The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry notes that the OAT Program is designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information and perceptual ability of potential students. The objective is to ensure that each student admitted to optometry school has the ability to succeed in a rigorous academic program related to medical sciences.
Before taking the OAT, students should complete a minimum of one year of college that includes courses in biology, physics and organic and general chemistry. This preliminary education provides a student with education necessary for the multiple-choice questions on the OAT exam. One goal of the application process outlined in the OAT Program Guide is to familiarize students with the ethical obligations of optometrists. This includes the American Optometrist Association's (AOA) Code of Ethics. This ethical code is designed to protect patients and their privacy when submitting themselves to the care of an optometrist.
The OAT consists of four main testing segments. First is the Survey of Natural Sciences, which takes 90 minutes. There are 100 questions covering biology, general chemistry and organic chemistry topics.
The second segment is a 50-minute Reading Comprehension Test that contains three passages that are typical of content studied in the first year of optometry school.
The Physics Test contains 40 items with an allotted 50 minutes for completion, and is also an achievement test that covers material in a two-semester physics course.
Finally, 45 minutes is given for the 40-question Quantitative Reasoning Test, which the Sample Test notes as a measurement of the examinee's ability to reason with numbers, manipulate numerical relationships, and deal intelligently with quantitative materials.
All four tests must be completed as partial credits are not granted. Scores are based on the number of correct responses and range from 200 to 400 with no passing or failing scores.
According to the OAT Program Guide, the program has established rules to ensure that no participant have an unfair advantage over other participants. The regulations include accuracy of information provided during the application process and examinees conduct during the test. Procedures and regulations reflect and uphold the AOA Code of Ethics. An objective of high expectations for personal conduct helps ensure that those participating in the OAT have the integrity necessary to uphold the ethics expected in the community of optometrists after graduation.