Optometry

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Ramapo College Office of Admissions

McBride House 505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, NJ 07430

p: (201) 684-7300
e: admissions@ramapo.edu
f: (201) 684-7964

About Optometry

Optometry is the healthcare profession concerned with the examination of the eyes and related structures to determine the presence and treatment of vision problems and eye disorders. Today, the field has evolved to include significant training in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease.

Doctors of Optometry prescribe medications, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and perform certain surgical procedures. Optometrists, like many other healthcare professionals, are required to participate in ongoing continuing education courses to stay current on the latest standards of care. As a regulated profession (licensed/registered), the scope of practice may differ by location. Additional information about optometry may be found at World Council of Optometry and American Academy of Optometry.

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This joint 3+4 program between Ramapo College of New Jersey and SUNY State College of Optometry leads to the completion of the baccalaureate degree and the doctor of optometry degree (O.D.) in an accelerated 7 years of study. Students are admitted into the Biology major at Ramapo College and are simultaneously admitted to candidacy in the SUNY College of Optometry professional program of study.

During the first three years at Ramapo, students take coursework that leads to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree and complete all prerequisite coursework for entrance into SUNY College of Optometry. The fourth year of coursework toward the B.S. from Ramapo College is completed at SUNY College of Optometry.

Credits earned during the first year of professional study at SUNY College of Optometry are transferred to Ramapo, and upon successful completion of the first year of optometry school, students are awarded their B.S. degree in Biology from Ramapo College.

Pre-requisite Science and Math Courses for the joint program with SUNY Optometry:

See Full Program Requirements

For more information on the joint program check https://www.sunyopt.edu/education/admissions/od_program/joint_degree

Career Opportunities

Upon the completion of the fourth year, you will receive your B.S. degree in Biology from Ramapo College. After three more years, you then receive the O.D. degree from SUNY College of Optometry. Armed with your O.D. degree, you can work in a variety of medical settings such as in hospitals or in a private practice.

Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges

Job Title	Salary Range
Optometrists	$82,630 - $162,800

* Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020). For more information about careers and assistance in making your career plans, please contact Career Services (cahill@ramapo.edu) or visit www.ramapo.edu/careercenter/.

Hands-On Learning

As a Biology major first, you’ll find well-equipped modern laboratories at Ramapo, which includes computer rooms, computerized biology and physiology labs, and a student research lab, so you can explore the many aspects of biology through your courses and as a participant in faculty research.

Want to hang out with other pre-med and pre-health students? Come join our Pre-Med Club or our medical honors fraternity, Phi Delta Epsilon.