Doctor of Optometry (OD)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree PhD
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

Embark on your journey to becoming a Doctor of Optometry (OD) with this comprehensive, four-year postgraduate program at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. You will delve into the intricate science of vision, mastering the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular diseases and conditions. This rigorous curriculum, grounded in clinical anatomy, visual perception, and ocular pharmacology, is designed for aspiring optometrists eager to make a significant impact on public health and patient well-being through expert eye care.

Studied full-time on campus, your experience will be highly immersive, blending foundational scientific knowledge with extensive hands-on clinical practice. You will engage with advanced topics such as geometrical and physical optics, systemic disease, and contact lens fitting, progressing through supervised clinical rotations and externships. By the end of your studies, you will graduate with the advanced clinical skills and professional ethics necessary to excel in diverse optometric settings, from private practice to specialized healthcare environments.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Doctor of Optometry program provides a comprehensive foundation in the science and practice of optometry. Students will explore clinical anatomy, ocular physiology, visual optics, and optometric theory and methods. The curriculum progresses through various specializations including ocular disease, contact lenses, binocular vision, and neuro-optometry, culminating in extensive clinical experience.

1 Year I - Fall

Clinical Anatomy (with lab)
Ocular Anatomy and Physiology
Geometrical and Physical Optics (with lab)
Optometry Theory and Methods I
Optometry Theory and Methods I Lab
Histology and Embryology
Visual Development

2 Year I - Spring

Ocular Biochemistry
Neuro Anatomy and Physiology
Visual Perception
Visual Optics (with lab)
Optometry Theory and Methods II
Optometry Theory and Methods II Lab
Microbiology
Systemic Pharmacology I

3 Year I - Summer

Ophthalmic Optics I (w/lab)
Systems Based Physiology
Optometry Theory and Methods III
Optometry Theory and Methods III Lab
Visual Neurophysiology & Neuro-Diagnostics
Systemic Pharmacology II
Immunology
Oculomotor Function
Professional Ethics

4 Year II - Fall

Systemic Disease
Ocular Pharmacology
Anterior Segment Ocular Disease I
Optometry Theory and Methods IV
Optometry Theory and Methods IV Lab
Foundations of Binocular Vision
Pathophysiology
Primary Care Clinic I

5 Year II - Spring

Contact Lenses I
Contact Lenses I Laboratory
Posterior Segment Ocular Disease I
Clinical Binocular Vision I
Primary Care Clinic II
Glaucoma
Ocular Manifestations of Systemic Disease

6 Year II - Summer

Neuro Optometry
Anterior Segment Ocular Disease II
Ocular Surface Disorders (with lab)
Primary Care Clinic III
Integrative Seminar
Clinical Binocular Vision II (with lab)
Contact Lenses II
Glaucoma II

7 Year III - Fall

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 53,760.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 53,760.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 53,760.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 53,760.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 215,040.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 9,408.00 - USD 11,760.00
Food & Groceries USD 4,200.00 - USD 6,000.00
Transport USD 1,200.00 - USD 1,800.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,440.00 - USD 2,400.00
Estimated Total USD 6,840.00 - USD 10,200.00

Living cost estimates are based on Worcester Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Biotechnology & GenomicsClinical & Medical ServicesDrug Discovery & ResearchHealthcare Administration & ManagementHealthcare ConsultingHome Health & Long‑Term CareNursing & Allied HealthPharmacovigilance & Drug SafetyRehabilitation & PhysiotherapySales & Medical Affairs

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Brigham and Women's Hospital

CVS Health

CVS Pharmacy

Mass General Brigham

Massachusetts General Hospital

MultiCare Health System

Novartis

Walgreens

Why Study Doctor of Optometry (OD) at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health sciences

What makes this program stand out

Top 20 in UK For Computer Science

Exeter's Computer Science department consistently ranks among the top 20 in the UK for both teaching quality and research output.

Fast Offers Quick turnaround

Exeter typically responds to applications within 2-3 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Flexible Intakes September start

Primary intake in September with January start available for some pathways through the INTO foundation program.

Accredited Industry recognized

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, meeting requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

Life at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health sciences in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Doctor of Optometry (OD) at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health sciences

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks without needing separate work permits. Off-campus work is possible after the first year with university approval.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Optometrist, Vision Scientist, Public Health Optometrist, Clinical Instructor, Eye Care Researcher.

What will I actually study in this course?

This full-time, four-year Doctor of Optometry program focuses on providing comprehensive eye care and diagnosing various eye conditions. Students have the opportunity to participate in a dual-degree program to earn both an OD and a Master’s Degree in Public Health.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Doctor of Optometry program has an intake month in September. Make sure to prepare your application ahead of this timeline to ensure a successful entry.
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