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Doctor of Optometry

NSUOCO is proud of our faculty and their achievements in teaching, research and scholarly activity, as well as service to the College, University, and the profession. They are experts in the subjects they teach in the classroom and extend their teaching expertise into the clinical experiences as well. Several are involved in sharing that expertise with optometrists locally, nationally and internationally through continuing education.

Doctor of Optometry

The Optometric Physician has been trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of eye and vision problems at the primary care level. In addition, the optometrist learns to identify and assist in managing a wide variety of non-ocular systemic and physiological conditions. Optometric Physicians play a significant role in providing for the comprehensive needs of the patients they serve.

Doctor of Optometry

The Optometric Physician has been trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of eye and vision problems at the primary care level. In addition, the optometrist learns to identify and assist in managing a wide variety of non-ocular systemic and physiological conditions. Optometric Physicians play a significant role in providing for the comprehensive needs of the patients they serve.

Oklahoma College of Optometry/Future students/FAQ

 

FAQ

Our main campus is located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on Northeastern State University's campus. Our address is 1001 N. Grand Ave., Tahlequah, OK 74464. However, we have many clinics throughout Oklahoma. Visit our clinics page to get additional information on our other clinics. Campus tours and interviews will only be on our Tahlequah campus.

We offer a traditional, four year optometry program. Classes begin each year in August. View our curriculum. We do not offer a fast track option. If you are interested in transferring to our school contact our office at NSUopt@nsuok.edu. Note: We will review transfer applicants only if we have an open seat and the student is in good academic standing.

Yes. The courses must be listed on your undergraduate transcript and tracked on your OptomCAS application.

No. It is not required that you have all your prerequisites completed by the time you apply. If accepted, you must complete all prerequisites before you start the program in August with a grade of C or better from an accredited institution.

We recommend over 30+ hours. When you apply to the program, we recommend having at least one letter of recommendation be from an optometrist.

Email the course description to our advisors at NSUopt@nsuok.edu.

Once a file is complete and verified on OptomCAS AND the $75 supplemental application fee is received, it will take around two weeks to review the file. Admission is competitive. Not all students will be invited for an on-campus interview. Students must have a high OAT, good grades from their undergraduate studies, and optometry shadowing or working experience. We will review all applications through our deadline on February 1st.

Most applicants will hear back about their application after our deadline on February 1st. If you were recommended for early admission into our program, it could be as early as two weeks.

We do not have any additional paperwork that is required for the supplemental application. We only require the fee payment of $75. An email with instructions on how to pay the fee online will be sent to each student who submitted an application.

Please contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment (admissions@nsuok.edu) or visit https://offices.nsuok.edu/admissions/Residency for additional information regarding in-state residency requirements. NSU does not offer in-state residency after one year of study in the program.

Students accepted into the Optometry Program must submit evidence of current immunization for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), tetanus, and PPD. This PPD test for TB must be done within 6 months before beginning Optometry School.  This documentation must be received prior to entering the program in the Fall semester of the first year. Acceptable forms of immunization records consist of a physician statement, records from a bona fide medical center, or a notarized statement from a parent indicating date of immunization or date the disease was contracted.  Students admitted into the Optometry Program are strongly encouraged to have completed the series of Hepatitis B and COVID vaccinations as well as annual influenza vaccine prior to beginning the program. Students electing not to be vaccinated for Hepatitis B, COVID, or influenza are required to sign a waiver indicating their understanding of the risks involved before beginning patient care in the Cherokee Nation clinics.

At this time, the NSUOCO only accepts residents of the United States.