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A Vision for the Future

  The proposed 78,000-square-foot complex will feature state-of-the-art equipment, up-to-date classroom technology, and specialized clinics for low vision, vision therapy, vision rehabilitation, primary care and contact lenses, as well as a surgical suite for Oklahoma optometry’s expanded scope of practice.

View the Vision

Doctor of Optometry

The Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree is based on the NSU Tahlequah campus. The program is four years of intensive doctoral-level training that prepares students to become effective members of a comprehensive health care team. The Optometric Physician has been trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of eye and vision problems at the primary care level. 

Future Students

Doctor of Optometry

The Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree is based on the NSU Tahlequah campus. The program is four years of intensive doctoral-level training that prepares students to become effective members of a comprehensive health care team. The Optometric Physician has been trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of eye and vision problems at the primary care level. 

Current Students

A Vision for the Future

The proposed 78,000-square-foot complex will feature state-of-the-art equipment, up-to-date classroom technology, and specialized clinics for low vision, vision therapy, vision rehabilitation, primary care and contact lenses, as well as a surgical suite for Oklahoma optometry’s expanded scope of practice.

View the Vision

 

Oklahoma College of Optometry/Future students/Application process

Application Process

 

Optom CAS Application

  • Visit OptomCAS to Apply
  • Applications are open from July 1st to February 1st. It's important to apply early. NSUOCO reviews on a rolling admission basis.
  • Three letters of recommendation are required. Students are encouraged to have one letter written by a non-relative, optometrist that they have shadowed. A second letter should be submitted by a professor or academic adviser who can attest to the applicant's academic abilities. The final letter is up to the applicant but an additional letter from an optometrist is recommended. Please note that committee letters will be counted as one letter.
  • At least 30 hours of shadowing an optometrist are required for admissions. NSUOCO is excited to offer a valuable opportunity for prospective optometry students to gain real-world experience in a professional clinical setting. Please contact us for more information about fulfilling some of your shadowing hours at NSUOCO. 
  • View a list of our required pre-requisite classes.
  • Supplemental Application Fee of $75
    1. Payment instructions will be sent through email once OptomCAS application is received. Files will not be reviewed for interviews until the payment of $75 is received and the file is complete/verified on OptomCAS.
    2. If an applicant has submitted their OptomCAS file and not received a payment instruction email, please contact us at NSUOPT@nsuok.edu.
    3. No additional documents are required for the supplemental application fee.
  • Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)
    1. Register for the OAT exam.
    2. Preparing for the OAT Webinar.
    3. Scores are due by February 1st. We encourage students to complete their exam no later than Dec. 1st.
    4. OAT scores are valid for two years. If students want to re-take the exam, a 60 day wait period is required.
    5. Average OAT score of last year's class was a 325 overall score. We encourage all applicants to re-take if the score is below our average or if any sub section is below a 270.
  • Interview process
    1. If selected for an interview, applicants will be contacted by email or telephone.
    2. Interviews will be held on our main campus at 1001 N. Grand Ave. in Tahlequah, OK.
    3. We request a photo be submitted before an interview to NSUOPT@nsuok.edu
    4. NSUOCO's interview process includes three individual interviews, an opportunity to connect with a current student, and a campus tour.
  • Accepted Students
    1. Only 28 spots are available. Not all qualified applicants will be accepted due to limited seats. Admission is competitive.
    2. If accepted into the program, students must submit the following documents.
      1. Deposit of $1,000
      2. NSU application
      3. Official transcripts proving that all pre-requisite classes are completed with passing ( C and above) grades along with degree confirmation.
      4. Proof of required and recommended vaccinations.

        NSU requirements: 

        https://offices.nsuok.edu/studentaffairs/StudentServices/outreachandprevention/immunization.aspx 

        Cherokee Nation requirements:

        Vaccination Requirements

                • Annual Influenza Vaccine: Due by December 1stof the calendar year.
                • Influenza can be declined by reporting to Employee Health to complete the declination process.
                • Documentation of your last TB skin test/QuantiferonGold (within the last year).

        Vaccine Recommendations

                • MMR - documentation of 2 vaccinations given or serology.
                • Varicella - documentation of 2 vaccinations given or serology.
                • Hepatitis B - documentation of Hepatitis B series (3 dose series) AND serology.
                • Hepatitis A - documentation of Hepatitis A series (2 dose series) or serology. (Food Workers especially!!)
                • Tetanus - documentation of 1 dose of TDAP within the last 10 years.
                • HPV - documentation of 3 vaccinations given
      5. All students are required to have a personal laptop to take exams at NSUOCO. Technical specifications will be provided to you

Additional Information

Student Brochure

Curriculum and Catalog

Why NSUOCO?

Register for OAT

Transfer Applicants

Optometry Application Grants

 

Contact the NSUOCO Admissions Team

Mindy Latty

 

Mindy Latty
Director of Student and Alumni Affairs
1001 N Grand Ave.
Tahlequah, OK 74464

Phone: ☎ 918-444-4006
Email: lattym@nsuok.edu
Fax: 918-458-2104

 Kaitlin Root

 

Kaitlin Root
Optometry Program Representative
1001 N Grand Ave.
Tahlequah, OK 74464

Phone: ☎ 918-444-4036
Email: rootk@nsuok.edu
Fax: 918-458-2104