Master of Science in Optometry

Knowledge and Understanding (K):

K1: Discuss the anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of the visual system along with recent theories of visual perceptions.

K2: Compare advanced methods of detecting, diagnosing, and managing ocular diseases in the optometry practice.

K3: Distinguish between various advanced clinical application of contact lens, laser, optical and non-optical devices in different ocular conditions.

K4: Recognize the fundamental principles of scientific research, statistical analysis in optometry and epidemiology

Skills (S):

S1: Combine knowledge from psychophysics, human ocular anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry in recognizing and managing diseases.

S2: Interpret advanced cases of refractive errors, ocular motility, binocular vision, neurological conditions, low vision, refractive surgery, and other ocular diseases.

S3: Criticize evidence-based research and ethical dilemma in the field of optometry and the vision sciences

S4: Employ advanced research in the field, focusing on statistical data for optometric measurements using computerized statistical programs.

S5: Construct scientific research findings effectively in both written and spoken formats

Values (V):

V1: Adhere to academic and professional values and ethics.

V2: Demonstrate project management skills, including responsibility, independent work, teamwork, and effective time and stress management and a commitment to lifelong learning.

The admission requirement for the master’s program is a minimum grade average of “Very Good” in the bachelor’s degree of Optometry. However, the Graduate Studies Deanship Council can admit a student with a “high good” average, if a student has scored a minimum of “Very Good” in optometry specialty courses in the bachelor’s degree. After satisfying the above conditions, the applicant must present for an interview and/or a written admission examination and/or any other conditions set by the department in the same year the student applies to enroll in the program.

Track I: Courses Curriculum (42 Credit Hours)

First Year – First Semester

OPTO 541 – Advances in Ocular Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry – 3 Credit Hours
OPTO 556 – Visual Perception and Visual Psychophysics – 3 Credit Hours
OPTO 597 – Visual Development – 3 Credit Hours

First Year – Second Semester

OPTO 565 – Advanced Management Techniques – 3 Credit Hours
OPTO 595 – Advanced Low Vision Studies – 3 Credit Hours
OPTO 542 – Neurology of Oculomotor Systems – 3 Credit Hours

Second Year – First Semester

OPTO 557 – Advanced Contact Lenses Studies – 4 Credit Hours
OPTO 571 – Experimental Design and Data Management in Visual Sciences – 3 Credit Hours
OPTO 591 – Public Health Optometry and Professional Ethics – 3 Credit Hours
OPTO 566 – Advanced Clinical Studies – 4 Credit Hours

Second Year – Second Semester

OPTO 567 – Optometric Co-management of Refractive Surgery Patients – 3 Credit Hours
OPTO 592 – Interactive Discussion and Visual Cases Analysis – 3 Credit Hours
OPTO 599 – Research Project – 4 Credit Hours

Track II: Courses Curriculum + Master’s Thesis (28 Credit Hours)

First Year – First Semester

OPTO 541 – Advances in Ocular Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry – 3 Credit Hours
OPTO 556 – Visual Perception and Visual Psychophysics – 3 Credit Hours
OPTO 597 – Visual Development – 3 Credit Hours

First Year – Second Semester

OPTO 565 – Advanced Management Techniques – 3 Credit Hours
OPTO 595 – Advanced Low Vision Studies – 3 Credit Hours
OPTO 542 – Neurology of Oculomotor Systems – 3 Credit Hours

Second Year – First Semester

OPTO 571 – Experimental Design and Data Management in Visual Sciences – 3 Credit Hours
OPTO 591 – Public Health Optometry and Professional Ethics – 3 Credit Hours
OPTO 566 – Advanced Clinical Studies – 4 Credit Hours

Second Year – Second Semester

OPT 600 – Master’s Thesis