The Pre-Optometry Program prepares students to become competitive Optometry School applicants by completing pre-requisite courses, earning skill-focused badges, and participating in a program built to support their journey to Optometry School.

Pre-Optometry Courses

(Optometry School Pre-requisites)

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

While Pre-Optometry Program students can choose any major to complete while at Regis, it is strongly advised that you meet with the pre-optometry advisor as soon as possible to discuss majors and course plans.

Pre-Optometry Badges

In addition to the courses above, students will earn a Pre-Optometry Certificate when they complete the following badges while at Regis.

  • Mentoring badge: Students are connected with a Regis alumnus currently in Optometry school. They should connect at least once a semester, with a minimum of six times.
  • Events badge: Attend a pre-optometry program and one American Medical Student Association (AMSA) meeting or event each semester.
  • Study skills badge: Complete a module from the Finucane and O’Sullivan Institute for Learning (FOIL) to improve study skills each semester. In the Fall of their application year, students must complete this badge with a workshop focused on skills related to test preparation.
  • Free choice badge: Students must choose one pre-optometry resource or activity outside of Regis each semester.
  • Career services badge: Students attend one event offered by the Career Services Office each semester.
  • Pre-Optometry 101: Complete a 1-credit co-curricular class for pre-medical, dental, veterinary, and optometry students. This course covers the basic knowledge of these paths and topics important to successful careers and lives.

Earn your Bachelor's and Optometry Degree in Seven Years

Regis has a dual enrollment agreement with the New England College of Optometry (NECO) in Boston. If you are accepted into this program, you can enter NECO after completing your prerequisites at Regis, which can be done in three or four years. Acceptance in this program does not require that you attend NECO. You are free to attend any school you choose after graduation.

Advantages of the Pre-Optometry Program

  • Students enter NECO’s Optometry program directly, without competing for a slot
  • You will have earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in seven years, one fewer year than the traditional path
  • Accelerated program results mean you save money on tuition

Application Process

Applications are reviewed holistically by the teams at both Regis and NECO. However, some general guidelines include:

  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Interview with an NECO representative
  • Minimum GPA of 3.4 with a strong science and math background

Upon acceptance, students must:

  • Maintain a cumulative Regis College GPA of at least 3.3 and a math/science cumulative GPA of 3.2.
  • Complete at least three (3) years of coursework;
  • Received a 320 or above for the Academic Average on the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) with no OAT sub-score below 290;
  • Demonstrated strong evidence of commitment to the field of optometry through a shadowing experience with a practicing optometrist;
  • Obtained letters of recommendation from faculty and/or the Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee and the optometrist who was shadowed; and
  • Interviewed with NECO.

Program Director