Pre-Optometry

• Gannon University offers a diverse group of competitive affiliation programs with professional schools to provide qualified students with an advantage over students at other colleges at the time of application. A number of these programs allow the student to complete the undergraduate phase of the program in three years rather than four, although the majority of students choose to complete a bachelor’s degree prior to attending professional school.  
• Gannon offers an optometry affiliation program with Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry (SALUS/PCO).  
• Gannon graduates have pursued optometry degrees at the following institutions: University of California, Ohio State University, State University of New York, Nova Southeastern University, Salus University, Southern College of Optometry and Illinois College of Optometry.  

You Will Learn

Optometrists provide primary vision care. They perform eye exams and vision tests, prescribe and dispense corrective lenses, detect eye abnormalities and prescribe medications for eye diseases. Small class sizes, high-quality academics and customized curricula collectively create a strong foundation for students preparing to apply to optometry school. Students are able to complete the necessary prerequisite coursework and major in a degree of their choosing (most commonly biology, chemistry or biochemistry). Students are provided with expert advising and numerous resources as they work toward becoming a competitive professional school applicant.

You Will Experience

Gannon University’s pre-optometry students have the opportunity to become well-rounded leaders both in and out of the classroom. Their involvement in service and scholarship activities helps to prepare them for a career in the health professions. Pre-optometry students are eligible to participate in:

• Gannon faculty-led research.
• Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), a program sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
• shadowing opportunities coordinated by the Career Exploration and Development Office.
• workshops reviewing the application process, personal statements, interviewing, etc.
• unique courses including Community Health Coaches (course and internship), Medical Practice and Training, and an MCAT prep course.
• Gannon University Pre-Health Club.
• Health Professions Theme Community, a residency enrichment program located in North Hall.

You Will Achieve

There are many specific career paths stemming from optometry. Such opportunities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• low vision  
• pediatric optometry  
• sports vision  
• vision science  
• vision therapy        

You Will Earn

Estimates show that the job outlook will continue to increase much faster than average for optometrists (27-percent growth) through 2024. The median annual salary for these healthcare professionals in 2015 was.

• Optometrist: $103,900  

You Will Study