Sam SmithChoosing the right optometry school is one of the most important decisions for aspiring eye care professionals. With only 23 accredited schools and colleges of optometry across the U.S. and Canada, each program offers unique strengths in clinical training, research, and professional development. Rankings can vary depending on the source, but by looking at reputation, board pass rates, faculty expertise, and national recognition, we can highlight the institutions most frequently cited as leaders in the field. This guide provides a tiered overview of the top optometry schools, along with universities renowned for vision science research, to help you identify the best fit for your career goals.
Top 50 Optometry Schools In The US
1. UC Berkeley School of Optometry
Renowned for its rigorous academics and pioneering research, UC Berkeley offers one of the most prestigious optometry programs in the world. Students benefit from cutting-edge clinical training, diverse patient exposure, and strong ties to vision science research. The school emphasizes innovation, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing graduates for both clinical practice and academic careers. Its location in California provides access to advanced medical facilities and a vibrant professional network, making Berkeley a top choice for aspiring optometrists.
2. The Ohio State University College of Optometry
Ohio State’s College of Optometry is celebrated for its comprehensive curriculum, strong clinical training, and high board pass rates. With small class sizes and personalized mentorship, students receive individualized attention while benefiting from the resources of a major research university. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, community service, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Located in Columbus, it offers diverse patient care opportunities and a supportive environment. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in clinical practice, academia, and leadership roles in optometry.
3. University of Houston College of Optometry
The University of Houston’s College of Optometry is a leader in clinical education and vision science research. Students gain extensive hands-on experience through the university’s clinics, serving a diverse patient population. The program emphasizes innovation, ocular disease management, and interdisciplinary collaboration with medical professionals. Houston’s strong research infrastructure supports advanced studies in optics and visual neuroscience. With a reputation for producing skilled clinicians and researchers, the college prepares graduates for success in both private practice and academic careers.
4. University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry
UAB’s School of Optometry is known for its strong clinical training, research excellence, and integration with a major medical center. Students benefit from exposure to complex ocular disease cases and interdisciplinary collaboration with physicians. The program emphasizes community service, innovation, and leadership in eye care. Located in Birmingham, it offers affordable tuition and diverse patient care opportunities. Graduates are highly sought after for their clinical expertise, making UAB a respected choice for those pursuing advanced optometric training.
5. SUNY College of Optometry
Located in New York City, SUNY College of Optometry offers unparalleled clinical exposure and access to diverse patient populations. The program emphasizes ocular disease management, vision therapy, and research in visual sciences. Students benefit from strong residency opportunities and connections to leading medical institutions. SUNY’s urban setting provides unique experiences in community outreach and advanced clinical care. With a reputation for excellence in both education and research, SUNY prepares graduates for leadership roles in optometry and vision science.
6. Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry
Nova Southeastern University’s College of Optometry in Florida is known for its innovative curriculum and strong clinical training. Students gain extensive patient care experience through the university’s clinics and community outreach programs. The program emphasizes ocular disease management, pediatrics, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With modern facilities and a supportive learning environment, NSU prepares graduates for diverse career paths in optometry. Its location offers access to a growing healthcare market, making NSU an attractive choice for students seeking comprehensive training.
7. University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Optometry
UMSL’s College of Optometry provides a supportive environment with small class sizes and personalized mentorship. The program emphasizes clinical excellence, community service, and leadership in eye care. Students gain hands-on experience through university clinics and outreach programs serving diverse populations. UMSL is known for its affordability and strong regional reputation, making it a practical choice for many aspiring optometrists. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in clinical practice, academia, and public health, contributing to the advancement of optometry.
8. Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University
The Michigan College of Optometry offers a close-knit learning environment with small class sizes and individualized attention. Students benefit from strong clinical training, community outreach, and access to advanced technology. The program emphasizes ocular disease management, vision therapy, and primary care optometry. Located in Big Rapids, it provides affordable tuition and a supportive campus culture. Graduates are recognized for their clinical competence and commitment to patient care, making Ferris State a respected institution in optometric education.
9. Southern College of Optometry (SCO)
Southern College of Optometry in Memphis is known for its strong clinical training, community service, and supportive environment. Students gain extensive patient care experience through the Eye Center, one of the largest optometry clinics in the nation. The program emphasizes leadership, innovation, and outreach, preparing graduates for diverse career paths. SCO’s commitment to affordability and mentorship makes it a popular choice among students. Its graduates are highly regarded for their clinical expertise and dedication to advancing eye care.
10. New England College of Optometry (NECO)
NECO, located in Boston, offers a rich blend of clinical training, research, and community outreach. Students benefit from partnerships with leading hospitals and clinics, gaining exposure to diverse patient populations. The program emphasizes ocular disease management, vision therapy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. NECO’s urban setting provides unique opportunities for clinical practice and public health initiatives. With a strong reputation for producing skilled clinicians and researchers, NECO prepares graduates for leadership roles in optometry and vision science.
Top Optometry Schools & Vision Science Programs – Ranked Table (1 to 50)
| # | School / Program Name | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UC Berkeley School of Optometry | OD Program | Berkeley, CA |
| 2 | The Ohio State University College of Optometry | OD Program | Columbus, OH |
| 3 | University of Houston College of Optometry | OD Program | Houston, TX |
| 4 | University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry | OD Program | Birmingham, AL |
| 5 | SUNY College of Optometry | OD Program | New York, NY |
| 6 | Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry | OD Program | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| 7 | University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Optometry | OD Program | St. Louis, MO |
| 8 | Michigan College of Optometry (Ferris State University) | OD Program | Big Rapids, MI |
| 9 | Southern College of Optometry | OD Program | Memphis, TN |
| 10 | New England College of Optometry | OD Program | Boston, MA |
| 11 | Rosenberg School of Optometry (University of the Incarnate Word) | OD Program | San Antonio, TX |
| 12 | Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry | OD Program | Pomona, CA |
| 13 | Pacific University College of Optometry | OD Program | Forest Grove, OR |
| 14 | Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry | OD Program | Elkins Park, PA |
| 15 | University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry (duplicate removed if needed) | OD Program | San Antonio, TX |
| 16 | Illinois College of Optometry | OD Program | Chicago, IL |
| 17 | Indiana University School of Optometry | OD Program | Bloomington, IN |
| 18 | Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry | OD Program | Tahlequah, OK |
| 19 | University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry | OD Program | Pikeville, KY |
| 20 | MCPHS School of Optometry | OD Program | Worcester, MA |
| 21 | Southern California College of Optometry (Marshall B. Ketchum University) | OD Program | Fullerton, CA |
| 22 | University of Utah Moran Eye Center (affiliated optometry training) | Vision Sciences/Ophthalmology | Salt Lake City, UT |
| 23 | University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science | OD Program | Waterloo, Canada |
| 24 | University of Rochester Center for Visual Science | Vision Science | Rochester, NY |
| 25 | Johns Hopkins University Wilmer Eye Institute | Vision Science | Baltimore, MD |
| 26 | University of Washington Dept. of Ophthalmology | Vision Science | Seattle, WA |
| 27 | Stanford University Byers Eye Institute | Vision Science | Stanford, CA |
| 28 | University of Pennsylvania Scheie Eye Institute | Vision Science | Philadelphia, PA |
| 29 | University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center | Vision Science | Ann Arbor, MI |
| 30 | UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute | Vision Science | San Diego, CA |
| 31 | UC Davis Dept. of Ophthalmology & Vision Science | Vision Science | Davis, CA |
| 32 | UC Irvine Gavin Herbert Eye Institute | Vision Science | Irvine, CA |
| 33 | UT Southwestern Medical Center | Vision Science | Dallas, TX |
| 34 | University of Florida Dept. of Ophthalmology | Vision Science | Gainesville, FL |
| 35 | University of Iowa Dept. of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences | Vision Science | Iowa City, IA |
| 36 | University of Wisconsin–Madison McPherson Eye Research Institute | Vision Science | Madison, WI |
| 37 | UNC Chapel Hill Dept. of Ophthalmology | Vision Science | Chapel Hill, NC |
| 38 | University of Southern California Roski Eye Institute | Vision Science | Los Angeles, CA |
| 39 | Yale University Dept. of Ophthalmology and Visual Science | Vision Science | New Haven, CT |
| 40 | Duke University Duke Eye Center | Vision Science | Durham, NC |
| 41 | Emory University Emory Eye Center | Vision Science | Atlanta, GA |
| 42 | University of Colorado Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center | Vision Science | Aurora, CO |
| 43 | University of Arizona Dept. of Ophthalmology & Vision Science | Vision Science | Tucson, AZ |
| 44 | University of Minnesota Ophthalmology & Visual Neurosciences | Vision Science | Minneapolis, MN |
| 45 | University of Pittsburgh UPMC Vision Institute | Vision Science | Pittsburgh, PA |
| 46 | University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | Vision Science | Houston, TX |
| 47 | University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston | Vision Science | Galveston, TX |
| 48 | University of South Florida Eye Institute | Vision Science | Tampa, FL |
| 49 | University of Maryland Dept. of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences | Vision Science | Baltimore, MD |
| 50 | University of Tennessee Health Science Center | Vision Science | Memphis, TN |
Closing
Ultimately, the “best” optometry school isn’t just about rankings—it’s about finding the program that aligns with your personal priorities, whether that’s clinical exposure, research opportunities, affordability, or location. Use this list as a starting point, but take time to visit campuses, speak with current students, and evaluate each school’s culture and curriculum. Optometry is a rewarding profession, and the right school will set the foundation for your future success. The choice you make should empower you to thrive academically, clinically, and personally as you prepare to serve patients and advance the field of vision care.