See Your Vision Change Lives - SUNY College of Optometry

Pursue 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. Customize your path through microcredential certificates, research opportunities and specialized clinical areas. You’ll work alongside internationally recognized faculty and train in world-class facilities, in New York City or Syracuse* as you prepare to meet the demands of today and drive the future of vision care.

Pre-requisites and Admissions Process Overview

Complete of a minimum of three years (90 semester credits) and pre-requisite courses from accredited institution
Apply through OptomCas including transcripts and completed coursework
Obtain 3 letters of recommendation, including one from a science faculty member and one from an optometrist
Complete the OAT
Fulfill the supplemental questions and fee through OptomCas, select campus
Interview for selected candidates
Background check prior to admittance

*SUNY Optometry Upstate is pending final MSCHE approval

Choose Your Campus Experience

Study in one of two dynamic locations: in the heart of New York City on 42nd Street, just steps from iconic landmarks, or beginning Fall 2027, on the campus of SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, the vibrant hub of Central New York. Wherever you choose, you’ll join an inclusive and student-centered community with the support and resources you need to thrive in and out of the classroom. SUNY Optometry’s exceptional learning outcomes and trusted excellence serve as the foundation for you to lead in the thriving field of optometry.

New York City

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

Vibrant class of 100 OD students & 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
Participate in exciting research and innovation opportunities including MS/OD and PhD/OD programs
25+ student clubs and organizations to build leadership and campus communities

Upstate

Featuring a newly renovated space, SUNY College of Optometry on the campus of Upstate Medical University offers our same, high-quality education in a new location with a unique learning experience:

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 University 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 academic, lab, and clinical experiences

*Inaugural class anticipated Fall 2027, pending final MSCHE approval

See How You Can Lead Boldly

Build a career you love and make a lasting impact on vision care on whichever campus you choose. The SUNY Optometry OD program is where you'll gain the tools, training, and hands-on experience to excel as a clinician and innovator in eye care. Learn by doing as you work with patients, collaborate with expert faculty, and explore opportunities across student clubs and volunteer service.

Two healthcare professionals in scrubs smile and interact with a young child and an adult woman in a clinic, demonstrating their vision to change lives. One professional holds up a toy to engage the child.

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

Two men work together at a library table with bookshelves in the background; one is seated, smiling at a tablet, while the other stands beside him, pointing at the screen—both driven by a shared vision to change lives through learning.

eMBA Certificate

The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Optometry Business Management is offered jointly by SUNY Optometry and SUNY Empire State College online. It’s a six-course (three credits per course), 18-credit program. Two courses are part of the OD Program and four are offered online by SUNY Empire State College. 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.

A woman looking through a microscope, driven by a vision to change lives.

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 Optometry Difference

~$160k

average OD starting salary in NYS

nearly

$1 million

Scholarships and grants awarded annually

65+

training site options for 4th year externships

2,000

patient encounters over 4 years

See Your Pathway

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, students gain experience with a diverse patient base.

Highlights of what you’ll experience:

Year 1:
Classroom: Build your scientific foundations for optometric practice including courses focused on optics, anatomy, physiology, pathology, and optometric practice
Clinic Experience: Participate in clinical observations
Year 2:
Classroom: Enhance your clinical skills and build on your 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 your developing clinical interests
Clinic Experience: Clinical work ramps up where you 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

Post Graduation

Residency: Students may elect to apply to a residency program to further enhance their experience in primary care or specialty areas.
Licensure: Apply for your licensure in whichever state or states you intend to practice.
Fellowship: Enhancing their credentials, many graduates choose to pursue an American Academy of Optometry Fellowship.

Career Pathways

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 in franchise practices
Entrepreneurs in supporting optometry students
Scientists for ophthalmic and optometric research and development
and many more opportunities!