» Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) at Western University of Health Sciences

Program Overview

The Western University College of Optometry offers an innovative Doctor of Optometry program that emphasizes optometric rehabilitation including neuro-optometry. This emerging specialty helps patients who have visual and perceptual problems as a result of brain injury, stroke, physical disability or neurological illness. Our emphasis on optometric rehabilitation also includes vision therapy, low vision rehabilitation, and care for vulnerable populations such as those with developmental disabilities.

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A small, private, health-focused institution that fosters interprofessional learning
Early clinical training that develops professional and communication skills
Low student-to-faculty ratio
Long humanistic tradition of treating patients as people first; treating students as colleagues; and fostering camaraderie among students
Outstanding student support services including tutoring and disability resources
Diverse student body and rich array of student clubs and volunteer opportunities
Great Southern California location with tremendous clinical training opportunities as well as access to major cultural and recreational resources

Prepares you for entry-level optometry care along with a special emphasis on optometric rehabilitation, neuro-science and neuro-optometry
Patient-centered and evidence-based
Offers early and extensive clinical experience in community-based settings such as private practices, community clinics and hospitals.
Emphasizes compassionate care, treating the patient as an individual first.
Includes interprofessional education in collaboration with other health disciplines.

You will learn and ultimately master advanced diagnostic techniques and clinical skills in Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCE) in which you will be assessed on your knowledge base and professionalism as well as technical, cognitive and diagnostic skills to ensure you able to provide patient care at its best.

Upon graduation, you will be well prepared to successfully complete your national and state board examinations to become licensed to practice in the state of your choosing.

Prerequisites

The first step in the admissions process is to ensure you are on track to complete both the course prerequisites and application requirements in time to apply for your preferred year of entry.

International Students: We do not require a separate application or fee, and you should be prepared to meet all of the prerequisite and application requirements as outlined. If you need assistance with immigration (I-20 form, F-1 visa, SEVIS, etc.), our International Student Services (ISS) staff are available to help you.Visit the ISS website to learn more.

Make Yourself a Competitive Candidate

Admission to the program is competitive so you should strive to not only meet, but exceed the minimum requirements. To get a feel for the competitiveness of the applicant pool we recommend that you view our class statistics page, review the national statistics for Optometry and read what the admissions committee recommends you do to maximize your candidacy.

Meet with a Chapman University pre-health advisor on campus or virtually Sophomore or junior with a minimum of 24 completed semester units or 36 quarter units in good academic standing
The pre-health advisor/s at Chapman University will evaluate and nominate suitable individuals with outstanding credentials to the WesternU/College of Optometry Admissions Linkage Committee (the Committee)
Candidates nominated by Chapman University are then invited to submit the following items:
- An official linkage application
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
  - one from a Science or Math faculty member
  - one from either a pre-professional advisor or optometrist
- Official or unofficial transcripts from ALL institutions attended should be emailed to wucolinkage@westernu.edu
Students will be notified whether they will be invited to join the linkage program
Participation in the linkage program will provide access to support for the WesternU/College of Optometry application process
Successful participants in the Linkage program will be guaranteed an interview as an applicant to WesternU/College of Optometry
Successful participants in the Linkage program are expected to demonstrate humanism, knowledge of the profession of optometry, motivation, and personal qualities that give evidence of their suitability for a career in optometry, with applicable standards of student conduct
Each Linkage program student is also responsible for sending grade reports each term (copy of Unofficial Transcripts) to the WesternU/College of Optometry Admissions Linkage Committee by emailing wucolinkage@westernu.edu.
For official admission into the WesternU/College of Optometry all matriculates must meet the criteria published in the catalog for that admissions cycle. Prior to scheduling an interview for admission, Linkage program students must submit either OAT or GRE scores, as consistent with the criteria published in the catalog

» Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) at Western University of Health Sciences

Program Overview

Program Highlights

Curriculum

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites

Make Yourself a Competitive Candidate

How to Apply

CONTACT

Raquel Feres

Dr. Frank Frisch