Useful Pre-Optometry Resources

American Academy of Optometry
American Academy of Optometry is a resource used to “promote the art and science of vision care through lifelong learning” (American Academy of Optometry). Information regarding fellowships and the American Optometric Foundation can be found here.

American Optometric Association (AOA)
The AOA is an organization representing students, assistants, technicians and doctors in the optometry field providing a variety of resources to assist them in caring for the vision of their patients.

Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO)
The ASCO is a compilation of programs throughout the US. Students have access to the most current list of schools offering optometry programs and the requirements needed to pursue this type of career in addition to costs of those programs and comments from students working in the field. This site also provides students with the latest news in research and practices within the field. ASCO student enrollment and graduation data is available here.

Guide to Optometric Loans, Grants and Scholarships
AOA has a comprehensive list of general and school-based optometry scholarship and grant resources.

Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS)
OptomCAS is a centralized application service for students wanted to pursue careers in the Optometry field. The application process allows students to apply to many schools with one application and one set of required materials.

US Dept of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides information on optometrist salary, employment and work location.