Bachelor of Science in Optometry (BSc. OPT)

Vision

To be recognized as a leading optometry program in the UAE that is globally recognized, committed to excellence in education, research, and clinical practice, while fostering innovation and sustainability to meet the evolving needs of the eye care profession and the community.

Mission

• Educate and train highly skilled, compassionate, and ethical optometrists who are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive eye and vision care.
• Prepare our graduates to excel in various optometry settings, contribute to the advancement of the field, and address the eye care needs of the community, supporting the Emiratization and education priorities of the UAE through a rigorous curriculum, hands-on clinical experience, and a focus on research and innovation.
• Prepare the graduates for interdisciplinary roles as Optometrists, educators, and researchers.

On successful completion of this program the graduate will be able to:

A. Knowledge:

PLO 1: Explain the structure and function of the visual system, pathogenesis of ocular diseases, and its association with systemic diseases.

PLO 2: Employ knowledge of eye assessment and apply principles underlying the use of ophthalmic devices and procedures in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of visual conditions.

PLO 3: Analyse predisposing epidemiological, environmental factors and triage sight-threatening problems that require intervention to prevent visual deterioration or ocular disease with evidence-based referral management.

B. Skills:

PLO 4: Conduct clinical assessment of the eyes and visual system, including refraction, ocular health assessment, ophthalmic dispensing, and recommending appropriate management options using evidence-based practice methods.

PLO 5: Perform low vision assessment, binocular vision assessment, vision therapy, contact lens assessment, ophthalmic dispensing, ophthalmic diagnostic procedures, and provide appropriate management solutions.

C. Competence

C.1. Autonomy and responsibility

PLO 6: Integrate clinical knowledge into patient care with conditional autonomy, interpret data, apply clinical reasoning skills to derive a differential diagnosis, and formulate an evidence-based clinical management plan.

PLO 7: Support eye health promotion and apply appropriate management strategies for ocular and systemic conditions in the realms of collaborative practice.

C.2. Role in context

PLO 8: Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills to establish and maintain professional relationships with patients, their families, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals to enhance the quality of care.

PLO 9: Interpret healthcare systems, policies, regulations, and the legal and ethical implications of patient care decisions in accordance with established standards of care in optometric practice, while contributing to improved healthcare outcomes for the community.

C.3. Self-Development

PLO 10: Demonstrate competency and commitment to continuous life-long learning and professional development by developing abilities to appraise and assimilate scientific evidence, engage in active research, and continuously improve patient care based on evidence-based management and emerging technologies.

This four-year Bachelor of Science in Optometry program emphasizes extensive clinical teaching and training, preparing graduates for advanced studies and professional practice, aligned with QF Emirates Level 7.

Study Plan 2024

CH – Credit hours; LH – Lecture hours; NLH – Non-lecture hours

Admission Criteria for BSc Optometry Program AY2024-25 (Spring)

• The applicant must have completed a minimum of 12 years of school education.
• The applicant must have passed any one of the following English Language Proficiency Tests with a minimum score as follows:
  • 500 in TOEFL (CBT 173 – iBT 61)
  • 5.0 in IELTS for Academic

A valid English Proficiency Score is mandatory before admission.

• Applicants from any other non-UAE educational systems must submit an Equivalency Certificate of their High School certificate from the Ministry of Education, UAE. Failing this the student is on conditional admission for the first semester and required to fulfill the requirements as specified in the General requirements.

Applicants from various educational systems must comply with the minimum admission criteria listed below:

Applicants from any other non-UAE educational systems not listed above must have secured a minimum aggregate score equivalent to UAE 80% as per the International Grade Conversion Table published by the World Education System (WES).

The applicant must have passed any one of the following tests and have subject Proficiency with a minimum score as stipulated for selection:

• Pass scores in GMU admission tests with Mathematics, and two science subjects (Biology, Physics Preferable) and Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) offered by GMU.

OR

• Proficiency tests approved by the Ministry in relevant school subjects approved by the ministry (AP Biology and AP Physics, AP Calculus under College Board and above or SAT molecular Biology and SAT Physics, and SAT Math with a score of 550.

OR

• Scores in relevant school subjects studied in a school system with centralized
  • UAE and American system – 60% in Mathematics and 90% each in Biology and Physics or Chemistry
  • Indian, Pakistan Bangladesh, African – 60% in Mathematics and each in Biology and Physics or Chemistry
  • British system: ‘D’ grade in Mathematics and ‘C’ grade above in Biology and Physics or Chemistry
  • IB Diploma: with a score of 3 for Mathematics and 5 and above for Biology, Chemistry or             Physics
• All other international educational systems achieved 60% in Mathematics and 70% in two             science subjects (Biology, Physics or Chemistry)

On successful completion of the above, the applicant and parent meet the admissions committee. Admission is finalized on a competitive basis.

All applicants shall be evaluated for cognitive and non-cognitive traits demonstrating their aptitude for the chosen area of study by the Admissions Committee of the College.

Applicants who lack sufficient background in science subjects may register for the non-credit remedial course offered by the University.

The decision of the Admission Committee shall be final and binding.

Special needs applications

• GMU is committed to admitting students who need special attention and management. Applications are open for students who disclose their condition on the special determination form and the applications are reviewed by the admission committee and admitted as per the policy for different programs.
• Ref: Technical Standards and Accommodations for the proposed BSc optometry program

Required Documents:

• Attested High School Transcript of Grades 10 or 11, & 12 covering Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics & English.
• Equivalency Certificate from the Ministry of Education, UAE for international curriculum
• Passport copy ( Applicant and Parent)
• Valid Emirates ID Card
• Valid English Language Proficiency Score sheet (IELTS/TOEFL etc.)
• All UAE Nationals shall submit a copy of UAE nationality ID (Khulasat Al-Kayd) and family    Book/card with identification number.
• Good Conduct Certificate from School
• Passport size photograph with white background
• Medical Fitness Certificate from Thumbay Hospital.

Apply Now: [link]

Program Highlights

• Innovative Learning Approach: Our program emphasizes problem-based, patient-centred learning. This approach builds practical skills and clinical confidence. Students engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, gaining a holistic understanding of patient care.
• Pre-Clinical Labs: Equipped with latest optometric instruments for hands-on skill development.
• Clinical Placements: Rotations at leading healthcare facilities for real-world experience.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Learn alongside other health professions to gain a holistic understanding of patient care.

Clinical Training

Bachelor of Science in Optometry Program (BSc OPT) is aimed to equip students with clinical skills of comprehensive eye examination, visual functions testing, ophthalmic imaging and diagnostics, primary and specialty vision care assessments including low vision, binocular vision, vision therapy, and contact lenses.

Clinical Training Sites

Thumbay University Hospital, a state-of-the-art healthcare facility with 350 beds, provides bedside care across 21 specialties for both surgical and non-surgical patients. The hospital includes a fully equipped Ophthalmology unit to meet a wide range of vision care needs.

Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience by being posted at Thumbay network hospitals and other clinical institutions in UAE through collaborative MoUs. Under the close supervision of licensed professionals, students have the opportunity to observe real clinical services and participate in patient assessments and investigations. In addition to a clinical supervisor, each student is supported by a faculty supervisor based at either the university or within the hospital department where they receive their training.

All students are expected to note the program and course details provided in the student handbook and the university catalog. For the degree, all requirements under the terms of the catalog in effect at and after their admission must be met. Candidates must satisfy all University, College, and program requirements (if any) established by the faculty members. The individual programs may have higher standards and/or more restrictive requirements as compared to the university minimum requirements. The university mandates the following general degree completion requirements for students to receive their degrees for the BSc OPT program.

• Completion of 136 credits required for the program.
• A minimum pass mark of 65% (Grade D) for each course.
• Attendance of not less than 80% for individual courses.

After completing a 4-year bachelor’s degree in optometry, graduates have plethora of opportunities to advance their career by pursuing clinical and research fellowships, Masters, and Doctorate programs in Optometry and Vision sciences.

Most common career pathways include

• Independent private and group Optometry practices, retail optometry practices, hospitals/ clinics in primary eye care and specialty services, tele-optometry offering remote vision care services
• Public health and community eye care experts in government and non-profit organizations, humanitarian work with global organizations
• Industry and Corporates as consultants, and experts in research and development
• Educational institutions as academic faculty and in administrative positions
• Government and regulatory bodies supporting policy making and regulatory affairs for healthcare professional
• Entrepreneurial ventures establishing innovative start-ups and optometry chains

The Bachelor of Science in Optometry at Gulf Medical University is a pioneering program in the UAE. It is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education, meeting rigorous academic standards. The BSc OPT program aligns with the World Council of Optometry’s Global competency framework, ensuring graduates meet international standards, and addresses the UAE’s education priorities, contributing to national healthcare workforce development.