A bachelor's degree in vision science from the University of the Incarnate Word is the first step in obtaining a doctorate in optometry. What does an optometrist do? During a typical day, an optometrist examines people's eyes to diagnose eye diseases and vision problems, tests patients' visual acuity, perception and ability to focus or coordinate their eyes, prescribes prescriptions, contact lenses and glasses, and provides vision or pre-operative and post-operative therapy. care for patients who need it. Many factors affect interest in the field, such as future expectations, job prospects, and the study required to complete the doctorate. The prerequisite courses, in physics, biology and chemistry, are not only academic strengths, but they are engaging. Prerequisites differ by school, but the average fall 2010 student GPA at optometry schools across America ranged from 3.19 to 3.56. Therefore, one factor is that there is a natural passion for the subject, as opposed to it being a practical career choice. The Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) is required upon admission to all optometry schools. This is a standardized exam consisting of four tests: Natural Sciences Survey (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning. The tests are administered online and delivered continuously to the candidate according to their personal schedule. So the test can be taken unlimitedly, but the fee is approximately $245 per test. In fall 2010, the average grade of the incoming class was 324/400. Second, optometrists are in high demand in healthcare professions. The field is expected to grow much faster than the average of all other professions in response to growth and a...... middle of paper ......e three undergraduate years to enter Phase II . Phase I requires an SAT score of 1200 and an ACT score of 26, a high school GPA of 3.5, and the student must be prepared to start in pre-calculus the 1st semester of the junior year. This is an accelerated program for advanced undergraduate students. Phase II requirements include a 3.3 undergraduate GPA, an OAT score of 320, successful completion of 90 semester credit hours with a "C" or better in prerequisites, completion of the application, letters of recommendation, two observation experiences and active involvement. in community service. After acceptance into the professional program and successful completion of the first professional year, a BS in Vision Science is granted retroactively. At the end of the 4-year staged professional program, a professional diploma of Doctor of Optometry is awarded..