Overview

Education

We have focused on optometric education and vision research for more than 100 years and our program prepares smart, motivated students for a fulfilling career. The Optometry - Doctor of Optometry programme is offered by The Ohio State University.

At The Ohio State University College of Optometry, you will be among the best and brightest students learning from the best and brightest faculty. You will:

Begin patient care in the first year, directly examine 1,800+ patients by the time you graduate; and see additional patients through school screenings, case reviews, grand rounds, and Eyewear Gallery appointments;
Deliver eyecare in all primary and sub-specialty areas in our college's full range of clinical services including: Primary Vision Care, Binocular Vision and Pediatrics, Advanced Ocular Care, Contact Lenses (Adult and Pediatric), Low Vision Rehabilitation, Eyewear Gallery, and Vision Therapy;
Be well prepared to pass your national board exams on your first attempt; and
Learn how to run a successful optometric practice with the most comprehensive series of business management courses, ranging from personal finance to the development of a complete business plan.

Accreditation

The professional optometric degree program at the Ohio State University College of Optometry holds the status of “Accredited” from the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE).

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Biochemistry for Optometry

General and Histological Anatomy

Geometric Optics

Primary Care Testing

Ocular Anatomy

Optometric Career Options and Financing

Pathophysiology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-03-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Columbus, United States

Disciplines

Optometry View 14 other PhDs in Optometry in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

GMAT

Required

English requirements

IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

Completion of the Optometry Admission Test (OAT); average OAT total science scores range from 320-340 for admitted students.

Submission of official transcripts for all post secondary-level studies.

Completion of a minimum of 10 hours of observation in at least two optometric practices.

Personal interview; only those qualified applicants with the strongest credentials will be invited to the College of Optometry for interviews.

Letters of recommendation (3) including one from an optometrist who knows the applicant; one from a professor who knows the applicant's academic performance, and one personal evaluation from a person of the applicant's choice.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at The Ohio State University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

13452 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 13452 USD per year during 60 months.
National

13452 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 13452 USD per year during 60 months.
In-State

13452 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 13452 USD per year during 60 months.

Living costs for Columbus

940 - 1520 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Optometry - Doctor of Optometry.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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