As the field of optometry continues to grow, more and more students are seeking out top optometry schools to pursue their education. Whether you are interested in becoming an optometrist or a vision scientist, choosing the right optometry school is crucial to your success.
Key Takeaways
- When considering optometry schools, it’s important to look at factors such as faculty expertise, research opportunities, clinical experience, accreditation status, and financial considerations. These factors can help you make an informed decision and choose the optometry school that is right for you.
- The top optometry schools in the United States are highly respected within the field of optometry and have a proven track record of producing successful graduates. These schools include the University of California-Berkeley School of Optometry, The Ohio State University College of Optometry, and the University of Houston College of Optometry, among others.
- Attending an accredited school is important as it ensures that your degree will be recognized by employers and allows you to become licensed to practice optometry. The Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) is the recognized accrediting body for optometry education in the United States.
We will take a look at the top optometry schools in the United States. These schools have a proven track record of producing successful graduates and are highly respected within the field of 
optometry.
1. University of California Berkeley School of Optometry
The University of California Berkeley School of Optometry is consistently ranked as one of the top optometry schools in the United States. The school has a rich history, having been founded in 1923 as the first optometry school west of the Mississippi.
Today, the school offers a Doctor of Optometry program as well as a Ph.D. program in vision science. The school’s faculty is made up of world-renowned researchers and clinicians who are committed to providing students with the highest quality education.
2. University of Houston College of Optometry
The University of Houston College of Optometry is another top optometry school in the United States. The school offers a comprehensive Doctor of Optometry program as well as a Ph.D. program in vision science.
One of the unique aspects of the University of Houston College of Optometry is its emphasis on clinical education. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through the school’s on-site clinics, which serve the local community.
3. Indiana University School of Optometry
The Indiana University School of Optometry has a long history of excellence in optometric education. Founded in 1939, the school has been at the forefront of optometric research and clinical care for over 80 years.
The school offers a Doctor of Optometry program as well as a Ph.D. program in vision science. Students at the Indiana University School of Optometry have the opportunity to work alongside renowned faculty members who are leaders in the field.
4. University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry is another top optometry school in the United States. The school offers a Doctor of Optometry program as well as a Ph.D. program in vision science.
One of the unique aspects of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry is its emphasis on interdisciplinary research. Students have the opportunity to work alongside faculty members from other departments, including neuroscience and genetics.
5. The Ohio State University College of Optometry
The Ohio State University College of Optometry is one of the oldest and most respected optometry schools in the United States. Founded in 1914, the school has a long history of producing successful graduates who go on to make significant contributions to the field of optometry.
The Ohio State University College of Optometry offers a Doctor of Optometry program as well as a Ph.D. program in vision science. Students at the school have the opportunity to work alongside renowned faculty members who are leaders in the field.
6. University of California Los Angeles School of Optometry
The University of California Los Angeles School of Optometry is another top optometry school in the United States. The school offers a Doctor of Optometry program as well as a Ph.D. program in vision science.
One of the unique aspects of the University of California Los Angeles School of Optometry is its emphasis on research. Students have the opportunity to work alongside faculty members who are conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as myopia control and visual perception.
7. Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University
The Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University is a relatively new optometry school, having been founded in 1974. However, the school has quickly gained a reputation for excellence in optometric education.
The Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University offers a Doctor of Optometry program as well as a Ph.D. program in vision science. The school’s faculty is made up of experienced clinicians and researchers who are committed to providing students with a comprehensive education.
8. Pacific University College of Optometry
The Pacific University College of Optometry is another top optometry school in the United States. The school offers a Doctor of Optometry program as well as a Ph.D. program in vision science.
One of the unique aspects of the Pacific University College of Optometry is its emphasis on patient care. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through the school’s on-site clinics, which serve the local community.
9. Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University
The Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University is a highly respected optometry school that has been producing successful graduates for over 100 years. The school offers a Doctor of Optometry program as well as a Ph.D. program in vision science.
One of the unique aspects of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University is its commitment to global vision care. The school offers numerous international outreach programs, providing students with the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people around the world.
10. New England College of Optometry
The New England College of Optometry is the oldest continuously operating college of optometry in the United States. Founded in 1894, the school has a long history of excellence in optometric education.
The New England College of Optometry offers a Doctor of Optometry program as well as a Ph.D. program in vision science. The school’s faculty is made up of experienced clinicians and 
researchers who are committed to providing students with a comprehensive education.
Choosing the Right Optometry School
Choosing the right optometry school is a crucial decision that will impact the rest of your career. When selecting a school, it’s important to consider factors such as faculty expertise, research opportunities, clinical experience, and location.
It’s also important to consider the school’s accreditation status. The Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) is the recognized accrediting body for optometry education in the United States. Attending an accredited school is important as it ensures that your degree will be recognized by employers and allows you to become licensed to practice optometry.
In addition to academic considerations, it’s also important to consider the financial aspect of attending optometry school. The cost of tuition, as well as living expenses, can vary widely between schools. It’s important to research the cost of attendance and explore scholarship and financial aid options.
Conclusion
Attending a top optometry school is an important step towards a successful career in optometry. The schools listed above have a proven track record of producing successful graduates and are highly respected within the field of optometry.
When choosing a school, it’s important to consider factors such as faculty expertise, research opportunities, clinical experience, accreditation status, and financial considerations. By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the optometry school that is right for you.
