Official government website of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
Optics section
Head of Department:
Dr. Saleh bin Rashid Al-Shammari
Office :
Buraydah - Qassim University - Building A4 - Floor 2
Phone number :
0163020425
e-mail:
amcho@qu.edu.sa
Vision
Achieving national and regional excellence in clinical optometry and vision science, supporting global initiatives to combat blindness, raising health awareness, and serving the community through advanced academic programs and effective scientific research.
Mission
To prepare qualified graduates in primary eye care to support national and global efforts in combating blindness and visual impairment, provide comprehensive eye care in the community, and conduct innovative applied research to promote sustainable national development.
Overview
The department was established in the academic year 1428/1429 AH. It offers the Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. Graduates work as part of the healthcare system, equipped with the scientific and clinical skills acquired through the academic program to provide comprehensive and independent medical care in the fields of eye health and vision. The department also aims to actively contribute to innovation and advanced research in optometry and vision science and to promote health awareness among members of the community.
Academic programs :
Objectives :
* Provide high-quality vision education that will prepare graduates to deliver excellent optometric services in an ethical and professional manner.
Engage actively in community services, collaborating with governmental and non-profit organizations, to prevent blindness and raise awareness about eye health and vision care.
Conducting scientific research and training students to be researchers and innovators in vision sciences to enhance eye healthcare.
Educational goals:
The domain of knowledge and understanding:
P1 - Describe the anatomy and physiology of the basic organ system and the cellular, molecular, and genetic bases of development, with particular emphasis on the visual system and the eye, and their relationship to the body as a whole.
P2 - Identify the structure and process that contributes to the development of refractive errors and other visual and perceptual abnormalities in the visual system.
P3- Recognize the various causes that lead to the development of dysfunction and disease in the major organ systems, with a special focus on the visual system and the eye.
P4 - Describe the ocular optics and ocular lens system (including glasses, contact lenses, and low vision devices) used to correct refractive disorders, eye movement disorders, and other vision disorders.
P5- Discuss the mechanism of action of different classes of drugs, their interaction, and their safe and effective use in the treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the eye and vision.
P6- Define the concept, principle and procedures of visual therapy and other rehabilitation methods used in the management of common vision disorders, taking into account the psychodynamics of the doctor-patient relationship and the psychosocial aspects of different patient groups.
Skill area:
M1 - Diagnose, triage, manage and treat common visual conditions, including or resulting from: Refractive error, adaptive disorders, monocular or binocular vision skills, perceptual and oculomotor dysfunctions, eye injuries and trauma, before and after eye surgery and laser intervention, diseases of the visual system, and environmental or occupational conditions.
M2 - Frequently order and interpret necessary laboratory and diagnostic procedures.
M3- Assess the visual and physical condition of the patient and interpret the data to diagnose, develop and implement an effective treatment plan.
M4 - Identify life- and sight-threatening situations to initiate immediate intervention.
M5- Prescribing and using ophthalmic materials, contact lenses, vision therapies, low vision devices, medications, pharmaceutical ophthalmic procedures, and cretinism to treat and manage vision disorders and diseases.
M6 - Use effective communication skills, both written and verbal, commensurate with maximizing success in patient care.
Values, autonomy and responsibility:
S1 - Commitment to working as a key member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team to improve patient care outcomes.
S2-Responsibility for continuous self-learning and staying up to date with their knowledge and skills.
S3-Manage all related cases in a way that ensures safe and effective patient care.
S4-Manage the clinic in an appropriate manner within the eye care delivery system and in accordance with the ophthalmic code of ethics.