UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science (2026): OAT Requirements, Admissions, and Tuition | OAT Destroyer | DAT Destroyer | Dr. Jim Romano

The UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science is one of the most prestigious and competitive optometry programs in the United States. Located in Berkeley, California, the school offers a rigorous Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree with a strong emphasis on vision science research, clinical training, and innovation.
About UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science
The UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) and is consistently ranked among the top optometry programs in the nation. The school is known for its world-class research programs, diverse clinical training, and its location within one of the top public universities in the world.
- Location: Berkeley, California
- Degree Offered: Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE)
- Building: Minor Hall, UC Berkeley campus
OAT Requirements
UC Berkeley is among the most selective optometry programs in the country. Competitive applicants typically present:
- Academic Average (AA): approximately 340–370+
- Total Science (TS): approximately 340–370+
- Overall GPA: ~3.5+
- Science GPA: ~3.4+
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred
- Completion of required science prerequisites (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Math, Statistics, Biochemistry)
- OAT scores (typically taken within the last 2–3 years)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Optometry shadowing experience strongly recommended
- Applications submitted through OptomCAS
Tuition and Costs (2026)
Estimated annual tuition:
- California residents: ~$30,000–$38,000 per year
- Non-residents: ~$48,000–$56,000 per year
Prospective students should verify current figures directly with UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science.
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If you’re applying to UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science, a strong OAT score is essential. Dr. Jim Romano’s OAT Destroyer series is trusted by thousands of optometry students nationwide:
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