Arizona College of Optometry

AZCOPT awards the degree Doctor of Optometry upon successful completion of the requirements. The first and second years of the curriculum emphasize basic health sciences, optics and visual science and students are introduced to clinical practice in simulation laboratories and through introductory courses. Visual consequences of disease are introduced in the second year. The third year, divided between a didactic and clinical setting, emphasizes the diagnosis and treatment of ocular dysfunction and disease. The fourth year is intensive clinical training that will include some on campus and off campus externship rotations. Clinical settings for external rotations include military facilities, veteran administration hospitals, public health service hospitals and specialty and/or private practices or clinics.

• Basic, behavioral, and clinical sciences
• Pre-clinical simulations
• Community clinical rotations
• National Boards preparation courses
• Optometry business management courses
• Local and national external rotation sites

The Arizona College of Optometry's vision is to:

• Deliver the premier optometric educational experience utilizing our unique multidisciplinary health professions setting and cutting edge technology
• Provide our students with the knowledge and skills to deliver the highest level of professional, ethical and compassionate eye and vision care
• Promote life-long learning, community outreach and innovative research

The 10 goals of the Arizona College of Optometry (AZCOPT) are listed below:

• Provide broad and innovative educational opportunities in the basic, visual, and clinical sciences
• Plan and develop a diversity of clinical experiences to allow students to enter the practice of optometry
• Support and nurture an environment of intellectual inquiry and activity by students, residents, and faculty
• Promote interprofessional educational programming to develop students' appreciation of other health care professions
• Ensure that students have a strong basic and vision science foundation
• Promote student involvement in community service
• Develop a high quality residency program
• Establish an Eye Institute that serves the eye/vision care needs of the community
• Provide lifelong learning activities and support services to the optometric profession and the public
• Maintain the financial viability of the College

The Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry has been granted the accreditation classification of ACCREDITED as of April 24, 2013 by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), of the American Optometric Association (AOA), 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141-7881; phone 314-991-4100. "Accredited" is the classification granted to a professional degree program that generally meets the standards for accreditation. 

Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), located at 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604-1413; 312-263-0456.

Optometrists practice in a wide variety of settings. Some of the positions included below require advanced education or training beyond the O.D. Degree.

• Private optometry, partnership or group practice
• Ophthalmology practice
• Federal government:
  • Veterans Health Administration optometry service
  • Public Health Service
  • Indian Health Service
• Armed services (military)
• Hospitals
• Academia
• Research
• Health maintenance organizations
• Ophthalmic industry
• Franchise/retail office practices
• Graduate education and residencies:
  • Master's or Ph.D. degree in Visual Science, Physiological Optics, Neurophysiology, Public Health, Health Administration, Health Information and Communication, or Health Education
  • Postgraduate clinical residency programs in Family Practice Optometry, Pediatrics Optometry, Geriatric Optometry, Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation, Low-vision Rehabilitation, Cornea and Contact Lenses, Refractive and Ocular Surgery, Primary Eye Care Optometry, and Ocular Disease.

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Completion of course prerequisites with a grade of C or higher
• Minimum overall cumulative GPA and science GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale
• OAT must be taken and scores submitted by April 30th, 2017
  • OAT scores older than five years are not acceptable
  • Additional information on the OAT may be found online at www.opted.org
• Two letters of recommendation
  • One letter must be from a practicing optometrist

Students seeking admission to AZCOPT must submit the following documented evidence:

1. Possess a minimum cumulative GPA and science coursework GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
2. Complete a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. A BA degree is acceptable, but a BS degree is preferred.
3. Submit the results of one of the following entrance examinations: Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), Dental Aptitude Test (DAT), Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). A competitive test score (at least at or above the mean score for each exam) is recommended of all applicants. In order to be considered for the class to be admitted in the Fall of each academic year, the entrance examination must be taken and results submitted by April 30th of the year of matriculation. Entrance exam scores must be earned no more than five years prior to the planned enrollment year.
4. Complete the necessary course prerequisites. All required prerequisite courses must be completed with grades of C or better. Only courses designed for science majors or pre-professional students are acceptable for the science prerequisites.
5. Provide two letters of recommendation. One letter must be from a practicing optometrist. The other letter must be from a prehealth advisor, a science professor, an employer or extracurricular activity advisor.
6. Have a good understanding of optometric medicine. Candidates are strongly encouraged to shadow and observe a practicing optometrist in the clinical setting.
7. Participate in extracurricular and/or community activities that indicate a well-rounded background and demonstrate a service orientation.
8. Have interpersonal and communication skills necessary to relate effectively with others.
9. Pass the Midwestern University criminal background check.
10. Have a commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.

Prerequisite Courses

*The Anatomy and Physiology requirements may also be fulfilled by taking Anatomy and Physiology I (3 Sem/4 Qtr credit hours) and Anatomy and Physiology II (3 Sem/4 Qtr credit hours)

The Doctor of Optometry degree program is rigorous and challenging. The Admissions Committee will therefore assess the quality and rigor of the pre-optometry academic records presented by applicants. When assessing an application, the Admissions Committee will view with concern applicants with:

1. Cumulative and science grade point averages below 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
2. Academic Average and Total Science OAT scores below 300.
3. Prerequisite science coursework completed more than 10 years ago. More recent (within five years) math and science coursework is preferred.

Application Deadline

Students must apply for admission via OptomCAS by April 1st. Due to the large number of applicants and the limited number of seats available, students are strongly encouraged to complete application early in the cycle. AZCOPT will consider completed applications on a first-come, first-served basis until all seats are filled.