Program Overview

Introduction to the Undergraduate Degree in Optics and Optometry

The Undergraduate Degree in Optics and Optometry is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for a career in optometry and related fields. The program is structured to provide students with a deep understanding of the principles of optics, optometry, and visual health, as well as the skills to apply this knowledge in clinical and research settings.

General Objectives

The general objectives of the Undergraduate Degree in Optics and Optometry include:

• Developing ways of detecting defects in ocular refraction
• Using re-education, prevention, and visual hygiene techniques
• Adapting useful optics
• Undertaking duties that benefit the visual health and wellbeing of people
• Preventing diseases in the ocular system
• Exchanging information with other professionals in the healthcare sector

Structure

The Degree in Optics and Optometry is organized in semester subjects of 6 European ECTS credits each. Students must take 5 subjects in each semester to complete 30 credits, thus reaching 60 credits per academic year and a total of 240 credits in four academic years.

Distribution of Credits by Subject Type

• Core: 60 credits
• Compulsory: 138 credits
• Optional: 18 credits
• Academical External internships: 18 credits
• Final Project: 6 credits

Total Credits: 240

Distinctive Features

The Undergraduate Degree in Optics and Optometry at the University of Alicante is characterized by:

• Excellent installations
• Quality infrastructure
• Regulated training at the highest level
• A wide range of complementary activities
• Clinical teaching of optometry with real patients
• External placements in optical establishments and ophthalmology clinics

Resources and Facilities

The Faculty of Science has a wide range of resources and facilities, including:

• Classrooms
• Work and study rooms
• Laboratories
• Library
• Seminars
• Meeting rooms

Optics and Optometry Building

The Optics Building has material resources for practice laboratories and other spaces, including teaching spaces specially dedicated to the needs of the degrees.

Optometric Clinic

The Optometric Clinic of the University of Alicante is a teaching and care center in the field of vision care, providing services to the university community.

Further Education

After completing the undergraduate degree, students can continue their studies at the master's level. The University of Alicante offers master's degrees in all areas of knowledge.

Career Opportunities

The main professional activities of optician-optometrists include:

• Evaluating sight capabilities through optometric tests
• Improving visual performance
• Carrying out visual health promotion
• Preparing, assembling, fitting, supplying, verifying, and controlling optical aids
• Fitting ocular prostheses
• Visual rehabilitation for those with limited vision

Scholarships and Funding

Information on existing means of facilitating access to university study is available, including scholarships and funding opportunities.

University Life

More information on campus activities, resources, and university life is available.