The Optometry Department at the College of Applied Medical Sciences is the only department in the Gulf region and the Middle East that graduates optometrists who are able to deal with the eye in an integrated manner, from examining eyesight and diagnosing pathological conditions and transferring them to the appropriate clinic. Scientific studies of the problem of blindness have proven that refractive errors (such as myopia, farsightedness and deviation) constitute one of the most important causes of blindness in the world. These refractive errors and other eye diseases can be combated and eliminated or reduced if there are persons qualified to work as optometrists on this basis. From this point of view, the Department of Optometry in the College of Applied Medical Sciences teaches and trains students to learn about vision problems and eye diseases and how to treat them, so that they are qualified to work as optometrists. The study plan of the department is concerned with early diagnosis and treatment of vision problems and common eye diseases through theoretical and practical lectures, which include
• Eye and vision examination
• Prescribing eyeglasses, contact lenses for various medical conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, keratoconus.
• Diagnosis and treatment of strabismus.
- Early detection and diagnosis of common eye diseases
• Prescribing visual aids for patients with severe vision impairment
It also requires the student, after completing all courses in the study plan, to conduct clinical training for a full year in eye clinics in several government hospitals to apply all clinical skills in specialization and benefit from the experience of practitioners, whether in the field of ophthalmology and optometry.
