pool of acceptance and filters out the best of the best candidates with an acceptance rate of 75%.

• Financial Aid

Several loans, grants, and scholarships are provided as financial aid to help support students who are financially challenged. The financial aid plans are revised and are listed down here.

• Accreditation

The college is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA).

• Curriculum and Clinical Experience

A total of 253 credit hours is required and all the curriculum is listed here. Practical clinical experience is provided side by side which is considered important for students learning

• Tuition Fees

In-State Tuition Fee	Out-of-State Tuition Fees
$46,239	$46,239

7.   Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry

Nova Southeastern University founded in 1964 is a private research university with its main campus in Davie, Florida. The university consists of 14 total colleges, centers, and schools offering over 150 programs of study. Its optometry program started in 1989 it then aims to train, and educate optometric physicians so that they perform to their best in their professional life with integrity and efficiency.

• Admission Requirement

To be admitted, you need to have a 3.36 average GPA, 322 OAT academic average, and 320 OAT total science. You need to get through your OAT score, have a minimum GPA, letters of evaluation, and also get done with the interviews.

• Acceptance Rate

This private institution has a strict acceptance rate of 10% only.

• Financial Aid

Several financial aids are offered for a detailed plan outlook click here.

• Accreditation

The institutes’ optometry programs are fully accredited by The Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE).

• Curriculum and Clinical Experience

A detailed curriculum plan is mentioned on the university website. Side-by-side clinical training is provided to the students which are necessary for hands-on experience.

• Tuition Fees

In-State Tuition Fees	Out-of-State Tuition Fees
$34,424	$38,997

8.   Pacific University College of Optometry

Founded in 1949 is a private institute driven towards education that provides side-by-side experience. Its optometry program has world-renowned faculty and it is equipped with clinical sites as well which help prepare future optometrists with the best of the best experience.

• Admission Requirement

You need to have a minimum 3.00 Grade Point Average (GPA) and at least 310 Optometry Admission Test (OAT) or at least 153 in Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores and also get done with your interviews.

• Acceptance Rate

The institute has a 91% acceptance rate.

• Financial Aid

About 20 scholarships will be given to first-year optometry students by the Pacific University College of Optometry. The awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 and include our Dean’s Merit Award

($15,000 over three years), Dean’s Scholarships ($5,000 toward your first-year tuition), and other prizes. Students applying to optometry also need to complete their FAFSA

• Accreditation

The optometry college programs are fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) of the American Optometric Association (AOA).

• Curriculum and Clinical Experience

The full curriculum is listed here. The college continues its legacy of hands-on experience and is known to have a program that provides a clinical experience so that future optometrists are placed in clinical in their professional life.

• Tuition Fees

In-State Tuition Fee	Out-of-State Tuition Fee
$46,925	$46,925

9.   New England College of Optometry

Established in 1894 it is a private optometry college in Boston, Massachusetts. It aims at providing the best base for optometry aspirants and is one of the oldest institutes of optometry still running and flourishing day by day.

• Admission Requirement

To obtain a degree in optometry in this college you need to complete the necessary prerequisites, you will take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) and also Minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.30 and minimum science/math GPA of 3.20 at the time of matriculation at NECO. All the prerequisites required are listed here.

• Acceptance Rate

Being one of the USA’s most selective colleges it has a 10-20% acceptance rate range.

• Financial Aid

Several financial aids are available with scholarships and loans to facilitate students facing any kind of financial issue which are being a barrier to their learning. Click here to check if you are eligible for financial aid or not.

• Accreditation

New England College of Optometry is accredited by both the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) of the American Optometric Association and by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE).

• Curriculum and Clinical Experience

The curriculum is updated each year and for 2021-22 it is listed here. Necessary clinical training is provided so students get the chance to go through practical clinical practices under the observation of optometrists.

• Tuition Fees

In-State Tuition Fee	Out-of-State Tuition Fee
$44,748	$46,119

Optometry Career Outcomes

Many optometrists are business owners, and those who are may devote more time to administrative tasks including employing staff, purchasing supplies, and marketing their firm. Optometrists can also serve as consultants in the eye care sector, postsecondary teachers, and researchers at optometry schools.

An average doctor makes $189,000 a year. On average, optometrists make $146,000 a year. These fields’ salaries are largely influenced by a few important variables, including experience, education, location, and specialization. For instance, physicians with greater experience typically make more money than physicians with less experience.

The optometry employment rate has been observed as the number of people employed in the Optometrists industry in the US increased by 2.9% on average over the five years between 2018 and 2023. Also, the employment of optometrists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

Conclusion

All in all A doctor of optometry, also known as an optometrist, is a medical specialist who offers Primary Vision Care, which includes everything from eye exams and vision correction to the identification, treatment, and management of eye diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

Optometrists have a significant impact on people’s life. They apply their expertise and talents daily to enhance vision, identify, and treat a variety of eye diseases. Additionally, they can warn patients of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a brain tumor that can have a profound impact on their quality of life.

Also, it is a rewarding career path that has flexibility and several chances and pathways of advancement for your career. The field of optometry is a giving career and offers many prospects for career advancement. Additionally, the majority of optometrists enjoy a high level of job satisfaction and a high standard of living. You won’t be shortchanged financially either.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the admission requirements for optometry schools in Virginia?

Common admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA, standardized test scores (e.g. OAT), and prerequisite coursework.

2. How much does it cost to attend an optometry school in Virginia?

Tuition and fees for optometry schools in Virginia can range from $30,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the school and program.

3. Is financial aid available for optometry students in Virginia?

Yes, many optometry schools in Virginia offer financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, and student loans to help students finance their education.

4. What is the duration of an optometry program in Virginia?

Optometry programs typically last 4 years and include both didactic and clinical components.

5. What are the career prospects for optometrists in Virginia?

Graduates of optometry schools in Virginia can expect strong job prospects and competitive salaries, with the demand for optometrists projected to grow in the coming years.

6. How important is accreditation for optometry schools in Virginia?

Accreditation is crucial for ensuring the quality of an optometry program and verifying that it meets industry standards. Accreditation is also important for eligibility for licensure and for receiving financial aid.

7. Can I specialize in a particular area of optometry while studying in Virginia?

Yes, many optometry schools in Virginia offer opportunities for students to specialize in areas such as pediatric optometry, ocular disease, or contact lenses.

8. Is Optometry physics based?

Yes, you will come face to face with Physics many times during optometry as it is a well-known fact that physics plays a significant role in an eye exam in the field of optometry. Optics are a part of physics.

9. How do I pay for optometry school?

The majority of financial help for optometry students comes in the form of loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs, which accepted applicants should be aware of. After graduation, loans and the main form of financial aid for students studying optometry must be repaid.

10. When considering optometry as your future career where do you see yourself in ten years?

This is one of the most common questions asked during optometry interviews you can answer this by doing research, imagining your future self, relating your answer to your job, reflecting upon your ambitions out of optometry, tell the interviewees realistically what you want out o your optometry career after 10 years. 

11. What does DFE mean in Optometry?

A pharmacological drop was put into your eyes during a dilated fundus examination to widen your pupils. This enables the physician to do a more thorough examination of the condition of the interior and exterior of your eye.

12. What does OC mean in Optometry?

The position of your pupils within your eye that provides you with the clearest vision is called your ocular center, or OC. The natural optical center gives you the clearest picture of what your brain is seeing.

13. What does AR mean in Optometry?

Anti-reflective (AR) eyeglass lenses eliminate distracting glare and reflections that impair vision. Anti-reflective coatings are one of the most often used types of lenses among people who wear glasses because of this.

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