Chiropractors do not prescribe medications nor perform surgery. To be accepted at a chiropractic college, a student must have completed a minimum of two years of college with a prescribed science content, including biology and inorganic chemistry. Chiropractic colleges require four to five years of study, including clinical experience. A Doctor of Optometry examines, diagnoses, treats and manages diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures. Optometrists prescribe glasses and contact lenses, manage rehabilitation of the visually impaired, and diagnose and treat ocular disease.
Optometrists often work in close association with ophthalmologists.
Students spend their first three years at Gettysburg College and the next four years at the college of optometry. After completing the first year of the optometric curriculum, they receive their bachelor's degree from Gettysburg College. In order to complete the necessary courses to matriculate at either optometry school after three years at Gettysburg College, a student must plan his or her schedule of courses very carefully. It is also possible for a student to enter either college after the end of four years at Gettysburg College. If the student is a biology major, he or she may take approved courses at PCO to complete the biology major.