Pre-Optometry

Years 1-3: PRE-Optometry at The University of Winnipeg

Each optometry program has its own entrance requirements. To meet the entrance requirements of the School of Optometry at the University of Waterloo, you must:

• Complete three or more years of studies in a Bachelor of Science program; it is recommended that you graduate with at least a 3-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree
• Complete all of the specified Optometry prerequisite courses (see page 2) by the deadline
• Maintain a minimum overall university average of 75%

Due to the rigorous nature of the Optometry program, the Optometry Admissions Committee looks for applicants to be taking a full course load (five courses per term) during their BSc studies.

It is recommended that you graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Winnipeg. The degree you earn will depend on your course selection and interests; while there are required and recommended courses, there is no specific major that is required for entry to optometry.

Years 4-7: Professional Studies: Optometry

• After you complete your pre-professional studies at The University of Winnipeg, you will apply for admission to optometry at another university or college.
• Enrolment in optometry programs is limited, and only highly qualified applicants are chosen. Admission is based on academic achievement, an autobiography, an essay, your score on the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), and sometimes a personal interview.
• At least four more years of study are required to complete the optometry program

Most students who study Pre-Optometry at The University of Winnipeg will apply for admission to the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry, but you may choose to apply elsewhere. The courses listed on page 2 are University of Winnipeg courses which will satisfy The University of Waterloo’s current entrance requirements for Optometry.

BIOL-1115(3) Cells and Cellular Processes
BIOL-1116(3) Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity
BIOL-1112(6) Human Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL-2902(3) Biology of Bacteria and Archaea
CHEM-1111(3) Introduction to the Chemical Properties of Matter
CHEM-2202(3) Organic Chemistry 1
Note: Pre-requisite for CHEM-2202(3) is CHEM-1111(3) and CHEM-1112(3)
CHEM-2502(3) Introduction to Biochemistry
Note: Pre-requisite for CHEM-2502 is CHEM-1111(3), CHEM-1112(3) and CHEM-2202(3)
Any 3 credit hour English course OR RHET-1105(3) Academic Writing
MATH-1102(3) Basic Calculus (Terminal) OR MATH-1103(3) Introduction to Calculus I OR MATH-1101(6) Introduction to Calculus
Note: Introduction to Calculus is required for some University of Winnipeg science degrees.
PHIL-2202(3) Health Care and Bioethics
PHYS-1101(6) Foundations of Physics I OR PHYS-1301(6) Introduction to Physics
PSYC-1000(6) Introductory Psychology
STAT-1501(3) Elementary Biological Statistics I OR STAT-1301(3) Statistical Analysis I

The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a standardized four-part test that is administered year-round. It tests knowledge in the Natural Sciences, Physics, quantitative reasoning, and reading comprehension. The OAT is required for admission to all schools and colleges of optometry in Canada and the United States. Full details on the OAT can be found at https://oat.ada.org/

There are two universities offering optometry programs in Canada: the University of Waterloo and l’Université de Montréal. You may also consider studying optometry outside Canada. For more information, visit the Canadian Association of Optometrists’ website:  www.opto.ca   

Note:  You must consult with the school where you plan to complete your studies to ensure you choose appropriate courses, and that you will meet the entrance requirements for your Optometry program of choice.

You must meet The University of Winnipeg’s general admission requirements. In addition, you must have Chemistry 40S and either Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S or Applied Mathematics 40S in order to take some of the required courses for admission to optometry. Physics 40S and Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S may be required, depending on the courses you select.

What if I don’t have these high school courses? You can still pursue your pre-professional studies, but you might not be able to enroll in certain courses until you obtain the pre-requisites. There are two ways you can do this here:  take “Foundation” courses at UWinnipeg that are equivalent to high school-level math and science (MATH-0041 & MATH-0042; CHEM-0100) or complete high school courses at The Collegiate.