{"id":4263,"date":"2022-04-11T11:54:53","date_gmt":"2022-04-11T18:54:53","guid":{"rendered":"\/optometry\/?post_type=program&#038;p=4263"},"modified":"2026-06-16T11:37:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T18:37:19","slug":"doctor-of-optometry","status":"publish","type":"program","link":"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/","title":{"rendered":"Doctor of Optometry"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"hero-secondary\">\n  <div class=\"relative bg-black\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"adhere object-cover\" src=\"\/media\/optometry\/images\/co-extership.jpg\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\"100vw\" alt=\"Care Harbor LA 2017 Care Harbor LA 2017 College of Optometry third-year student Evan Goldman examines the eyes of patient Paula Robinson of Los Angeles - Western University of Health Sciences is playing a key role in delivering services to Care Harbor patients during the event at The REEF Exposition Hall in Los Angeles\">\n      <div class=\"adhere gradient-overlay\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"relative container pt-56 md:pt-112 pb-144 md:pb-192\">\n      <div class=\"md:flex md:justify-between px-12\">\n        <div class=\"sm:w-8\/12 md:w-6\/12 xl:w-5\/12 px-12\">\n                      <div class=\"mb-20\">\n              <div class=\"block font-sans font-bold text-14 text-white leading-130\">\n  <span class=\"inline-block\">\n    <a href=\"\/\" class=\"block hover:underline\">WesternU<\/a>\n  <\/span>\n      <span class=\"inline-block mx-6\">\/<\/span>\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/stagewp.westernu.edu\/optometry\" class=\"inline-block hover:underline\">College of Optometry<\/a>\n          <span class=\"inline-block mx-6\">\/<\/span>\n    <span class=\"inline-block\"><\/span>\n  <\/div>            <\/div>\n                                        <h1 class=\"t-h1-sans  text-white\"><\/h1>\n        <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"tertiary-nav\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n        <nav class=\"relative mx-24 py-10 px-20 rounded-b-5 md:rounded-b-8 bg-gray shadow-md mb-40\">\n      <ul class=\"grid lg:grid-cols-[1fr_auto_1fr_auto_1fr_auto_1fr] lg:gap-x-16 lg:justify-items-center lg:text-center\"> <!-- 4 columns layout, 1 column in mobile -->\n                            <li class=\"my-8\">\n            <a class=\"text-16 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-black hover:text-red hover:underline transition-default\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Admissions Information<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                                              <div class=\"vertical-line hidden lg:block w-1 invisible bg-red mt-8\"><\/div>\n                                      <li class=\"my-8\">\n            <a class=\"text-16 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-black hover:text-red hover:underline transition-default\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/apply\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Apply Now<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                                              <div class=\"vertical-line hidden lg:block w-1 invisible bg-red mt-8\"><\/div>\n                                      <li class=\"my-8\">\n            <a class=\"text-16 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-black hover:text-red hover:underline transition-default\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/requirements\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Requirements<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                                              <div class=\"vertical-line hidden lg:block w-1 invisible bg-red mt-8\"><\/div>\n                                      <li class=\"my-8\">\n            <a class=\"text-16 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-black hover:text-red hover:underline transition-default\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/competitive\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Competitive Class Stats<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                                      <li class=\"my-8\">\n            <a class=\"text-16 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-black hover:text-red hover:underline transition-default\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/advanced-standing\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Advanced Standing<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                                              <div class=\"vertical-line hidden lg:block w-1 invisible bg-red\"><\/div>\n                                      <li class=\"my-8\">\n            <a class=\"text-16 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-black hover:text-red hover:underline transition-default\" href=\"https:\/\/www.westernu.edu\/financial\/student-budgets\/od\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tuition\/Scholarships<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                                              <div class=\"vertical-line hidden lg:block w-1 invisible bg-red\"><\/div>\n                                      <li class=\"my-8\">\n            <a class=\"text-16 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-black hover:text-red hover:underline transition-default\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/webinars\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Recorded Content<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                                              <div class=\"vertical-line hidden lg:block w-1 invisible bg-red\"><\/div>\n                                      <li class=\"my-8\">\n            <a class=\"text-16 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-black hover:text-red hover:underline transition-default\" href=\"https:\/\/stagewp.westernu.edu\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/#upcoming_events\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Upcoming Events<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                                      <li class=\"my-8\">\n            <a class=\"text-16 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-black hover:text-red hover:underline transition-default\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/faqs\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">FAQs<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                                              <div class=\"vertical-line hidden lg:block w-1 invisible bg-red\"><\/div>\n                                      <li class=\"my-8\">\n            <a class=\"text-16 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-black hover:text-red hover:underline transition-default\" href=\"https:\/\/apply.westernu.edu\/portal\/advising-optometry\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Virtual Advising Appointment<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                                              <div class=\"vertical-line hidden lg:block w-1 invisible bg-red mb-8\"><\/div>\n                                      <li class=\"my-8\">\n            <a class=\"text-16 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-black hover:text-red hover:underline transition-default\" href=\"https:\/\/apply.westernu.edu\/register\/request-information\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Request Information<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                                              <div class=\"vertical-line hidden lg:block w-1 invisible bg-red mb-8\"><\/div>\n                                      <li class=\"my-8\">\n            <a class=\"text-16 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-black hover:text-red hover:underline transition-default\" href=\"https:\/\/www.westernu.edu\/admissions\/visit-campus\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit Campus<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                                      <li class=\"my-8\">\n            <a class=\"text-16 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-black hover:text-red hover:underline transition-default\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/contact\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact Us<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                                              <div class=\"vertical-line hidden lg:block w-1 invisible bg-red mb-8\"><\/div>\n                        <\/ul>\n    <\/nav>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"relative my-48 md:my-72\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"lg:flex px-12 lg:justify-center\">\n      \n      \n                  \n                  \n      <div class=\"w-full px-24 wysiwyg-content xl:w-10\/12 2xl:w-9\/12\">\n        <p>The College of Optometry offers an innovative Doctor of Optometry program that emphasizes optometric rehabilitation including neuro-optometry. This emerging specialty helps patients who have visual and perceptual problems as a result of brain injury, stroke, physical disability or neurological illness. Our emphasis on optometric rehabilitation also includes vision therapy, low vision rehabilitation, and care for vulnerable populations such as those with developmental disabilities.<\/p>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"my-48 md:mt-96 md:mb-72\" vue-app>\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"app-gutter\">\n      <div class=\"relative md:flex md:justify-end\">\n        <div class=\"app-gutter\">\n                                  <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"md:absolute md:-top-32 md:left-0 w-full md:w-5\/12 lg:w-6\/12 h-240 sm:h-320 md:h-full object-cover rounded-t-5 md:rounded-8\" src=\"\/media\/optometry\/images\/081024_co-white-coat_034.jpg\" srcset=\"\/media\/optometry\/images\/081024_co-white-coat_034.jpg 2048w, \/media\/optometry\/images\/081024_co-white-coat_034-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) 50vw, 100vw\" alt=\"A group of people in white coats stand in rows, holding papers and reading during a ceremony in a large lecture hall.\">\n                  <\/div>\n        <div class=\"md:w-8\/12 xl:w-7\/12 app-gutter\">\n          <div class=\"p-32 sm:p-40 md:px-0 md:py-80 rounded-b-5 md:rounded-8 bg-red\">\n            <div class=\"md:ml-1\/8 lg:ml-1\/4 xl:ml-1\/7 md:px-40 lg:px-80\">\n                              \t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"text-lockup text-lockup--red\">\n\t<h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t-h2-serif  block text-yellow\">College of Optometry<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t-h2-sans  block text-white\">Apply Now<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg-content t-p2 mt-24 text-white\">As a WesternU graduate, you will also be prepared for full scope optometric practice. Whether you choose to work in a private or group practice, a hospital-based setting, community clinics, or any other setting, you will be prepared for a rewarding career helping people to improve their vision and to maintain and restore their eye health.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"mt-28\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"cta-arrow cta-arrow--white \" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/apply\/\">\n    Doctor of Optometry (OD)<svg class=\"cta-arrow__icon d-block w-16 ml-12\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 16\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><polygon fill=\"currentColor\" points=\"11.3168217 0 9.27266614 2.39591605 14.0042587 6.6137266 8.92524936 6.42314237 0 6.42314237 0 9.57685763 8.92524936 9.57685763 14.0042587 9.3862734 9.19197579 13.6063528 11.3168217 16 20 8\"><\/polygon><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n                          <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<section class=\"relative my-48 md:my-72\" vue-app>\n  <div class=\"container\">\n        <app-accordion class=\"px-24 lg:w-4\/5 mx-auto\">\n              <app-accordion-item class=\"accordion-group block leading-1 opt-1\" content-class=\"accordion-group__panel wysiwyg-content\">\n          <template #accordion-trigger=\"{ href, visible, setRef, clickHandler }\">\n            <a :href=\"'#' + href\" \n              :ref=\"setRef\"\n              :class=\"['accordion-group__button scroll-mt-160', {'accordion__trigger_active': visible}]\"\n              @click.stop.prevent=\"clickHandler\"\n            >\n            <span class=\"block py-10\">\n              International Students\n            <\/span>\n            <span class=\"accordion-group-icon relative flex w-56 h-56 ml-20 justify-center items-center bg-black rounded-full flex-shrink-0\">\n                            <span class=\"w-16 icon-chevron-down\">\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--!Font Awesome Free 6.6.0 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc.--><path d=\"M233.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0l192-192c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L256 338.7 86.6 169.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3l192 192z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <\/span>\n              <span class=\"w-16 icon-chevron-up\">\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--!Font Awesome Free 6.6.0 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc.--><path d=\"M233.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0l192 192c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3s-32.8 12.5-45.3 0L256 173.3 86.6 342.6c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0s-12.5-32.8 0-45.3l192-192z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/template>\n          <template #accordion-content>\n            <p>Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) welcomes international students and their families to our diverse university community.<\/p>\n<p>International Student Services (ISS) is responsible for providing support and assistance in immigration advising, maintaining immigration status, maintaining information and documents on foreign students and their dependents in the Student and exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), staying current with rules and regulations and interpreting and applying the rules and regulations set forth by the Department of Homeland Security.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/stagewp.westernu.edu\/international\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">International Students<\/a><\/p>\n\n          <\/template>\n        <\/app-accordion-item>\n              <app-accordion-item class=\"accordion-group block leading-1 opt-1\" content-class=\"accordion-group__panel wysiwyg-content\">\n          <template #accordion-trigger=\"{ href, visible, setRef, clickHandler }\">\n            <a :href=\"'#' + href\" \n              :ref=\"setRef\"\n              :class=\"['accordion-group__button scroll-mt-160', {'accordion__trigger_active': visible}]\"\n              @click.stop.prevent=\"clickHandler\"\n            >\n            <span class=\"block py-10\">\n              Veterans Benefits\n            <\/span>\n            <span class=\"accordion-group-icon relative flex w-56 h-56 ml-20 justify-center items-center bg-black rounded-full flex-shrink-0\">\n                            <span class=\"w-16 icon-chevron-down\">\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--!Font Awesome Free 6.6.0 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc.--><path d=\"M233.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0l192-192c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L256 338.7 86.6 169.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3l192 192z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <\/span>\n              <span class=\"w-16 icon-chevron-up\">\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--!Font Awesome Free 6.6.0 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc.--><path d=\"M233.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0l192 192c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3s-32.8 12.5-45.3 0L256 173.3 86.6 342.6c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0s-12.5-32.8 0-45.3l192-192z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/template>\n          <template #accordion-content>\n            <p>Western University of Health Sciences has approval from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to certify students eligible to receive VA educational benefits. The School Certifying Officials that are located on the Pomona, California campus assist all students who receive VA educational benefits. We cannot assist you with determining your eligibility for benefits.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/registrar\/veterans-benefits\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Veterans Benefits<\/a><\/p>\n\n          <\/template>\n        <\/app-accordion-item>\n          <\/app-accordion>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section class=\"my-48 md:mt-96 md:mb-72\" vue-app>\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"app-gutter\">\n      <div class=\"relative md:flex md:justify-end\">\n        <div class=\"app-gutter\">\n                                  <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"md:absolute md:-top-32 md:left-0 w-full md:w-5\/12 lg:w-6\/12 h-240 sm:h-320 md:h-full object-cover rounded-t-5 md:rounded-8\" src=\"\/media\/optometry\/images\/081024_co-white-coat_013.jpg\" srcset=\"\/media\/optometry\/images\/081024_co-white-coat_013.jpg 2048w, \/media\/optometry\/images\/081024_co-white-coat_013-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) 50vw, 100vw\" alt=\"A person in a white coat addresses a packed lecture hall, with attendees sitting and clapping, some also wearing white coats.\">\n                  <\/div>\n        <div class=\"md:w-8\/12 xl:w-7\/12 app-gutter\">\n          <div class=\"p-32 sm:p-40 md:px-0 md:py-80 rounded-b-5 md:rounded-8 bg-black\">\n            <div class=\"md:ml-1\/8 lg:ml-1\/4 xl:ml-1\/7 md:px-40 lg:px-80\">\n                              \t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"text-lockup text-lockup--black\">\n\t<h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t-h2-serif  block text-yellow\">Accreditation<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t-h2-sans  block text-white\"> WesternU\u2019s College of Optometry<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg-content t-p2 mt-24 text-white\">WesternU\u2019s College of Optometry was granted the accreditation classification of \u201cAccredited\u201d by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) on February 6, 2013.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"mt-28\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"cta-arrow cta-arrow--yellow \" href=\"\/optometry\/about-the-college\/accreditation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n    Learn More About Accreditation Status<svg class=\"cta-arrow__icon d-block w-16 ml-12\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 16\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><polygon fill=\"currentColor\" points=\"11.3168217 0 9.27266614 2.39591605 14.0042587 6.6137266 8.92524936 6.42314237 0 6.42314237 0 9.57685763 8.92524936 9.57685763 14.0042587 9.3862734 9.19197579 13.6063528 11.3168217 16 20 8\"><\/polygon><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n                          <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section class=\"relative my-48 md:my-72\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"lg:flex px-12 lg:justify-center\">\n      \n      \n                  \n                  \n      <div class=\"w-full px-24 wysiwyg-content xl:w-10\/12 2xl:w-9\/12\">\n        <h3 class=\"dt-fancy-title\">Learn About The Profession From ASCO<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/optometriceducation.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO)<\/a>\u00a0offers resources to future optometrists. Please take a moment to read their\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/optometriceducation.org\/future-students\/resources\/true-stories\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">True Stories flipbook<\/a>\u00a0to learn more about the difference you can make in people\u2019s lives. You may also access more information directly at:<\/p>\n<div class=\"standard-arrow bullet-top\">\n<ul>\n<li>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/Association-of-Schools-and-Colleges-of-Optometry\/527509967333901\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ASCO Facebook page<\/a><\/li>\n<li>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.opted.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ASCO Optometry blog<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-LakkFXtbII\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Why I Chose the Field of Optometry (video)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=EeVqabhnawM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Academic Research in Optometry (video)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PnCaOIAX9xM&amp;t=17s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">InterProfessional Education and Collaborative Practice (video)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"relative my-48 md:my-72\" id=\"upcoming_events\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"lg:flex px-12 lg:justify-center\">\n      \n      \n                  \n      \n      \n      <div class=\"w-full px-24 wysiwyg-content\">\n        <hr \/>\n<h2>Upcoming Events<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"none-list\"><li class=\"mb-48\"><header><h4 class=\"mb-12\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apply.westernu.edu\/register\/?id=46aff21e-2ad3-4c4f-a246-fee54561e89e\" target=\"_blank\">August 2026 Experience WesternU<\/a><\/h4><span><strong>Saturday, August 22 at 8:30 AM Pacific Standard Time<\/strong><\/span><\/header><p>\n      Thinking about a career in healthcare but not sure which path is right for you? Experience WesternU is designed for prospective students and early-stage pre-health explorers who want to learn more about healthcare professions, educational pathways, and opportunities available at WesternU.\n    \n      Get to know WesternU, our programs, and our community.\u00a0\n    \n      During check-in, get your day started at our Health Professions\/Resource Fairwhere you will be able to explore the diverse world of health professions and access resources available to you on your journey!The Health Professions\/Resource Fair\u00a0[8:30am-9:30am] will be right at the center of our university with several booths for you to visit including:\n    Health Professions Colleges\/Programs &#8211;\u00a0Osteopathic Medicine, Podiatric Medicine, Physician Assistant Studies, Graduate Nursing, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Optometry, Dental Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Health Administration,\u00a0Medical Sciences Masters Programs\n      WesternU University Departments\/Resources &#8211;\u00a0Office of Admissions,\u00a0Office of International Students and Scholars, Center of Disability and Health Policy, The Daumier (Campus Housing)\n      External Support for Prospective Student &#8211;\u00a0Clinical experience\/Direct Patient Care, Military Partners, Shadowing Opportunities, Standardized Test Preparation,\u00a0Volunteering\/Community Service Opportunities\n      Next, Choose Your (3) Breakout Sessions [9:30am-12:15pm]:\n    Current Student Panel \u2013 Hear how students chose their profession and what their journey has been like.\n      Financial Aid &amp; Funding Your Education \u2013 Learn about tuition, scholarships, financial planning, and paying for professional school.\n      Exploring Healthcare Careers \u2013 Compare professions, discover career pathways, and learn about salary expectations, job outlooks, and educational requirements.\n      Program-Specific Interactive Sessions \u2013 Participate in hands-on experiences and learn directly from faculty and students within individual healthcare programs.\n      Why Attend?\n        Explore a variety of healthcare careers in one place.\n      \n        Learn the differences between professions such as medicine, nursing, physician assistant studies, pharmacy, dentistry, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, optometry, healthcare Administration, Medical Sciences\u00a0and more.\n      \n        Hear firsthand from current students and healthcare educators.\n      \n        Gain clarity and confidence as you begin your pre-health journey.\n      \n        Discover which healthcare path may be the best fit for your interests and goals.\n      \n      Whether you&#8217;re just beginning to explore healthcare careers or looking to narrow your options, Experience WesternU will help you take the next step toward your future.\n    <\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-4263","program","type-program","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO Pro 4.9.10 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The WesternU College of Optometry offers an innovative Doctor of Optometry program that emphasizes optometric rehabilitation including neuro-optometry.\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, nofollow, max-image-preview:large\" \/>\n\t<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"generator\" content=\"All in One SEO Pro (AIOSEO) 4.9.10\" \/>\n\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" 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