Doctor of Optometry (OD) - Selection process

Upon receipt of your Application for Admission and related documents, the Admissions Committee will conduct an initial review to decide which applicants will move into stage 2 of the selection process.

• Applicants selected for stage 2 will receive an interview invite.
• Applicants who do not receive an interview invite will no longer be considered for admission, and will be notified via email. 

Selection criteria

The Admissions Committee uses the academic and non-academic requirements to determine an applicant’s academic and personal qualifications for admission, including:

• Evidence of ability to handle a course load of five courses (plus labs) per term, throughout their undergraduate education.
• Service to the community and university, work experience and interpersonal skills.
• In the interview, consideration is given to knowledge of the profession, motivation toward a career in optometry, ability to think clearly and logically, poise, self-confidence, warmth and verbal expression of ideas.
• Job shadowing with an optometrist (observing eye exams), to ensure a strong understanding of the profession of Optometry. Time spent volunteering or working at an optometrist's office will be considered, with a minimum of 8 hours required, but most applicants have many more hours.
• Proof of academic ability and achievement as well as personal qualities, leadership, integrity, resiliency, motivation, initiative, social awareness, well-rounded background, personality and the ability to work with others.
• All offers of admission are conditional upon successful completion of the current academic year and requirements.  Students admitted must maintain their level of academic performance. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to deny admission to an already admitted student if their academic performance falls below acceptable standards.

Profile of past first-year students