See your future career clearly

Earn both a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Concordia University Wisconsin and a Doctor of Optometry (OD) from Illinois College of Optometry in just seven years. Our pre-optometry pathway provides a strong scientific foundation, hands-on experience, and personalized advising to help you seamlessly transition into your optometry career.

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Program Overview

Embark on your first step towards a degree in optometry

Concordia’s pre-optometry pathway offers a seamless transition from a bachelor's to a Doctor of Optometry (OD) through a partnership with Illinois College of Optometry (ICO). This pathway provides rigorous academic preparation, hands-on learning experiences, and personalized support within a Christ-centered environment. You will gain strong foundations in biology, chemistry, and health sciences, ensuring you are well-prepared for optometry school.

What to Expect

Your first three years in this program will take place at Concordia. During this time, you will fulfill the Doctor of Optometry prerequisites. On completion, you will then matriculate at Illinois College of Optometry (ICO). The credits earned in your first year there will transfer back to CUW and count as upper-level electives allowing you to finish your bachelor’s degree and saving you a year in your journey to earn your doctorate. After your first year at ICO, you will have successfully earned your bachelor's degree! We encourage you to celebrate this achievement by participating in CUWs commencement ceremony.

Immersive experience

Starting your freshman year, you will be hands-on in the anatomy lab with cadavers and have individual access to our Anatomage tables.

Faculty uses finger to interact with a digital anatomy visualization on CUW’s Anatomage table, pointing to the detailed 3D rendering of a human head and upper body.

The Anatomage Table is a life-sized, touchscreen digital anatomy system that will help you explore God’s design of the human body with clarity and depth.

CUW's anatomy lab with stainless steel dissection tables, overhead surgical lamps, wall-mounted monitors, and a red accent wall.

In the anatomy lab, you'll have opportunities to interact with cadavers. By combining classroom and laboratory education, you'll graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in your doctoral studies.

The right path

Our Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences is the ideal major for students on the pre-optometry track who are seeking comprehensive preparation for optometry school. With Concordia's dual degree partnership with ICO, you will be a step above others. You will benefit from:

  • Reserved Pathway: Reserve your place in optometry school early through Concordia’s partnership with Illinois College of Optometry.
  • Dual Degree: With this program you will obtain both a Bachelor of Science and OD degree in less time than traditional pathways.
  • Faith-Based Education: Grow to be a well-rounded optometrist through a Christ-centered academic foundation.
  • Hands-On Learning: Gain technical skills and real-world experience that set you apart with access to our Anatomage tables, mentored research opportunities, and hands-on lab experiences.
  • Personalized Approach: Benefit from individualized support and including free access to tutors and supplemental instruction.
  • Dedicated Advising: Gain access to advisors at both CUW and ICO to ensure you are well prepared for optometry school.

Please note: although CUW does accept AP credits, as well as transfer and dual credit, students must successfully complete their ICO prerequisites at CUW to gain direct admission to ICO. View CUWs AP policy here.

What can you expect from Illinois College of Optometry?

ICO is one of the longest operating optometry school in the United States.  Click here to learn more.

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