The following list of optometry schools covers many countries but the list is not exhaustive. Internationally, optometry as a profession includes different levels of education. The institutions listed below provide academic and professional education and clinical training that ranges from Doctor of Optometry degree level to other professional degrees in optometry and also non-degree level education leading to a diploma or other qualifications in optometry.
In many countries the role of optometry is statutorily defined, practice is regulated and there is uniformity in professional education and clinical training and the scope of practice is consistent with the definition of optometry as a profession. In such countries the nomenclature of terminal qualification may be reviewed as and when necessary. In Australia, for example, Doctor of Optometry (OD) is now established at University of Melbourne (first intake 2011) and OD is described as 'an internationally recognised qualification and the gold standard for optometry education'.
This is a list of optometry schools sorted alphabetically by country.
In light of the development of the 'Melbourne Model' at the University of Melbourne, the year 2011 will see the introduction of a new four-year Doctor of Optometry Program (OD), which will require students to complete an undergraduate degree prior to entering the OD program. It is anticipated that similar changes will be adapted by the University of New South Wales and the Queensland University of Technology in the years to come, though there is no evidence to support this rumour.
Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia is now offering an Optometry course. This takes 5 years and consists of a Bachelor of Science (Vision Science) and a Master of Optometry. It is the only optometry degree offered in South Australia.
Deakin University in Geelong, Vic, will begin a new course in Optometry at the start of the 2012 academic year. This course is being supported jointly by the two largest corporate dispensing chains in Australia Specsavers and Luxottica. It will become the first university in Australia to offer a 3.5 year optometry degree. It is anticipated that a shorter post graduate course will be available in 2013 for students already with an undergraduate degree.
In support of the University offerings the Australian College of Optometry provides clinical placements for Australian and International University's and on going continual professional development for members of the Optometry profession.
In 1958, two schools of optometry were established, one at Gandhi Eye Hospital, Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh and the other one at Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh, under the second five-year plan by Director General of Health Services of Government of India. These schools offered Diploma in Optometry courses of two years duration. Subsequently four more schools were opened across India situated at Sitapur Eye Hospital, Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh, Chennai (formerly Madras) in Tamil Nadu, Bangaluru (formerly Bangalore) in Karnataka and Thiruvanthipuram (formerly Trivandrum) in Kerala. Elite School of Optometry (ESO) was established in 1985 at Chennai and was the first to offer a four-year degree course.
The four-year degree courses are offered in well established schools and institutions including All India Institute of Medical Sciences - New Delhi; Elite School of Optometry attached to Shankar Netralaya - Chennai; Bausch and Lomb School attached to L. V. Prasad Eye Institute - Hyderabad; Bharati Vidyapeeth University Medical College - Pune; Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal; Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Optometry - Pimpri, Pune; Lotus College of Optometry at Mumbai; Nethradhama school of optometry, Bangalore; Sankara College of Optometry in the state of Karnataka launched under the aegis of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences and Dr.Anand College of Optometry and Vision Science at Salem, Tamil Nadu in collaboration with Periyar University. Presently more colleges and schools of optometry in India are offering a four-year degree course based on the CMOC curriculum endorsed by the ASCO.-http://asco-india.org/
India needs approximately 115,000 optometrists. Currently India has approximately 9000 optometrists (four year trained) and 40,000 eye care personnel (two year trained) In order to prevent blindness or visual impairment more well trained optometrists are required in India. It should be noted that definition of optometry differs considerably in different countries of the world. India needs more optometry schools offering four-year degree courses with a syllabus similar to that in force in those countries where optometry is very well established with an internationally accepted definition.
Postgraduate education in optometry in India is also offered leading to M.Optom, MSc, MPhil and PhD by several universities and institutions. The following list includes educational institutions offering four-year degree courses, and also two-year diploma and other non-degree courses:
Educational Institutions
1. School of Medical Sciences,University Of Hyderabad.(5years integrated masters programme in optometry & vision sciences). http://www.uohyd.ernet.in
2. All India Institute of Optometrical Sciences (AIIOS), Kolkata. [B. S.(Optometry)] http://aiios.org
3. Nethradhama school of optometry, Bangalore.
4. Aditya Jyot Institute of Optometry, Mumbai
6. Bausch & Lomb School of Optometry, Hyderabad
12. MEH School of Optometry, Mumbai (Diploma)
13. Nagar School of Optometry, Ahmedabad B.Optom and M.Optom
14. Optometry Research & Training Institute (ORTI), Uttar Pradesh
15. Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital & Institute of Ophthalmology, Hyderabad (Diploma)
16. Schells Eye Hospital (Unit of Christian Medical College), Vellore (B.Sc)
17. School of Optometry, Gandhi Eye Hospital, Aligarh
18. School of Optometry, Janakalyan Eye Hospital, Lucknow
19. School of Optometry: Regional institute of Ophthalmology, Government Ophthalmic Hospital, Chennai (Diploma)
20. School of Orthoptics & Optometry, Sitapur
21. The Lotus College of Optometry, Mumbai(B.Sc -Open university YCMOU, M.Sc( Private Certificate)
22. Harijyot college of optometry, Navsari, Gujarat( B.Sc,M.Sc)
23. Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh
24. M.N.College of Optometry, Chennai(B.Sc)
25. College of Optometry, Miraj, Maharashtra
26. Lotus Bausch & Lomb Institute of Optometry, Lotus Eye Care Hospital, Coimbatore
27. Shri Prakash Institute of Optometry (Unit of Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital & Eye Research Centre),19 Cathedral Road, Chennai
28. NSHM Knowledge Campus (Dept. of Optometry & Vision Science), Durgapur, (B. Optm, Masters in Applied Optometry & Visual Science) West Bengal
29. Sankara College of Optometry, Bangalore ( A unit of Sankara Eye Care Institutions, India)
30. George College of Management and Science, Kolkata
31. Hyderabad Central University, (offers MSc in Optometry and Vision Sciences)
32. NIMS University, Udaipur, Rajasthan (offers Degree and Diploma courses in Optometry)
33. U.P. State Medical Faculty (validates courses leading to Diplomas in Optometry and Orthoptics)
34. J.N.R.V.University, Udaipur, Rajasthan
35. I.G.O.N.University, Delhi
36. West Bengal Technology University
37. Malabar College of Health Education, Bharathiyar University, Calicut, Kerala
38. Rayhan Eye Hospital & Laser centre,Edappal,Malappuram District,Kerala Under IGNOU & Bharathiar University
39. Pailan college of management & technology joka, kolkata.
40. Academi of Optometrist, Kolkata.
41. Al Salama College of Optometry (ASCO), Perintalmanna, Kerala
42. Dr.Anand College of Optometry and Vision Science at Salem, in collaboration with Periyar University in Tamil Nadu.
43. Vidyasagar College of Optometry and Vision Science, Kolkata (B.Optom-4 Years Course)
44. Bejan Singh Institute of Optometry (Affiliated to The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai), Bejan Singh Eye Hospital, Vettoornimdam, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, 629 003, India
Procedure:Written Entrance Test
Yearly intake: 6 (national) +1 or 2 international(varies)
University of Benin, Ugbowo, Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria.
PIO situated at Rawalpindi in Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital.
COAVS situated Mayo hospital at Lahore.
isra post graduate institute of opthalamology, isra school of optometry, al ibraheem eye hospital, old thana, malir karachi.
RMC situate at Rawalpindi Pakistan offering 4 years BSC optometry degree.
Offers 4 years BSC Hons degree in Optometry
These institutions are very respected and well funded for the simple reason that they are located in the most important cities in Russia. St. Petersburg College has had well established relationships with Carl Zeiss and Essilor for more than 35 years and has 8 complete exam rooms with OCT, Corneal Topography, Perimetry and etc. equipment. College collaborates with St. Petersburg Military Hospital and St. Petersburg State University's Ophthalmology and Experimental Optics Departments.
The Optometry program is a 4-year program that includes 1-2 science foundation years, 3rd clinical/proff. skills year and clinical rotations in hospitals (4th year). Graduates after college/state examinations receive a specialist diploma that is valid only for 5 years and needs to be renewed every 5 years after additional training within state accredited programs. The scope of practice is as followed: refraction, contact lens fitting, spectacles construction and lens fitting (dispensing), Vermont, low vision aids, foreign body removal, referrals to other specialists after clinical condition diagnoses (management of diseases in the eye).
The educational system in Russia is in transitional period after the Bologna agreement on a new degree system (division to B.Sc. and M.Sc.) so this program probably will be changed to follow the newly set standards.
http://www.mtkspb.ru/
http://www.helmholtzeyeinstitute.ru/rus/index.php
In 2009 University of Manchester (UK) and Singapore Polytechnic set up a degree course in optometry within the premises of Singapore Polytechnic. However, none of the lecturers are from the University of Manchester (UK), and the degree is not recognised by the General Optical Council (GOC) in the United Kingdom.
There is another optometry course offer by PCO from USA. Graduates from this course can only register their certificate as an additional qualification with OOB, but cannot be use as a basic and primary certificate to register and practice as a optometrist in Singapore.
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville campus, Durban,
University of Free State, Bloemfontein, Free State,
University of Limpopo,
Karolinska Institutet offers a 3 years bachelor degree in Optometry and a one year master program in clinical Optometry. Bachelors Program: Master Program:
In many countries the role of optometry is statutorily defined, practice is regulated and there is uniformity in professional education and clinical training and the scope of practice is consistent with the definition of optometry as a profession. In such countries the nomenclature of terminal qualification may be reviewed as and when necessary. In Australia, for example, Doctor of Optometry (OD) is now established at University of Melbourne (first intake 2011) and OD is described as 'an internationally recognised qualification and the gold standard for optometry education'.
This is a list of optometry schools sorted alphabetically by country.
Australia
There are 5 Australian educational institutions offering degrees in optometry. There are two five-year bachelor level degrees, that incorporate the therapeutic management of ocular disease.- University of Melbourne BOptom
- University of New South Wales BOptom/BSc(Vision Science)
- Queensland University of Technology BAppSc(Optom) - Replaced with Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Optometry from February 2009. The first class from the new course will graduate in 2013.
- Flinders University Bachelor of Medical Science (Vision Science), Master of Optometry
- Deakin University Bachelor, graduate entry and Masters degrees.
In light of the development of the 'Melbourne Model' at the University of Melbourne, the year 2011 will see the introduction of a new four-year Doctor of Optometry Program (OD), which will require students to complete an undergraduate degree prior to entering the OD program. It is anticipated that similar changes will be adapted by the University of New South Wales and the Queensland University of Technology in the years to come, though there is no evidence to support this rumour.
Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia is now offering an Optometry course. This takes 5 years and consists of a Bachelor of Science (Vision Science) and a Master of Optometry. It is the only optometry degree offered in South Australia.
Deakin University in Geelong, Vic, will begin a new course in Optometry at the start of the 2012 academic year. This course is being supported jointly by the two largest corporate dispensing chains in Australia Specsavers and Luxottica. It will become the first university in Australia to offer a 3.5 year optometry degree. It is anticipated that a shorter post graduate course will be available in 2013 for students already with an undergraduate degree.
In support of the University offerings the Australian College of Optometry provides clinical placements for Australian and International University's and on going continual professional development for members of the Optometry profession.
Brazil
- Universidade do Contestado , as a partner of Fundación Universitaria San Martín, of Bogotá, Colombia.
Canada
There are 2 Canadian educational institutions offering doctorate level degrees in optometry:- University of Waterloo School of Optometry, Ontario
- Université de Montréal, Québec
Colombia
There are 7 Colombian educational institutions offering degrees in optometry. Two of them offer postgraduate courses: Universidad Santo Tomas in Bucaramanga and Universidad de La Salle in Bogotá, only one offers a Master in Vision Science: Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá.- Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá
- Universidad Santo Tomás, Bucaramanga
- Universidad Metropolitana, Barranquilla
- Fundación Universitaria del Area Andina, Pereira & Bogotá
- Fundación Universitaria San Martín, Bogotá
- Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá
- Universidad del Bosque, Bogotá
Czech Republic
Presently,there are two Czech universities running an optometry programme (both bachelor's and master's degrees):Ghana
Presently, there are 2 Ghanaian universities running the Doctor of Optometry degree program. Both universities run a 6 year program leading to the award of the degree.Hong Kong
There is currently 1 university offering bachelor's degree in optometry and graduate degree in visual science.India
All India Institute of Optometrical Sciences (AIIOS) is an academic institute of Indian Optical Institute & Refraction Hospital Trust (IOI & RHT), established in 1932, the pioneer institution in Optometry in India . The study of Optometry as a science and profession, was not given much thought in India in the past until it was realised by Professor A.K .Banerjee, who qualified in England in Optometry in 1928 and returned to India with a dream of training young people in Optometry.In 1958, two schools of optometry were established, one at Gandhi Eye Hospital, Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh and the other one at Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh, under the second five-year plan by Director General of Health Services of Government of India. These schools offered Diploma in Optometry courses of two years duration. Subsequently four more schools were opened across India situated at Sitapur Eye Hospital, Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh, Chennai (formerly Madras) in Tamil Nadu, Bangaluru (formerly Bangalore) in Karnataka and Thiruvanthipuram (formerly Trivandrum) in Kerala. Elite School of Optometry (ESO) was established in 1985 at Chennai and was the first to offer a four-year degree course.
The four-year degree courses are offered in well established schools and institutions including All India Institute of Medical Sciences - New Delhi; Elite School of Optometry attached to Shankar Netralaya - Chennai; Bausch and Lomb School attached to L. V. Prasad Eye Institute - Hyderabad; Bharati Vidyapeeth University Medical College - Pune; Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal; Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Optometry - Pimpri, Pune; Lotus College of Optometry at Mumbai; Nethradhama school of optometry, Bangalore; Sankara College of Optometry in the state of Karnataka launched under the aegis of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences and Dr.Anand College of Optometry and Vision Science at Salem, Tamil Nadu in collaboration with Periyar University. Presently more colleges and schools of optometry in India are offering a four-year degree course based on the CMOC curriculum endorsed by the ASCO.-http://asco-india.org/
India needs approximately 115,000 optometrists. Currently India has approximately 9000 optometrists (four year trained) and 40,000 eye care personnel (two year trained) In order to prevent blindness or visual impairment more well trained optometrists are required in India. It should be noted that definition of optometry differs considerably in different countries of the world. India needs more optometry schools offering four-year degree courses with a syllabus similar to that in force in those countries where optometry is very well established with an internationally accepted definition.
Postgraduate education in optometry in India is also offered leading to M.Optom, MSc, MPhil and PhD by several universities and institutions. The following list includes educational institutions offering four-year degree courses, and also two-year diploma and other non-degree courses:
Educational Institutions
1. School of Medical Sciences,University Of Hyderabad.(5years integrated masters programme in optometry & vision sciences). http://www.uohyd.ernet.in
2. All India Institute of Optometrical Sciences (AIIOS), Kolkata. [B. S.(Optometry)] http://aiios.org
3. Nethradhama school of optometry, Bangalore.
4. Aditya Jyot Institute of Optometry, Mumbai
( B.Sc)5. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi ( B.Ophthal.Tech)
6. Bausch & Lomb School of Optometry, Hyderabad
( B.S.Optometry)7. Bharati Vidyapeeth's Medical College, Pune
( B.Optom and M.Optom)8. College of Optometry and Ophthalmic Sciences, Nasik
( B.Sc Optometry9. Elite School of Optometry, Chennai
( B.S.Optometry and M.Phil optometry)10. Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal
(B.Optom & M.Optom)11. Lions Arvind Institute of Community Ophthalmology, Madurai (Diploma)
12. MEH School of Optometry, Mumbai (Diploma)
13. Nagar School of Optometry, Ahmedabad B.Optom and M.Optom
14. Optometry Research & Training Institute (ORTI), Uttar Pradesh
15. Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital & Institute of Ophthalmology, Hyderabad (Diploma)
16. Schells Eye Hospital (Unit of Christian Medical College), Vellore (B.Sc)
17. School of Optometry, Gandhi Eye Hospital, Aligarh
18. School of Optometry, Janakalyan Eye Hospital, Lucknow
19. School of Optometry: Regional institute of Ophthalmology, Government Ophthalmic Hospital, Chennai (Diploma)
20. School of Orthoptics & Optometry, Sitapur
21. The Lotus College of Optometry, Mumbai(B.Sc -Open university YCMOU, M.Sc( Private Certificate)
22. Harijyot college of optometry, Navsari, Gujarat( B.Sc,M.Sc)
23. Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh
24. M.N.College of Optometry, Chennai(B.Sc)
25. College of Optometry, Miraj, Maharashtra
26. Lotus Bausch & Lomb Institute of Optometry, Lotus Eye Care Hospital, Coimbatore
27. Shri Prakash Institute of Optometry (Unit of Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital & Eye Research Centre),19 Cathedral Road, Chennai
28. NSHM Knowledge Campus (Dept. of Optometry & Vision Science), Durgapur, (B. Optm, Masters in Applied Optometry & Visual Science) West Bengal
29. Sankara College of Optometry, Bangalore ( A unit of Sankara Eye Care Institutions, India)
30. George College of Management and Science, Kolkata
31. Hyderabad Central University, (offers MSc in Optometry and Vision Sciences)
32. NIMS University, Udaipur, Rajasthan (offers Degree and Diploma courses in Optometry)
33. U.P. State Medical Faculty (validates courses leading to Diplomas in Optometry and Orthoptics)
34. J.N.R.V.University, Udaipur, Rajasthan
35. I.G.O.N.University, Delhi
36. West Bengal Technology University
37. Malabar College of Health Education, Bharathiyar University, Calicut, Kerala
38. Rayhan Eye Hospital & Laser centre,Edappal,Malappuram District,Kerala Under IGNOU & Bharathiar University
39. Pailan college of management & technology joka, kolkata.
40. Academi of Optometrist, Kolkata.
41. Al Salama College of Optometry (ASCO), Perintalmanna, Kerala
42. Dr.Anand College of Optometry and Vision Science at Salem, in collaboration with Periyar University in Tamil Nadu.
43. Vidyasagar College of Optometry and Vision Science, Kolkata (B.Optom-4 Years Course)
44. Bejan Singh Institute of Optometry (Affiliated to The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai), Bejan Singh Eye Hospital, Vettoornimdam, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, 629 003, India
Iran
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran
- Shahid Beshti medical university Tehran
- Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad
- Zahedan University of Medical Sciences zahedan.
Ireland
There is only one optometry program in the Republic of Ireland. This program leads to a BSc (Optometry).Israel
There are two optometry programmes in the State of Israel; one at Bar-Ilan University and the other at Hadassah CollegeItaly
Currently there are seven State Universities (Milano, Padova, Lecce, Roma, Firenze, Napoli, Torino) offering a three years university degree in Optics and Optometry (=Ottica e Optometria), formally a kind of physics degree. The students may enter the program at 18–19 years of age, like all the Universities in Italy. "Ottica and Optometry" university programs start in 2001 and roughly 90 are the graduates.- University of Milan, Italy
- University of Padua, Italy
Latvia
There is currently one university in Latvia offering an optometry programme (both bachelor and master degrees):Malaysia
Currently there are 7 educational institutions offering degrees in optometry:- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
- International University College of Technology Twintech
- Universiti Teknologi MARA
- International Islamic University Malaysia
- SEGi University College
- Management & Science University
- National Institute of Ophthalmology
Mexico
Mexico has 7 Schools of Optometry at University level:- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
- Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Unidad Santo Tomas
- Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Unidad Milpa Alta
- Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes
- Universidad Xochicalco, Campus Ensenada
- Universidad Xochicalco, Campus Tijuana
- Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez
Nepal
Nepal has a four-year bachelor degree in optometry at B.P.Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies,Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuwan University. It is the one and only optometry program in Nepal providing a bachelors degree. No post-graduate programs are available. Entry requirements: 12 years of school education (10+2 with Biology, ISc with Biology, A levels with Biology)Procedure:Written Entrance Test
Yearly intake: 6 (national) +1 or 2 international(varies)
The Netherlands
- University of applied sciences Utrecht.
New Zealand
New Zealand has a five-year bachelor degree (BOptom). Entry into the second year of the degree requires sufficient marks in one year of general biomedical tertiary study or a prior degree. The therapeutic management of ocular disease is an integral part of the degree. The degree is delivered by the Department of Optometry and Vision Science which is part of the New Zealand National Eye Centre. There is 1 New Zealand educational institution that offers a degree in optometry:Nigeria
There are three major institutions where one can study Optometry which is a primary health (eye)care profession. All three schools offer the O.D.(Doctor of Optometry) degree. They are (in order of age and prestige) The University Of Benin which is a Federal University, Abia state university and Imo state university. They all run a six-year professional programme leading to the attainment of the O.D. The University of Benin also offers MSc and PhD programs as well.University of Benin, Ugbowo, Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Norway
There is only one educational institution offering degrees in optometry. In Norway the optometric profession has been regulated as a healthcare profession since 1988. After a three-year bachelor program one can practice basic optometry. At least one year in clinical practice qualify for a post-degree half-year sandwich course in contact lens fitting, which is regulated as a healthcare specialty. A separate regulation for the use of diagnostic drugs in optometric practice was introduced in 2004.Pakistan
following Pakistani educational institutions offering degrees in optometry:PIO situated at Rawalpindi in Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital.
COAVS situated Mayo hospital at Lahore.
isra post graduate institute of opthalamology, isra school of optometry, al ibraheem eye hospital, old thana, malir karachi.
- secretariat.coavs@gmail.com
- pakistan institute of community ophthalmology
RMC situate at Rawalpindi Pakistan offering 4 years BSC optometry degree.
Offers 4 years BSC Hons degree in Optometry
Philippines
Optometric schools in the Philippines confer a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree that varies in length. Some schools have an integrated curriculum where optometry students are admitted to the professional phase school after two years of pre-optometry and other admit students after attaining a bachelors degree:- Centro Escolar University
- De Ocampo Memorial Colleges
- Manila Central University
- Southwestern University (Philippines)
- University of Baguio
- Cebu Doctors' University
- Central Colleges of the Philippines
- Pines City College (Pines City Educational Center)
- Davao Doctors College
- Lyceum-Northwestern University
- Mindanao Medical Foundation College
Portugal
There are 2 Portuguese educational institutions offering degrees in optometry:Russia
Optometry in Russia started in a similar way it started in other countries, from opticianry, but always was and still is a government regulated profession. Due to the huge number of ophthalmologists, there are only two educational institutions in Russia (population of more than 146 mill) that teach optometry: one is Saint Petersburg Medical Technical College, the former St. Petersburg College of Medical Electronics and Optics (http://www.mtkspb.ru/), and the second one is The Helmholz Research Institute for Eye Diseases (http://www.helmholtzeyeinstitute.ru/rus/index.php). Both belong to the Ministry of Health and are directly regulated by The Ministry. Annually they produce only about 80 graduates all together. That's the reason why there is a common thought in western countries that there is no Optometry in Russia and the former Soviet Block.These institutions are very respected and well funded for the simple reason that they are located in the most important cities in Russia. St. Petersburg College has had well established relationships with Carl Zeiss and Essilor for more than 35 years and has 8 complete exam rooms with OCT, Corneal Topography, Perimetry and etc. equipment. College collaborates with St. Petersburg Military Hospital and St. Petersburg State University's Ophthalmology and Experimental Optics Departments.
The Optometry program is a 4-year program that includes 1-2 science foundation years, 3rd clinical/proff. skills year and clinical rotations in hospitals (4th year). Graduates after college/state examinations receive a specialist diploma that is valid only for 5 years and needs to be renewed every 5 years after additional training within state accredited programs. The scope of practice is as followed: refraction, contact lens fitting, spectacles construction and lens fitting (dispensing), Vermont, low vision aids, foreign body removal, referrals to other specialists after clinical condition diagnoses (management of diseases in the eye).
The educational system in Russia is in transitional period after the Bologna agreement on a new degree system (division to B.Sc. and M.Sc.) so this program probably will be changed to follow the newly set standards.
- St. Petersburg State Medical Technical College (former St. Petersburg State College of Medical Electronics and Optics)
http://www.mtkspb.ru/
- The Helmholz Research Institute for Eye Diseases
http://www.helmholtzeyeinstitute.ru/rus/index.php
Saudi Arabia
There are two optometry schools in Saudi Arabia :- King Saud University, Riyadh, which offers BS degree in optometry (BSOpt). It is the first university that started the optometry program in the middle-East region. Program started with only five faculty members from United States and United Kingdom. The school offers Bachelor of Sciences in optometry. To achieve this degree, students have to complete 6-year program (5 years of course work and clinic practice, ending with a final project in vision sciences field + 1 internship year in three Saudi Eye Hospitals). Student then assigned as Qualified Practical Optometrist. Also, the school offers Msc degree for 2 years. www.ksu.edu.sa
- Qassim university, Buraidah, which offers optometry doctor degree (OD). The department has been opened at the second semester of the university year 1428/1429 (2007/2008). The O.D program is a doctorate program with 7 years studies and a total credit of no less than 200 hours compared to 140 hours in the bachelor system. www.qucams.edu.sa
Singapore
There are currently two schools of optometry in Singapore:In 2009 University of Manchester (UK) and Singapore Polytechnic set up a degree course in optometry within the premises of Singapore Polytechnic. However, none of the lecturers are from the University of Manchester (UK), and the degree is not recognised by the General Optical Council (GOC) in the United Kingdom.
There is another optometry course offer by PCO from USA. Graduates from this course can only register their certificate as an additional qualification with OOB, but cannot be use as a basic and primary certificate to register and practice as a optometrist in Singapore.
South Africa
University of Johannesburg, Gauteng,University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville campus, Durban,
University of Free State, Bloemfontein, Free State,
University of Limpopo,
Sri Lanka
School of Ophthalmic Technology, established in 1983 by ministry of health at National Eye Hospital Colombo with the initiation of Dr. C E Parker III. Honours the Diploma in Ophthalmic technologist. Still a degree programme does not exist. These ophthalmic technologists are trained for the purpose of government hospitals. The course is also undergone by other SAARC countries: Nepal, Maldives and Pakistan. Meantime part time courses are conducted by private institutes to provide diploma for private sectors. Namely EYE CARE INSTITUTE and SRI LANKA OPTOMETRIST ASSOCIATION. The government of Sri Lanka does not recognize optometry as a profession and has no rule and regulation to date.Sudan
Al-Neelain University offers a 5-year bachelor degree in optometry and visual science.Sweden
Linnaeus University, Kalmar offers 3 years bachelor degree in Optometry.Karolinska Institutet offers a 3 years bachelor degree in Optometry and a one year master program in clinical Optometry. Bachelors Program: Master Program:
Switzerland
University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland - Institute of OptometryTaiwan
There is currently 1 university offering a bachelor's degree in optometry and 2 educational institutions offering an associate degree in optometry:- Chung Shan Medical University
- Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management
- Shu-Zen College of Medicine and Management
Thailand
Thai students enter optometry degree program at the end of their 12th grade through an examination. Six years university degree program with Doctor of Optometry degree is a requirement for licensing optometry in Thailand. Currently, there is only one well established optometry program in Thailand with academic cooperation from many optometry colleges and universities from the US.- Ramkhamhaeng University
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
There are 9 educational institutions in the United Kingdom offering degrees in optometry. Six are located in England with one optometry school in each of Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. Additionally, in England, the Institute of Optometry offers a post-graduate professional doctorate (Doctor of Optometry degree)in partnership with London South Bank University.England
- Anglia Ruskin University - Cambridge
- University of Aston - Birmingham
- University of Bradford
- City University - London
- University of Manchester
- University of Plymouth
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
- University of Ulster - Coleraine campus
United States of America
There are 20 American educational institutions offering doctorate level programs in optometry. The programs generally have an undergraduate degree as a prerequisite, and then run four years addressing academic and clinical topics.- AL: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- AZ: Midwestern University-Arizona College of Optometry [Glendale, Arizona]
- CA: University of California, Berkeley
- CA: Southern California College of Optometry
- CA: Western University of Health Sciences
- FL: Nova Southeastern University
- IL: Illinois College of Optometry
- IN: Indiana University
- MA: New England College of Optometry
- MI: Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University
- MO: University of Missouri St. Louis
- NY: State University of New York
- OH: Ohio State University
- OK: Northeastern State University
- OR: Pacific University
- PA: Pennsylvania College of Optometry
- PR: Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, School of Optometry
- TN: Southern College of Optometry
- TX: University of Houston
- TX: University of the Incarnate Word
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ReplyDeleteWhile your post is very informative, it would have reached out to the readers better if presented in a more reader-friendly manner. I agree that optometry is catching up as a prominent career option. Thanks to writers like you, readers now have knowledge regarding the different institutes providing these courses too. Get more info at itm.edu
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