Master of Science in Optometry
The Master of Science program in Optometry, is the first and the only program in Saudi Arabia and in the Middle East region. The program will contribute in the preparation of leading optometric cadres that can contribute to advancing the educational process, research projects at universities and research centers. Furthermore, this program provides opportunities to those who have the desire to continue their postgraduate studies (PhD) in the future. The graduates of this program will contribute to the development of clinical skills and studies related to the assessment, diagnosis, and management of the visual system and vision problems.
Master of Science in Optometry Program Mission
The program aims at graduating students with a master’s degree in Optometry Sciences, 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.
Master of Science in Optometry Program Goals
1. Raise 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
2. Encouraging scientific competencies of graduates through training on creativity and innovation in scientific and clinical research in optometry.
3. Enabling distinguished students with university degrees to continue their higher studies.
Admission
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. For inquiries specifically regarding postgraduate programs in the Department of Optometry, contact us via email: OPTO-PG@KSU.EDU.SA
Student Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Knowledge and Understanding (K):
K1: Describe the anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of the visual system and the recent theories of visual perceptions.
K2: Identifying the advanced methods of detection, diagnosis, and management of ocular diseases encountered in the optometry practice.
K3: Recognize the clinical application of contact lens, laser, optical and non-optical devices in different ocular conditions.
K4: Discuss the core principles of scientific research, optometry statistics and epidemiology
Skills (S):
S1: Integrate knowledge from psychophysics, human ocular anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry in recognizing and managing diseases.
S2: Assess and manage advanced cases of refractive errors, ocular motility, binocular vision, neurological conditions, low vision, refractive surgery, and other ocular diseases.
S3: Critically interpret and evaluate evidence-based research and ethical dilemma in the field of optometry and the vision sciences
S4: Conduct advanced research in the field, analyze and interpret statistical data for optometric measurements using computerized statistical programs.
S5: Demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific research both in written and spoken forms.
Values (V):
V1: Demonstrate adherence to academic and professional values and ethics.
V2: Demonstrate successful project management skills such as responsibility, working independently and as part of a team, and time and stress management
Degree Requirements, Tracks, and Curricular Plans
A Master of Science degree in Optometry will be awarded after the successful completion of 42 credit units or 28 credit units, respectively, from one of the below mentioned two tracks offered by the department:
Track I: Courses curriculum (42 credit units).
Track II: Courses curriculum + Master’s thesis (28 credit units).
Track I: Courses Curriculum
First Year
Level 1 (9 hours) | |||||
| The Course’s Code | The Course’s Name | The Course’s Hours | Total | |
The Theoretical Part | The Practical Part | ||||
1 | OPTO 541 | Advances in Ocular Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry | 2 | 1 | 3 |
2 | OPTO 556 | Visual Perception and Visual Psychophysics | 2 | 1 | 3 |
3 | OPTO 597 | Visual Development | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Level 2 (9 hours) | |||||
| The Course’s Code | The Course’s Name | The Course’s Hours | Total | |
The Theoretical Part | The Practical Part | ||||
1 | OPTO 565 | Advanced Management Techniques | 2 | 1 | 3 |
2 | OPTO 595 | Advanced Low Vision Studies | 2 | 1 | 3 |
3 | OPTO 542 | Neurology of Oculo-motor Systems | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Second Year
Level 3 (14 hours) | |||||
| The Course’s Code | The Course’s Name | The Course’s Hours | Total | |
The Theoretical Part | The Practical Part | ||||
1 | OPTO 557 | Advanced Contact Lenses Studies | 2 | 2 | 4 |
2 | OPTO 571 | Experimental Design and Data Management in Visual Sciences | 2 | 1 | 3 |
3 | OPTO 591 | Public Health Optometry and Professional Ethics | 2 | 1 | 3 |
4 | OPTO 566 | Advanced Clinical Studies | 0 | 4 | 4 |
Level 4 (10 hours) | |||||
| The Course’s Code | The Course’s Name | The Course’s Hours | Total | |
The Theoretical Part | The Practical Part | ||||
1 | OPT0 567 | Optometric co-management of Refractive Surgery Patients | 2 | 1 | 3 |
2 | OPTO 592 | Interactive Discussion and Visual Cases Analysis | 1 | 2 | 3 |
3 | OPTO 599 | Research Project | 0 | 4 | 4 |
Track II: Course curriculum and master's thesis
First Year
Level 1 (9 hours) | |||||
| The Course’s Code | The Course’s Name | The Course’s Hours | Total | |
The Theoretical Part | The Practical Part | ||||
1 | OPTO 541 | Advances in Ocular Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry | 2 | 1 | 3 |
2 | OPTO 556 | Visual Perception and Visual Psychophysics | 2 | 1 | 3 |
3 | OPTO 597 | Visual Development | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Level 2 (9 hours) | |||||
| The Course’s Code | The Course’s Name | The Course’s Hours | Total | |
The Theoretical Part | The Practical Part | ||||
1 | OPTO 565 | Advanced Management Techniques | 2 | 1 | 3 |
2 | OPTO 595 | Advanced Low Vision Studies | 2 | 1 | 3 |
3 | OPTO 542 | Neurology of Oculomotor Systems | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Second Year
Level 3 (10 hours) | |||||
| The Course’s Code | The Course’s Name | The Course’s Hours | Total | |
The Theoretical Part | The Practical Part | ||||
1 | OPTO 571 | Experimental Design and Data Management in Visual Sciences | 2 | 1 | 3 |
2 | OPTO 591 | Public Health Optometry and Professional Ethics | 2 | 1 | 3 |
3 | OPTO 566 | Advanced Clinical Studies | 0 | 4 | 4 |
Level 4 | |||||
| The Course’s Code | The Course’s Name | The Course’s Hours | Total | |
The Theoretical Part | The Practical Part | ||||
1 | OPT 600 | Master’s Thesis | - | - | - |
