Program Overview

College of Applied Medical Sciences

The College of Applied Medical Sciences offers various academic programs, including the Optometry Doctor, PhD in Optometry & Vision Science, Master of Science in Optometry, and Optometry Optician Diploma.

Opticianry Technology Program

Opticianry Technology Program Mission

The Opticianry Technology Program aims to prepare qualified national technical cadres with a diploma to work in the sector of selling and manufacturing eyeglasses. The program provides an educational environment with international standards, encourages community service, and commits to the ethical values of the profession.

Opticianry Technology Program Goals

The program has the following goals:

• Graduating Saudi opticians who are qualified scientifically and practically as part of the eye care team.
• Serving the community by improving the quality of service in the optical centers in the Kingdom.
• Contributing to the Saudi Nationalisation of the optician sector and improving the quality of services provided in light of the Kingdom's vision of 2030.

Student Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Knowledge and Understanding (K)

The program focuses on the following knowledge and understanding outcomes:

• K1: Demonstrate language proficiency and use related ocular terminologies and communicate effectively in a level-appropriate academic and professional setting.
• K2: Describe the anatomy and physiology of the ocular and visual system.
• K3: Recognize the fundamental principles and concepts of optics and physical properties of ophthalmic lenses, the etiology of ocular refractive errors, and their management using optical corrections.
• K4: Explain the fundamentals of different types of ophthalmic lenses, refraction, fabrication, and repair of prescribed ophthalmic eyewear with various manufacturing techniques in addition to principles of ophthalmic dispensing.

Skills (S)

The program aims to develop the following skills:

• S1: Demonstrate professional English written-and-oral communication and learning skills in academic and workplace professional settings.
• S2: Solve broadly defined formulas used in visual optics, parameters of contact and spectacle lenses, and ophthalmic dispensing systems.
• S3: Perform ophthalmic projects that include identification, location, and fabrication of prescription ophthalmic eyewear.
• S4: Interpret and dispense a prescription using the proper lens and spectacle design and materials to meet patients' needs.
• S5: Observe the skills and techniques demonstrated by a licensed optician in an affiliated optical practice.
• S6: Apply academic and technical skills under supervision in a professional setting.

Values (V)

The program emphasizes the development of the following values:

• V1: Develop successful project management skills such as responsibility, working independently and as part of a team, and time and stress management.

Program Curriculum

The Opticianry Technology Program curriculum is as follows:

First Year

First Semester:

• OPTI 1101: Principles of Optics I – 3 credits
• OPTI 1102: Ophthalmic Materials and Laboratory I - 3 credits
• OPTI 1103: Medical Terminology – 1 credit
• OPTI 1104: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology - 2 credits

Second Semester:

• OPTI 1201: Principles of Optics II - 3 credits
• OPTI 1202: Ophthalmic Materials and Laboratory II - 3 credits
• OPTI 1203: Contact Lenses I - 2 credits
• OPTI 1204: Ophthalmic Dispensing I - 3 credits
• OPTI 1205: Professional Observation - 2 credits

Second Year

First Semester:

• OPTI 1301: Professional Field Practice I – 6 credits
• OPTI 1302: Ophthalmic Materials and Laboratory III – 3 credits
• OPTI 1303: Contact Lenses II – 2 credits
• OPTI 1304: Ophthalmic Dispensing II – 3 credits
• OPTI 1305: Theory of Refractive Errors – 2 credits

Second Semester:

• OPTI 1401: Professional Field Practice II – 8 credits
• OPTI 1403: Optical Practice Management – 2 credits
• OPTI 1404: Ophthalmic Dispensing III – 3 credits