Faculty: Health Sciences Optometry is a healthcare profession focused on the examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders of the visual system. Students gain knowledge and skills in optics, visual science, clinical optometry, and patient care. The program emphasizes practical clinical experience, theoretical knowledge, and the understanding of optical principles and eye health. Graduates are prepared for careers as optometrists in various clinical settings. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamentals of optics, visual science, and eye health. - Develop skills in clinical optometry and patient care. - Learn techniques for examining, diagnosing, and treating visual system disorders. - Explore the principles of optical dispensing and contact lens fitting. - Analyze challenges and opportunities in optometric practice. - Develop communication, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving skills for patient care. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Optometry** - Overview of optometry, key concepts, and historical context. - Fundamentals of the visual system and eye anatomy. 2. **Optics and Visual Science** - Principles of optics, including geometric optics, physical optics, and optical instruments. - Visual science concepts, including visual perception, color vision, and binocular vision. 3. **Clinical Optometry** - Fundamentals of clinical optometry, including eye examinations, diagnostic techniques, and treatment plans. - Techniques for conducting comprehensive eye exams and assessing visual function. 4. **Ocular Disease and Pathology** - Principles of ocular disease and pathology, including common eye diseases and conditions. - Techniques for diagnosing, managing, and treating ocular diseases. 5. **Optical Dispensing and Contact Lenses** - Principles of optical dispensing, including spectacle lens design, fitting, and adjustment. - Techniques for fitting and prescribing contact lenses. 6. **Pediatric and Geriatric Optometry** - Principles of pediatric and geriatric optometry, including visual development and age-related eye conditions. - Techniques for managing visual health in children and the elderly. 7. **Clinical Practicum in Optometry** - Real-world optometry experiences, including observations, internships, and hands-on projects in clinical settings. - Techniques for applying learned skills in practical optometric settings. 8. **Capstone Project in Optometry** - Comprehensive project to apply learned skills in clinical optometry, ocular disease management, or optical dispensing. - Techniques for delivering a polished and effective optometry project. **Assessment Methods:** - Optics and visual science reports, clinical optometry case studies, ocular disease management plans, optical dispensing and contact lens fitting projects, practicum reports, capstone projects, group projects, and internships. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Clinical Optics" by David A. Goss. - "Visual Perception: Physiology, Psychology, and Ecology" by David Whitney. - "Clinical Optometry" by various authors. - "Ocular Disease: Diagnosis and Management" by various authors. - "Optical Dispensing" by various authors. - "Contact Lenses" by various authors. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of biology, physics, and anatomy. Suitable for students interested in optometry, visual science, and healthcare professions. **Major Duration:** Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, clinical practicum, and internships. A Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree usually requires an additional 4 years of professional education. **Certification:** Graduates may receive a degree in Optometry and pursue professional certification and licensure as optometrists. **Target Audience:** Aspiring optometrists, visual scientists, and healthcare professionals seeking to specialize in optometry and eye care. This major equips students with the clinical, theoretical, and practical skills needed to excel in optometry, supporting careers in various clinical settings as optometrists.