Detroit Mercy School of Optometry
Welcome to the University of Detroit Mercy School of Optometry
UDMSO received preliminary accreditation approval from the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) on Nov. 19, 2024. With this approval, UDMSO is ready to begin offering the Doctor of Optometry degree as the 25th graduate optometry education program in the United States.
Apply
The first class will begin in the fall of 2025, and prospective students can submit applications. In April of 2024, the University opened the Detroit Mercy Eye Institute on the Novi campus and began accepting patients.
Visit Campus
Tours are now being offered alternate Tuesdays this spring.
Mission in Action
The School of Optometry and Eye Institute are examples of UDM’s Jesuit and Mercy mission in action. The development of both entities has provided UDM a significant opportunity to expand the University’s healthcare footprint in southeast Michigan and serve individuals in need. UDM’s School of Optometry's goal is to garner recognition as an international leader for innovations in curriculum, clinical education, patient care and community collaboration.
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.
Eye Institute
Our team of professionals and experts are ready to help you with all of your eye care needs.
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
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.
May 27, 2025
UDM to welcome first cohort for accelerated 7-year Doctor of Optometry program
With its first student cohort entering the program this fall, Detroit Mercy is stepping up to meet the pressing demand for optometrists, one driven by an aging population requiring more vision care, rising awareness of eye health and a growing number of retiring professionals.