Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, College of Health Sciences (CoHS), Gulf Medical University (GMU), welcomed the 2025 BSc. Optometry cohort on August 30, 2025, with an engaging and informative orientation session to introduce students to the program’s structure, academic policies, and university resources.
The session began with a welcome address by Dr. Praveen Kumar, Dean of CoHS, who inspired students with a message of growth and opportunity, “We are proud to welcome this new cohort of aspiring optometry professionals. The field of optometry is evolving rapidly, and GMU is committed to equipping students with world-class training, cutting-edge facilities, and mentorship that will shape them into compassionate, skilled leaders in eye care.”
Following this, Dr. Rizwana Hussaindeen, Program Director and Semester Coordinator, presented a detailed overview of the academic calendar, university policies, academic integrity, and Semester 1 courses. She also outlined the weekly schedule and assessment plans, giving students a clear picture of their first-year learning journey.
To enhance their preparedness, Mr. Suraj Sebastian guided students through GMU’s Learning Management System (LMS) and Folio 360 for streamlined learning and performance tracking.
Students were also introduced to GMU’s robust support system through:
- Registrar’s Address by Mr. Aslam Kutty covering administrative and academic processes.
- Library Orientation by Dr. Ramprasad M showcasing GMU’s extensive academic resources.
- Student Affairs Overview by Ms. Liza Kaminzada highlighting mentorship, student engagement, and wellness programs.
The orientation concluded with a tour of GMU’s advanced optometry training facilities and a refreshments session, allowing new students to connect with faculty and peers in a welcoming atmosphere.
