Master of Science in Optometry
Master of Science in Optometry
The first and only program of its kind in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East — preparing the next generation of optometric researchers, scientists, and clinical educators.
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Two study plans are currently running. An updated curricular plan began in Fall 2026 for newly admitted students. Students admitted before 2026 continue on the previous plan until they graduate. Both plans are shown below.
About the Program
The Master of Science program in Optometry is the first and only program of its kind in Saudi Arabia and the entire Middle East region. The program contributes to the preparation of leading optometric cadres that can advance the educational process and research projects at universities and research centers.
Furthermore, this program provides opportunities to those who wish to continue their postgraduate studies (PhD) in the future. The graduates contribute to the development of clinical skills and studies related to the assessment, diagnosis, and management of the visual system and vision problems.
Graduates are qualified to work as optometrists (Specialist 1), university lecturers, and vision science researchers in higher education and research institutions, the public and private healthcare sectors, and the optical and eye care industry.
- 1The applicant must hold a full-time Bachelor's degree in Optometry and Vision Science from King Saud University or any university accredited by the Ministry of Education, with a minimum grade of Good — 2.75/5 or equivalent.
- 2A minimum score of 5 in IELTS Academic or equivalent, or a degree from a country whose official language is English and where English was the language of instruction, according to the approved Deanship list.
- 3Pass the personal interview and the written entrance exam, or any other conditions set by the department in the year of application.
Classes are held in the afternoon from Sunday to Thursday, or on weekends (Friday and Saturday), as determined by the program or department. For postgraduate inquiries: OPTO-PG@KSU.EDU.SA
Mission & Goals
The program aims at graduating students with a Master of Science in Optometry, which qualifies the graduates to practice professionally in the field of Optometry and provide health services, and scientific and clinical research to the expectation of community, national and international standards.
- 1Raise the level of service in the health and education sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by preparing highly qualified national cadres in optometry sciences.
- 2Encourage the scientific competencies of graduates through training on creativity and innovation in scientific and clinical research in optometry.
- 3Enable distinguished students with university degrees to continue their higher studies.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
The program learning outcomes are the same for both study plans and both tracks.
Curricular Plans
Both plans are shown below. Your plan depends on the year you were admitted.
Coursework & Research Project
Students complete required and elective coursework across four levels, with a two-part research project (OPTO 598 and OPTO 599) in the second year.
Coursework & Thesis
Students complete required and elective coursework, prepare a thesis plan in Level 3 (OPTO 596), and complete a supervised master's thesis in Level 4 (OPTO 600).
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| OPTO 510 | Advanced Therapeutics Techniques | 4 (2+2+0) |
| OPTO 511 | Research Methodology in Vision Sciences | 2 (2+0+0) |
| OPTO 512 | Advanced Techniques in Ocular Examination (1) | 3 (2+1+0) |
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| OPTO 520 | Advanced Contact Lenses Studies | 4 (2+2+0) |
| OPTO 521 | Data Analysis in Vision Sciences | 2 (2+0+0) |
| OPTO 522 | Advanced Techniques in Ocular Examination (2)Prerequisite: OPTO 512 | 3 (2+1+0) |
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| OPTO 530 | Interactive Discussion and Visual Cases Analysis | 3 (1+0+2) |
| OPTO 598 | Research Project (1) | 3 (0+3+0) |
| — | Elective course (one course from the elective list) | 2 (2+0+0) |
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| OPTO 540 | Optometric Co-management of Refractive Surgery Patients | 3 (2+1+0) |
| OPTO 599 | Research Project (2)Prerequisite: OPTO 598 | 3 (0+3+0) |
Levels 1 and 2 are the same as Track 1 (18 credit hours).
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| OPTO 530 | Interactive Discussion and Visual Cases Analysis | 3 (1+0+2) |
| OPTO 535 | Advanced Studies in Myopia Progression Management | 2 (2+0+0) |
| OPTO 596 | Thesis Preparation Plan | 1 (1+0+0) |
| — | Elective course (one course from the elective list) | 2 (2+0+0) |
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| OPTO 600 | Master's ThesisPrerequisite: OPTO 596 | 6 (0+0+6) |
Elective Courses
Both tracks · choose 1 (2 credit hours) · Level 3
1 · Thesis Preparation Plan
The thesis proposal is prepared within OPTO 596 in Level 3, after completing more than 50% of the degree requirements, and is presented to the department academic committee.
2 · Supervision
Once approved, the Department Council names a supervisor (and co-supervisor where applicable). The supervisor reports on the student's progress at the end of each semester.
3 · Thesis & Defense
The approved thesis is registered as OPTO 600 in Level 4 and defended before a viva committee of at least three faculty members, chaired by the supervisor.
Courses Curriculum
Coursework-only pathway. Students complete a comprehensive curriculum across four levels covering advanced clinical, research, and applied optometry courses, culminating in a research project.
Courses + Master's Thesis
Research-focused pathway. Students complete a focused curriculum alongside a supervised master's thesis — ideal for those intending to pursue doctoral studies or research careers.
| Code | Course Name | Theory | Practical | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPTO 541 | Advances in Ocular Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| OPTO 556 | Visual Perception and Visual Psychophysics | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| OPTO 597 | Visual Development | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Code | Course Name | Theory | Practical | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPTO 565 | Advanced Management Techniques | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| OPTO 595 | Advanced Low Vision Studies | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| OPTO 542 | Neurology of Oculo-motor Systems | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Code | Course Name | Theory | Practical | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPTO 557 | Advanced Contact Lenses Studies | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| OPTO 571 | Experimental Design and Data Management in Visual Sciences | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| OPTO 591 | Public Health Optometry and Professional Ethics | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| OPTO 566 | Advanced Clinical Studies | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Code | Course Name | Theory | Practical | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPTO 567 | Optometric Co-management of Refractive Surgery Patients | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| OPTO 592 | Interactive Discussion and Visual Cases Analysis | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| OPTO 599 | Research Project | 0 | 4 | 4 |
Track II shares Levels 1 and 2 with Track I (18 credit hours). In the second year, students complete Level 3 below then proceed to the Master's Thesis.
| Code | Course Name | Theory | Practical | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPTO 571 | Experimental Design and Data Management in Visual Sciences | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| OPTO 591 | Public Health Optometry and Professional Ethics | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| OPTO 566 | Advanced Clinical Studies | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Code | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| OPT 600 | Master's Thesis | Supervised Research |
Program Handbook
Download the complete Master of Science in Optometry Handbook for detailed information about program requirements, course descriptions, regulations, and graduation criteria.
