Prerequisites

Students interested in a career in Orthoptics must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. A science-related major is preferred, with coursework in biology, physiology, anatomy, mathematics, basic physics, child development, and psychology. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is recommended. The GRE is not required for admission.

Admission to the program is contingent upon selected applicants having—or obtaining—the appropriate authorization for academic study and maintaining it throughout the program. The University of Iowa Orthoptic Fellowship Program does not sponsor academic study authorization (e.g., F-1 visas).

Application Information

Applicants will be required to attend a personal interview.

Please mail, fax, or email completed application to:

UI Orthoptic Admissions Committee
University of Iowa Health Care
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52242

Office: 319-356-3863
Fax: 319-384-9831
xiaoyan-shan@uiowa.edu 

Required Materials

  • Completed application
  • Brief personal statement on why orthoptics appeals to you as a career
  • College transcripts (official required -- may be mailed or emailed by registrar)
  • Two letters of recommendation

 

Application Deadlines

All application materials are due by the end of the day Monday, February 2nd, 2026.

The program begins Monday, August 3rd, 2026.

Contact Information

For additional information about orthoptics or orthoptic training at the University of Iowa, please contact us.