The Pre-Optometry path at FGCU is part of the OneHealth Pre-Professional Studies advising system. It is not a single course, but a coursework and experience track designed to prepare students for entry into Doctor of Optometry (OD) programs. Most students major in Biology – Pre-Professional Concentration, but other majors may also be appropriate. Please remember to reach out the OneHealth Pre-Professional Program Coordinator at prehealth@fgcu.edu
for the most personalized support.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
- General Biology 1 with Lab (BSC 1010C)
- General Biology 2 (BSC 1011) and General Biology 2 Lab (BSC 1011L)
- General Chemistry 1 (CHM 1045)
- General Chemistry 1 Lab (CHW 1045L)
- General Chemistry 2 (CHM 1046)
- General Chemistry 2 Lab (CHW 1046L)
- Organic Chemistry 1 (CHM 2210)
- Organic Chemistry 1 Lab (CHM 2210L)
- Organic Chemistry 2 (CHM 2211)
- Organic Chemistry 2 Lab (CHM 2211L)
- Statistical Methods (STA 2023)
- Biochemistry (BCH 3023C)
- College Physics 1 (PHY 2053)
- College Physics 1 (PHY 2053L)
- College Physics 1 (PHY 2054)
- College Physics 1 (PHY 2054L)
- General Education Courses
- Calculus 1 (MAC 2311) or Statistical Methods (STA 2023)
- General Psychology (PSY 2012)
- Genetics (PCB 3063C)
- Cell Biology (PCB 3023C)
- Immunology (PCB 4233C)
- Public Speaking Course
- Ethics or Philosophy
BEYOND CLASSROOM
Shadowing an Optometrist (Required)
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Shadow licensed optometrists in a range of settings:
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Retail/clinical (e.g., VisionWorks, LensCrafters)
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Private practice
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Medical/surgical centers (in partnership with ophthalmologists)
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Keep a detailed log of your hours and reflect on each experience.
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Most optometry schools require 100+ hours of shadowing.
Clinical or Patient-Facing Experience
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Work or volunteer in any healthcare setting with direct patient interaction.
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Common options:
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Medical scribe
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Ophthalmic or optometric technician
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Healthcare assistant in clinics
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Community Service & Volunteering
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Serve in local or global health outreach events (especially those related to vision care or public health).
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Non-health-related service also helps demonstrate character and compassion.
Leadership & Student Involvement
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Join Pre-Health student organizations or start a Pre-Optometry club.
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Aim for leadership positions in student orgs, service clubs, or academic groups.
Seminar in Medicine I & II (Optional but Beneficial)
These 1-credit courses (BSC 1930L and BSC 2930L) help with:
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Writing your personal statement
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Interview prep
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Choosing and communicating with references
Prepare for the OAT (Optometry Admission Test)
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The OAT covers biology, chemistry, physics, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning.
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Start prepping in your junior year, and plan to take it spring or summer before senior year.
Undergraduate Research (Optional)
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Not required, but participation in biological research helps develop your scientific reasoning and may strengthen your application.
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Consider BSC 4910C (Research) or BSC 4944C (Internship) as capstone options.
