Pre-Optometry Associate in Arts
Program Overview
This program provides the fundamental science coursework necessary to transfer to a four-year institution, where students can obtain a degree in an appropriate field, such as biology.To be an optometrist, one must earn the Doctor of Optometry professional degree. A Bachelor’s degree with a strong science background is required for admission. Graduates must pass a state licensure exam in order to practice. Optometrists prescribe glasses, contact lenses and visual therapy, and offer non-surgical treatment of eye diseases and the rehabilitation of patients with visual disabilities.
| Estimated tuition cost: | $7,093.20 |
| Program credits: | 60 |
| Estimated time to complete: | 2 years |
Program Details
This is a pathway program. The AA degree pathway is designed to prepare students to transfer to four-year institutions by providing them with the necessary general education credits and elective courses. Earning an Associate of Arts (AA) degree at MDC guarantees admission into one of the state's public universities where students can complete a bachelor's degree. An advisor will work with you to determine which elective courses will lay the best foundation for your selected major and continued studies.
See a complete course list
See a course sequence guide (2024)
See a course sequence guide (2025)
Career Prospects
Interested in this program of study? Learn more about South Florida's employment picture and explore career options when you pursue additional studies in this area.
Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.
987 Optometrists are currently employed in a 50 mile radius from Miami. This number is expected to increase by 5.7% over the next four years.
Design, measure, fit, and adapt lenses and frames for client according to written optical prescription or specification. Assist client with inserting, removing, and caring for contact lenses. Assist client with selecting frames. Measure customer for size of eyeglasses and coordinate frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Prepare work order for optical laboratory containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses in frames. Verify exactness of finished lens spectacles. Adjust frame and lens position to fit client. May shape or reshape frames. Includes contact lens opticians.
1,326 Dispensing Opticians are currently employed in a 50 mile radius from Miami. This number is expected to increase by 2.9% over the next four years.
Cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other precision optical elements. Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. Includes precision lens polishers or grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.
352 Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians are currently employed in a 50 mile radius from Miami. This number is expected to increase by 2.0% over the next four years.
Paying for College
An education at Miami Dade College is more affordable than you might think. Learn more about our tuition rates and see why more than 90 percent of our graduates finish their course of studies without incurring any student debt.
Apply for Financial Aid
Even if you are not sure you will be eligible for financial aid, you should apply because that's the only way to find out. Apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or go to MDC's financial aid page.
Scholarships
As an MDC student, you may be eligible for a number of scholarships, grants and awards that will help you pay for college. These are awards that you don’t have to pay back. Explore the options available to you on the Scholarships page.