The process, deadlines, and requirements for applying to the School of Optometry depend on the type of degree you want to pursue.
For example, if you are applying for the thesis-based Master of Science program, you may apply for fall, spring, or summer semester, while all other programs have only fall admission.
Each optometry degree program has unique and separate pre-requirements and courses. To view these in full detail, please visit our current optometry bulletin.
The first step that all students must take to receive any type of financial aid is to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA opens October 31 for the upcoming academic year.
You may also be eligible for scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
See all costs and financial aid optionsDescription of the video:
IU School of Optometry
Video transcript
[Upbeat music plays.]
[Video: An aerial view shows the outside of the Indiana University School of Optometry building, which features a tall column of windows in the middle of the limestone building and a row of windows across the entire top floor. There is a parking lot and street in front of the building and a dense tree canopy behind it.]
[Words appear: Why did you choose Indiana University School of Optometry?]
[Video: A student sits in the lab at the School of Optometry to be interviewed. A row of exam stalls and equipment are behind her.]
Student one: I chose IUSO...
[Video: Another student is interviewed in the lab.]
Student two: I chose IUSO...
[Video: Another student is interviewed in the lab.]
Student three: I chose IUSO because...
[Video: Another student is interviewed in the lab.]
Student four: The environment from the very start of Admissions Day was phenomenal.
[Video: Students are shown sitting in a classroom, with one student holding up two fingers in a peace sign as the camera rolls by. Then another student is featured in the same spot in the lab.]
Student five: It didn't feel like they were trying to win me over, it felt like they were just wanting what was best for me.
[Video: A student is seen conducting an eye exam on another student in the lab while a professor observes. Then another student is interviewed in the lab.]
Student six: I really wanted to find my family away from home.
[Video: Another student is interviewed in the lab.]
Student seven: I wanted a place that felt like home.
[Video: Another student is interviewed in the lab.]
Student eight: I love the family atmosphere.
[Video: Three students are seen sitting at a table having a discussion while two other students walk past. Then another student is interviewed in the lab.]
Student nine: There was no other interview day that I felt nearly as comfortable as IU.
[Video: Another student is interviewed in the lab. Then students are seen gathering around a table filled with pizzas putting slices on their plates.]
Student ten: It really is like a family and there's a really good support system.
[Video: Another student is interviewed in the lab.]
Student eleven: I also loved touring campus and I thought it was really beautiful.
[Video: The sign outside the School of Optometry is shown, surrounded by plants and flowers. Then another student is shown being interviewed in the lab.]
Student twelve: Campus itself is beautiful.
[Another student is interviewed in the lab. Then an aerial view shows the Sample Gates and several buildings in the heart of campus. There are lush flowerbeds near the gates and trees surrounding the buildings.]
Student thirteen: And Bloomington is such a beautiful city.
[Video: Another student is interviewed in the lab.]
Student fourteen: I love Bloomington.
[Video: An aerial view shows Kirkwood Avenue in Bloomington, with shops and restaurants on each side of the street. Trees with orange autumn leaves sit along the street. Then another student is interviewed in the lab.]
Student fifteen: I feel like it's just kind of a big cultural center of Indiana.
[Video: Another student is interviewed in the lab. Then a student is shown conducting an eye exam on another student in the lab.]
Student sixteen: I chose IUSO because I felt like it was one of the most diverse programs.
[Video: Another student is interviewed in the lab.]
Student seventeen: The research opportunities and the quality of education you would get.
[Video: Another student is interviewed in the lab. Then a child is shown getting an exam at the clinic.]
Student eighteen: The pediatric opportunities that we have here.
[Video: Another student is interviewed in the lab.]
Student nineteen: I thought I had a lot of opportunities to expand my scope of practice and exactly what field I want to go into.
[Video: A sign in the lobby reads creating visionary leaders, Indiana University School of Optometry. Then another student is interviewed in the lab.]
Student twenty: I wanted a school that would also push me to become my best in my personal life and help me to grow.
[Video: Another student is interviewed in the lab.]
Student twenty-one: This is my dream school, and it just feels like my small town to me, it feels like home.
[The music ends with a loud cymbal that lingers.]
[Video: The screen goes white.]
[Words appear: Learn how to apply at optometry dot i u dot e d u.]
[Video: The words disappear, and the IU School of Optometry logo appears.]
[End of transcript.]
