See your future clearly with the Casper College pre-optometry program. Optometrists are essential primary healthcare providers who do more than just prescribe glasses; they diagnose eye diseases, manage systemic conditions that affect vision, and improve the quality of life for their patients. Whether you are a traditional student with a clear vision of becoming a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) or a nontraditional learner looking to transition into the specialized medical field, our program provides the rigorous scientific foundation you need.
We offer a transfer-oriented Associate of Science (A.S.) degree designed to meet the rigorous entry requirements of four-year universities and professional optometry programs.
Casper College is a national leader in “affordable excellence,” consistently ranking as one of the best values for higher education in Wyoming. We are committed to helping you understand the investment you are making in your future by providing transparent cost information and personalized support. While individual costs vary based on residency and course load, many students use a combination of federal grants, the Hathaway Scholarship, and other funding sources to help manage their educational expenses.
We encourage you to use our net price calculator and contact our financial aid office for a customized estimate of your costs and aid eligibility.
While most students in this program are on the path to becoming licensed optometrists, the heavy emphasis on physical and biological sciences prepares you for various roles in the vision and healthcare industries.
Casper College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our science curriculum is designed to meet the high standards required by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) and regional transfer partners, ensuring your credits are respected and your preparation for the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is thorough.
The Associate of Science (A.S.) in Pre-Optometry is a dedicated transfer degree. Through our 2+2 transfer agreements and the WyoTransfer system, our graduates transition seamlessly into the University of Wyoming or other premier four-year institutions. By starting at CC, you benefit from small class sizes and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio—giving you direct access to faculty for your core labs, an advantage that often leads to higher performance in upper-division coursework. Learn more at Transfer Agreements.
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.
After graduating from high school, I decided to leave my small town to attend a university. But after a year I decided to transfer to Casper College, and it was the best decision for me.
Academic Chair; Anatomy & Physiology Instructor
Academic Assistant, School of Science
Dean, School of Science
