PhD in Optometry & Vision Science
PhD in Optometry & Vision Science
The highest academic qualification offered by the Department of Optometry at King Saud University. This doctoral program produces innovative vision scientists and clinician-researchers with the advanced knowledge and skills to lead research, advance healthcare policy, and contribute to the knowledge-based economy of Saudi Arabia.
Mission & Goals
To graduate highly skilled optometry professionals and vision scientists with advanced clinical knowledge and research skills. The program aims to promote scientific research in the field of Optometry and Vision Science and to contribute to the knowledge-based economy in Saudi society.
- 1Produce innovative and significant applied research related to the field of optometry and vision science.
- 2Raise the level of scientific research in Optometry and Vision Science to obtain high-quality medical services in Saudi Arabia.
- 3Contribute to community services by providing highly qualified graduates in a variety of disciplines in the field of Optometry and Vision Science.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Admission Requirements
For all inquiries specifically regarding postgraduate programs in the Department of Optometry — including admission timelines, required documents, and program structure — contact the postgraduate team directly. Note that incomplete applications will not be considered; please ensure all information is accurate before final submission.
- 1Hold a full-time master's degree in Optometry from King Saud University or an accredited university, with a minimum CGPA of "Very Good" (3.75/5) or equivalent.
- 2Eligible applicants are selected based on specific criteria, number of applicants, and program capacity.
- 3A score of at least 6.0 in IELTS Academic or equivalent, or a degree from an English-language institution per the approved deanship list.
- 4Submit a research proposal demonstrating research interests and intended direction.
- 5Pass the departmental written examination with a minimum score of 50%.
How to Apply
Access the Portal
Visit the Deanship of Graduate Studies website at dgs.ksu.edu.sa to begin your application.
Create an Account
Register using a valid email address to start and save your application progress.
Complete & Upload
Fill out the application form and upload all required supporting documents including your research proposal.
Submit
Review your application carefully and submit before the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Curricular Plan
- OPTO 610Pathology of Ocular Disease
- OPTO 611Ocular Biochemistry
- OPTO 612Research Methodology & Biostatistics
- OPTO 621Advanced Topics in Visual Impairment & Perception
- OPTO 622Group Discussion I
- OPTO 623Ocular Motility & Binocular Vision
- OPTO 630Advanced Contact Lenses
- OPTO 631Advanced Eye Care Technologies
- OPTO 632Group Discussion II
- OPTO 699Dissertation Proposal Preparation
- COM 700Comprehensive Exam
- OPTO 700Dissertation — 12 Study Units
Elective Courses
10 Electives Available
Course Descriptions
Pathology of Ocular Disease
This advanced course aims to acquaint first-year graduate students with fundamental concepts in ocular diseases. Covered topics encompass the pathophysiology of ocular surface infections and inflammations, dry eye syndrome, lens disease, glaucoma, and retinal diseases. It will delve into new non-surgical therapeutic approaches and provide updates on current research efforts. The instructional approach blends didactic lectures with student-led discussions and presentations based on pertinent research literature.
Ocular Biochemistry
The course provides comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge on the biochemical basis of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, and nucleic acid structures, functions, and metabolism as they relate to eye and ocular diseases. It covers selected topics in molecular biochemistry and describes the biochemistry of vision, the biochemical structure and functions of eye tissues, and metabolic processes that maintain the visual process.
Research Methodology and Biostatistics
The course discusses experimental design, forming a hypothesis, research methodology, sampling, clinical trials, basic data analysis, and research budgetary management. It covers descriptive statistics, probability sampling, correlation, prediction, parametric and non-parametric variables, repeated measures designs, complex regression, statistical re-sampling, analysis of clinical images, and accuracy of novel clinical methods. Research ethics including ethics codes, participant consent, and types of scientific misconduct are also addressed.
Advanced Topics in Visual Impairment and Perception
Covers selected topics in visual impairment and perception including retinal signaling, LGN, visual cortex, visual adaptations, luminance contrast processing, and scene perception. Topics also include epidemiology of low vision, its emotional and community impact, sensory substitution, prescribing optical and electronic low vision devices, and multidisciplinary low vision service provision. Involves evaluation of non-optical aids in subjects with low vision.
Group Discussion I
Provides students with the experience to critically evaluate literature in the area of vision research. Students meet with their supervisors for two hours each week and must submit multiple drafts of literature reviews criticizing the literature on a specific topic.
Ocular Motility and Binocular Vision
Provides comprehensive descriptions of binocular vision anomalies — strabismic and non-strabismic, sensory, and motor disorders. Discusses binocular vision instabilities and their correlation with visual stress, implications for learning disability, and motor/sensory ocular dominance instabilities affecting reading performance, all within the scope of scientific publications.
Advanced Contact Lenses
Provides comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge in cornea and clinical contact lenses, tear film, and ocular surface. Covers recent research in cornea and contact lenses, systematic evaluation and grading of dry eyes. Students present, discuss, and critically analyze recent articles in cornea, contact lenses, dry eye management, and new treatment technologies.
Advanced Eye Care Technologies
Interactive sessions on visual optics, optical error correction, and ocular imaging. Topics include visual image quality concepts, accommodation, strategies for presbyopia, myopia progression reduction, and applications and constraints of technology for measuring and correcting aberrations in normal and highly aberrated eyes, along with its use in ocular imaging.
Group Discussion II
A continuation of OPTO 622. Students submit their final draft of the literature review, identifying the gap in current knowledge and suggesting future research directions.
Dissertation Proposal Preparation
Provides students the opportunity to focus on a particular research topic. Students conduct a literature review directly related to their PhD topic and formulate a hypothesis and aims. Students write a complete scientific research proposal in consultation with their supervisors, ideally before applying for external research grants.
Dissertation
The student conducts original clinical or laboratory research under the guidance of a chosen supervisor. They record and analyze data, draw conclusions, and write a formal thesis (abstract, introduction, background, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, references). Once approved by the supervisor and department, the student defends the thesis before internal and external examiners.
Artificial Intelligence Application in Optometry
Provides basic knowledge in AI applications, including data processing and AI applications in optometry and vision sciences. Covers modern technologies for diagnosing eye diseases, analysing medical images, and designing intelligent systems to support specialists, with theoretical and applied aspects through case studies and scientific projects.
Visual Psychophysics
Covers how various factors — brightness, contrast, psychophysical modality, and eye disease — influence the results of psychophysical tests used in basic and clinical vision research. The usefulness of these tests is examined by considering their reliability, discriminatory ability, and validity.
Visual Neuroscience
Topics encompass visual processing in the retina, cortex, and extracortical regions, dorsal and ventral processing streams, spatial vision, binocular vision, the oculomotor system, and higher-order processes such as visual attention and cognition. Each topic covers both normal function and diseases associated with nervous system pathology.
Principles of Ocular Therapeutics
Provides basic and advanced knowledge of eye disease treatment, with emphasis on potential side effects of ophthalmic and systemic medications affecting vision. Includes a basic understanding of the synthesis of therapeutic peptides and principles of drug delivery through nanoparticles in ophthalmic treatments.
Advanced Studies in the Treatment of Myopia Progression
Discusses modern theories and methods addressing major factors that stimulate myopia development or progression. Covers benefits and limitations of current optical, pharmacological, and behavioral interventions, and applies specialized techniques for managing progressive myopia, including designing sophisticated management plans.
Special Topics in Vision Science
Practical and specialized topics related to the student's research area, studied by special arrangement with the student's research faculty member and special committee.
Advancements in Smart and Bio-Integrated Contact Lenses
Covers cutting-edge developments in smart contact lenses, their clinical applications, and their impact on optometry and vision science.
Saudi Healthcare System
An overview of the Saudi healthcare system, its structure, governance, and the role of allied health professionals including optometrists within the national health landscape.
Evidence Based Healthcare
Introduces the principles and applications of evidence-based healthcare and knowledge translation, enabling students to utilize research findings with clinical experience, patient preferences, and interprofessional perspectives to improve patient, population, and organizational outcomes.
Laser Applications
Discusses laser safety, laser in optical applications and data storage, medical applications (ophthalmology, dermatology, surgery, neurosurgery), and optical properties in tissue and laser types in medicine.
Ready to Apply?
All applications for the PhD in Optometry and Vision Science must be submitted online through the official Deanship of Graduate Studies portal. For program-specific inquiries, contact the Department of Optometry's postgraduate team directly.
- Apply online: dgs.ksu.edu.sa
- Postgraduate inquiries: OPTO-PG@KSU.EDU.SA
- Entry: Full-time MS in Optometry, min. CGPA 3.75/5
- IELTS Academic minimum score: 6.0 or equivalent
