Master of Science in Optometry INTRODUCTION: The mission of the Optometry department, College of Applied Medical Sciences is sprout from the importance of building highly qualified national cadres to provide the necessary medical and educational care for those who are suffering from  problems related to the visual system and vision. Due to the high scientific development in the management of refractive errors , strabismus and low vision , the need called for the establishment of  Master Degree program in the Department of Optometry emulates the international programs and contributes in developing the professional Optometric standard through qualifying scientific practioners specialized in the field of clinical Optometry, research and studies, training , education and to increase the public awareness  in the health institutions and the society in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Department of Optometry currently meets all the necessary requirements of establishing Post Graduate Studies which include qualified teaching staff, recognized as internationally scientists in the field of education, research, and clinical practice. Furthermore the availability of the clinical research facilities and education material will enable the program on a best way to meet the stated goals of the College of Applied Medical Sciences and of King Saud University. The Master of Science program in Optometry, is the first and the only in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region, will contribute in  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.   Name of the Scientific Degree:  Master of Science in Optometry   Program Objective: The master of science program in Optometry is aimed to develop standard of the service in the health and educational sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through preparing outstanding qualified national cadres specialized in one of the numerous Optometry specialty which includes (for example) binocular vision, Cornea and contact lenses, Public health and visual assessment, visual system development, geriatric optometry and low vision.   The Main Goals can be Summarized, as the Following: 1. To improve scientific and clinical competencies of practicing optometrists and train them in specialized area of optometry, which enhance the services they offer to the community. 2. To train students to support scientific creativity and innovation in the design, development and presentation of scientific research and clinical studies. 3. To encourage practicing optometrist to develop and to be updated  with the latest developments of science and technology in the field of Optometry. 4. To enable distinguished bachelor's students to continue their postgraduate studies locally.   Admission requirements: Applicants must be Saudi; otherwise, they should have scholarships for postgraduate studies. Applicants need to have an undergraduate degree either from a Saudi university or an accredited regional or international university. Applicants should be medically fit and well and must conform to good behavior. Applicants need to provide two references (recommendation) letters from two faculty members who previously taught them. Employed applicants must provide a written permission from their employer to enroll in the program. For a PhD degree, only a full-time admission is offered. However, for a part-time PhD acceptance, an exemption could be granted by the university’s Council. Some applicants might require additional introductory courses before enrolment. Applicants need to complete their undergraduate study as a full-time student either at King Saud University or an accredited national or international university with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 out of 5 or its equivalent. For applicants with a GPA of less than 3.25 out of 5 the department have the right to waiver those who have the following: two years of experience has an average GPA of at least 3.75 out of 5 (Grade B) in the optometry specialty courses in the bachelor degree. Applicants must score a minimum of 45 points in the online test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test or its equivalent in other English language proficiency tests. Applicants must score a minimum of 70 points in the General Aptitude Test (GAT).  Completion of an internship year. 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.   Degree Requirements: A Master of Science degree in Optometry will be awarded after the successful completion of 42 credit units or 28 credit units (respectievely) from any one of the two tracks offered by the department: track I: Courses curriculum (42 credit units). track II: Courses curriculum & Masters thesis (28 credit units).

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