Program Overview

Optometry / Vision Science (Dual Degree)

Program Overview

The Optometry / Vision Science (Dual Degree) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in optometry and vision science. This dual degree program allows students to simultaneously earn their OD (Doctor of Optometry) and MS (Master of Science) in Vision Science.

Program Details

• Degree Type: OD / MS
• Program Director: Dr. Lawrence Sincich
• Program Description: The program focuses on the study of the eye and its connection to the rest of the body, providing quality eye care and researching topics such as dry eye disease, vision therapy, biomedical optics, and more.
• Career Opportunities: Clinician scientist, researcher, eye care provider, and more.

Curriculum and Requirements

• The program starts with classroom work, covering topics such as optics, gross anatomy, eye movements, public health optometry, pediatric eye care, and more.
• Students then spend time in clinics, practicing on actual patients at UAB and off-site clinics.
• A faculty mentor will guide students in discussing their goals for completing their MS.
• Research areas include ocular biology, systems neuroscience, biomedical optics, and patient-based vision research.
• Students will defend a thesis based on their research before graduation.

Delivery Methods

On-Campus

• The program delivers most of its content via on-campus, in-person meetings.

Related Programs

• Vision Science PhD
• Optometry OD
• Low Vision Rehabilitation Graduate Certificate
• Public Health / Optometry (Coordinated Degree) MPH / OD
• Business Administration / Optometry (Dual Degree) MBA / OD
• Vision Science MS