The Value of a Doctor of Optometry Degree

SUNY Optometry’s four-year Doctor of Optometry (OD) program prepares tomorrow’s leaders in eye care and vision science with advanced clinical training, hands-on experience from day one, and a strong foundation in evidence-based care. Students can customize their path through microcredential certificates, research opportunities, and specialized clinical areas. They’ll work alongside internationally recognized faculty and train in world-class facilities, while preparing to meet the demands of today and drive the future of vision care.

Prerequisites and Admissions Process Overview

  • A minimum of three years (90 semester credits) and prerequisite courses from an accredited institution must be completed
  • Applications and campus selection are submitted through OptomCAS, including transcripts and completed coursework
  • 3 letters of recommendation are required, including one from a science faculty member and one from an optometrist
  • Completion of the OAT
  • Supplemental questions and fee must be fulfilled through OptomCAS
  • Interviews are conducted with selected candidates
  • Background checks are completed prior to admittance
Future of Eyecare

Two Distinguished Campus Experiences

Students study on a dynamic campus in the heart of New York City on 42nd Street, just steps from iconic landmarks. Beginning Fall 2027, SUNY Optometry will be adding a program on the campus of SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse*, to provide greater access to an exceptional optometric education for students and high-quality eye care for patients. No matter where students choose to study, they join an inclusive and student-centered community with the support and resources needed to thrive in and out of the classroom. SUNY Optometry’s exceptional learning outcomes and trusted excellence serve as the foundation for students to lead in the thriving field of optometry.

*pending final MSCHE approval

With more than 50 years of leading optometric education in New York City, SUNY College of Optometry offers:

  • A vibrant class of 100 OD students and a 1:6 faculty-to-student ratio
  • Convenience of all classes, labs, and clinics being housed in a single vertical campus building
  • Exposure to diverse patient populations
  • Exciting research and innovation opportunities, including MS/OD and PhD/OD programs
  • 25+ student clubs and organizations to build leadership and campus communities
NYC Campus

Launching in 2027, the SUNY College of Optometry Upstate offers a unique learning experience with:

  • Small inaugural class size of 16 students; 1:4 faculty to student ratio
  • Lecture delivery via synchronous in-classroom learning connecting both campuses
  • Interprofessional model of healthcare delivery through collaboration with ophthalmology and other medical specialties
  • Integration with Upstate Medical campus community through student clubs, events, and access to campus amenities and virtual connection to NYC student clubs and activities
  • Top-of-the-line technology and equipment across learning, lab, and clinical experiences
Upstate Campus

SUNY Optometry Is Creating Future Leaders

Students will build a fulfilling career and make a lasting impact on people’s lives through vision care. The SUNY Optometry OD program is where future leaders gain the tools, training, and hands-on experience to excel as clinicians and innovators in eye care. They will learn by doing as they work with patients, collaborate with expert faculty, and explore opportunities across student clubs and volunteer service. Some ways SUNY Optometry students stand out in the profession:
A young man in a dark suit and tie stands with arms crossed, smiling confidently. The background is blurred, suggesting an indoor or office-like setting with natural light, reflecting his vision to change lives through professionalism and dedication.

Microcredential Certificate

Microcredential programs offer advanced academic, clinical, and professional opportunities beyond the core Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree curriculum. Students dive deeper into specialized areas of optometric practice while gaining valuable, complementary skills. Completion is noted on the official transcript, highlighting the area of specialization.

Microcredential areas include:

  • Cornea & Contact Lens*
  • Myopia Management*
  • Glaucoma
  • Vision Rehabilitation*
  • Pediatrics
  • Low Vision/Ocular Disease

*Currently only available at NYC campus

A male doctor with a beard and glasses hands a document to a female patient while shaking her hand in a bright medical office, sharing his vision to change lives through compassionate care.

eMBA Certificate

The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Optometry Business Management program is offered jointly by SUNY Optometry and SUNY Empire State University online. It’s a 6-course (3 credits per course), 18-credit program. Two courses are part of the OD program and four are offered online by SUNY Empire State University. Students may enter the program in the summer after their first year of the OD program. Credits from the program can be applied toward an MBA in Healthcare Leadership.

 

An eye doctor examines a patient’s vision using a slit lamp microscope in a bright optometry clinic. An eye chart is visible in the background, reflecting their commitment to change lives through better eye care.

Research Opportunities

SUNY Optometry’s research fellowships, offered through the Graduate Center for Vision Research, give optometry students on the NYC campus hands-on experience in basic, translational, and clinical vision research. No prior research experience needed—just a drive to learn, think critically, and contribute to the future of patient care. Open to students who have completed their first or second year in an accredited optometry program.

Other NYC research opportunities include joint programs for OD/MS, OD/PHD, and working with experts through the Clinical Vision Research Center.

See the SUNY Difference

~$160k

Average OD starting salary in NYS

>$1 million

scholarship and grants awarded annually

65+

training site options for 4th year externships

2,000

patient encounters over 4 years

The Optometry Journey

The SUNY Optometry curriculum integrates the basic biological and vision sciences that form the foundation of clinical practice combined with clinical exposure as early as year one. Under the supervision of our clinical faculty at the University Eye Center (UEC), students gain experience with a diverse patient base.

 

Highlights of What Students Experience:

 

  • Year 1:
    Classroom: Build scientific foundations for optometric practice, including courses focused on optics, anatomy, physiology, pathology, and optometric practice
    Clinic Experience: Students participate in clinical observations
  • Year 2:
    Classroom: Enhance clinical skills and build scientific knowledge with integrated seminars, visual function, pharmacology, and more
    Clinic Experience: Scribe and complete medical records while observing patient cases
  • Year 3:
    Classroom: Continue coursework with an increased focus on clinical care, advanced topics, and electives that align with students’ developing clinical interests
    Clinic Experience: Clinical work ramps up as students start providing supervised, direct patient care
    Board Exams: Part I of NBEO
  • Year 4:
    Clinic Experience: Gain hands-on experience through four externship rotations in a variety of practice environments, including a required rotation at the University Eye Center.
    Board Exams: Parts II and III of NBEO
  • Residency: Students may elect to apply to a residency program to further enhance their experience in primary care or specialty areas
  • Licensure: Students may apply for licensure in whichever state or states they intend to practice
  • Fellowship: Enhancing their credentials, many graduates choose to pursue an American Academy of Optometry Fellowship

SUNY College of Optometry alumni are represented in diverse areas of optometric practice, academia, industry, and other exciting careers. Career paths and positions include:

  • Associates in private practice
  • Faculty in academic institutions
  • Section heads in hospitals and medical centers
  • Leaders in community health centers
  • Industry representatives
  • Owners of franchise practices
  • Entrepreneurs supporting optometry students
  • Scientists for ophthalmic and optometric research and development
  • And many more opportunities!
Take the Next Step

Earn your OD degree from the leader in optometric education and be prepared to transform eye and vision care for the future.

LET’S GO