Detroit Mercy School of Optometry
Welcome to the University of Detroit Mercy School of Optometry
University of Detroit Mercy School of Optometry is the 25th optometry school in the United States. Located in Novi, Mich., we are situated in the metro-Detroit area with access to rich cultural history and a dynamic social scene, including fine arts, entertainment and several professional sports teams.
The School of Optometry offers a small class size and direct access to faculty, administration and support. Students have the opportunity to conduct research with faculty dedicated to evidence-based clinical optometric practice. Additionally, students are offered both on-site and external clinical experiences throughout the United States and Canada.
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Visit Campus
Tours are now being offered to prospective students. Schedule your visit.
Mission in Action
The School of Optometry and Eye Institute are examples of UDM’s Jesuit and Mercy mission in action. Fostering a forward-thinking, inclusive learning environment, the School of Optometry develops competent and ethical eye and vision care professionals committed to patient care and community wellness. Our success is rooted in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions through the integration of scholarly activity, evidence-based teaching and service.
School of Optometry Admission
Contact the Office of Admission at optometryadmissions@udmercy.edu for more information.
About Detroit Mercy Optometry
Find our mission and vision, goals and objectives as well as outcomes data.
Program Disclosure of Accreditation Status
The Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) has granted the University of Detroit Mercy School of Optometry the preaccreditation status of “Preliminary Approval.” Preliminary Approval status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation. Achieving Preliminary Approval status is not a guarantee that the ACOE will grant the University of Detroit Mercy School of Optometry an accreditation status. Participants who graduate from a program in Preliminary Approval status are not deemed to have completed an accredited program. The University of Detroit Mercy School of Optometry will be evaluated for the granting of an accreditation status during the academic year the first cohort is scheduled to graduate. For more information, see the ACOE’s website or contact the ACOE at accredit@theacoe.org.
School of Optometry News
November 06, 2025
University of Detroit Mercy adopts renewed core values
The launch and dissemination of these core values come during an exciting time of growth for UDM, highlighted by strong national rankings and new academic programs.
October 03, 2025
UDM now ranks among top 9% of universities in U.S. for return-on-investment
UDM graduates rank in the top 9% of 4,476 colleges and universities nationwide for salary earned over a period of 15 to 40 years during their career.
September 30, 2025
UDM ranks No. 36 in U.S. in 2026 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse Higher Education rankings
The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings focus on student outcomes rather than inputs, highlighting the tangible value a school delivers to its students. It evaluates colleges on several key measures, including social mobility and salary impact.



