Photo of an optometrist assessing the vision of a patient.

Pre-Optometry

An optometrist is the first person people go to when experiencing vision problems. Every patient represents a new challenge. In a single day you may see a patient requiring further investigation and referral for a medical condition, a patient having problems with their contact lenses, a young child requiring assessment of a suspected lazy eye and a patient interested in refractive surgery.

What is optometry?

Optometry is a healthcare profession concerned with the eyes and related structures. Optometrists take care of people’s eyes and vision. They conduct eye examinations, prescribe and fit lenses to improve vision, diagnose and treat eye diseases and injuries, and identify conditions affecting the eye. Doctors of optometry also perform certain surgical procedures.

What are the features of Casper’s program?

The pre-professional education pathway

This is a transfer program. What does that mean? This Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in pre-optometry is recommend for students pursuing optometry or medical school. Pre-professional degree programs prepare students for entry into a bachelor’s degree program and then into their identified area of professional schooling.

How to become an optometrist

Casper College’s pre-optometry program provides the fundamental science coursework necessary to transfer to a four-year institution, where students can obtain a degree in an appropriate field, such as biology. To be an optometrist, you must earn the Doctor of Optometry professional degree. A bachelor’s degree with a strong science background is required for admission into a optometry school.

CC encourages students to begin a dialogue with their intended transfer schools as early as possible. It is the student’s responsibility to verify required courses and the application process for the school you are planning to attend.

Like most medical professions, it takes a great deal of training to become an optometrist. You can start that training now at CC.

What can I do with this major?

Employment info

Learn more about wages ranges for optometrists in Wyoming and across the U.S. as well as the general employment profile for optometrists.

What are the special admission requirements, if any?

There are no prerequisites for this program.

What courses would I take?

For requirements and more information about this program, view its listing in the academic catalog:

Interested in online learning?

A portion of the courses in this program may be available online. Learn more about online programs and courses at Casper College.

Contact Info

Julie Hansen

Academic Assistant, School of Science

Scott Johnson

Academic Chair; Anatomy & Physiology Instructor

Gerald (Jerry) Hawkes

Dean, School of Science