Doctor of Optometry in Houston United States | University of Houston

Optometrists are autonomous primary healthcare professionals specializing in assessing, identifying, treating, and overseeing conditions affecting the visual system, ocular structures, and related areas. Their practice encompasses everything from basic vision assessments and corrective measures to addressing intricate ocular conditions and detecting systemic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure. Alongside our standard four-year Doctor of Optometry program, we provide a dual-degree O.D./M.S. option for current optometry students.

The curriculum spans four academic years plus two summer sessions, totaling 177 credit hours for successful completion. In their second year's fall semester, students observe upperclassmen clinicians at the UH Health Eye Care facility before commencing hands-on patient care during spring semester. Graduates typically complete around 1,500 patient interactions across various specialties including family practice, pediatric care, low vision services, corneal and contact lens management, medical eye rotations, and clinical externships. Additional specialized training opportunities exist in areas like surgical pre- and post-operative care, dry eye treatment, myopia management, vision rehabilitation, neuro-optometry, and care for unique patient groups.