was established in 2023 as one of the modern medical and technical departments.
The department focuses on preparing qualified mid-level technical personnel with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in examining, diagnosing, and correcting visual errors using advanced optical instruments and technologies.

The department was founded in response to the community’s growing need for specialized optometry technicians capable of supporting the healthcare sector in the fields of ophthalmology and optics, contributing to diagnostic and corrective services in optical centers, consulting clinics, and hospitals.

The department follows a modern academic plan that integrates theoretical and practical learning. Students receive hands-on training in well-equipped optical laboratories, in addition to field visits to public and private hospitals and optical centers to help them gain practical experience and connect academic study with professional practice.

It is staffed by a qualified academic team dedicated to developing students’ skills and enhancing their scientific and professional competencies, in line with the latest advances in optical technology and vision care.

Vision

To be a leading center in education, training, and scientific research in the field of optometry, contributing to the advancement of visual care and the achievement of sustainable health development at both local and regional levels.

Mission

To prepare specialized technical professionals equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills in vision examination and diagnosis through outstanding education, practical training, and field visits. The department is committed to serving the community by providing consultations and vision screening services, while upholding professional and ethical values.

Objectives

1. Academic Excellence

• Develop curricula and study plans in line with the latest global advancements in vision examination and diagnosis.

• Adopt modern teaching methods that combine theoretical and practical approaches.

• Graduate highly competent professionals qualified to work in hospitals and optical healthcare centers.

2. Practical Training and Scientific Research

• Strengthen students’ skills through laboratory training and field visits to public and private hospitals.

• Encourage applied research that contributes to the advancement of vision examination and correction techniques.

• Engage students in research and scientific projects linked to real healthcare needs.

3. Community Service

• Organize free vision screening campaigns for students and the local community.

• Conduct awareness workshops on eye disease prevention and the importance of early detection.

• Provide consultations and visual services that enhance community eye health.

4. Professional Development

• Support faculty and technical staff through continuous training programs.

• Organize scientific lectures and specialized workshops to raise professional standards within the department.

• Assist graduates in integrating into the job market by linking them with healthcare institutions.

5. Effective Management and Governance

• Apply principles of good governance in managing academic and administrative work.

• Ensure transparency and quality in performance.

• Promote teamwork and a culture of shared responsibility.

6. Collaboration and Openness

• Build cooperative relationships with public and private hospitals and optical centers.

• Participate in scientific activities, seminars, and conferences related to optometry.

• Exchange expertise with local and regional academic and healthcare institutions.

Additional Department Goals

1. Prepare competent graduates with theoretical knowledge and technical skills in visual examination and diagnosis.

2. Provide students with up-to-date knowledge in optical sciences and optical medical instruments.

3. Qualify students through practical training and specialized laboratories.

4. Serve the community by organizing awareness campaigns and free eye examinations.

5. Promote applied scientific research in ocular diseases and refractive errors.

6. Enhance staff competence and keep pace with scientific developments in the field.

7. Establish academic and professional partnerships with health and educational institutions.

Curriculum and Study Plan

The department follows the Credit Hour System and offers a combination of medical, technical, and basic sciences that qualify students to work in the optical field.

First Level:

1. Principles of Vision Examination

2. Human Anatomy

3. Ocular Physiology

4. Medical & Optical Physics

5. Medical Terminology

6. Computer Applications and Medical English

7. Fundamentals of Nursing and Public Health

Second Level:

1. Refractive Errors

2. Optical Lenses & Contact Lenses

3. Common Ocular Diseases

4. Strabismus & Low Vision

5. Optical Instruments

6. Clinical & Field Training

7. Graduation Project

Laboratories and Practical Training

The department includes educational and applied laboratories equipped with modern optical instruments and tools such as:

1. Auto Refractometer

2. Direct Ophthalmoscope

3. Slit Lamp Microscope

4. Trial Lens Sets

5. Lensometer

Students receive practical training under the supervision of the academic staff in a simulated clinical environment, along with field training at public and private hospitals and optical centers.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates holding a Technical Diploma in Optometry Techniques can work in:

1. Governmental and private hospitals and healthcare centers

2. Optical workshops and laboratories for lenses and eyeglasses manufacturing

3. Private optometry clinics

4. Vision-testing centers affiliated with traffic departments (for driver’s license renewal)

5. Research and educational centers related to ophthalmology and optics

Academic Staff

The department comprises a group of qualified instructors and technical specialists in optometry, medical physics, visual sciences, and ocular physiology, supported by technical staff who manage laboratories and supervise students’ practical training.

Study Duration and Admission System

1. Duration of Study: Two academic years leading to a Technical Diploma in Optometry Techniques.

2. Admission System: Applicants are accepted from graduates of the Scientific and Biological branches.

3. Language of Instruction: Arabic, with the use of English for technical terms and scientific materials.

Community Service

The department actively contributes to community service through:

1. Organizing free vision-screening campaigns in schools and rural areas.

2. Conducting educational workshops on the prevention of eye diseases.

3. Participating in scientific conferences and seminars inside and outside the university.