Program Description

The Master of Science in Public Health in Vision and Eye Care is an interdisciplinary academic and research-based program that integrates the principles of public health, vision science, ophthalmology, and community health. The program was developed in response to the need for specialized professionals who are equipped to address visual impairment and avoidable blindness as major public health concerns, rather than solely as individual clinical conditions. It emphasizes prevention, early detection, the promotion of eye health, and equitable access to eye care services across different population groups.

The program provides students with advanced knowledge of ocular disease epidemiology, the determinants of eye health, eye care delivery systems, and the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of health programs. It also develops students’ competencies in scientific research, biostatistics, data analysis, the economic evaluation of health programs, and the use of scientific evidence in decision-making and eye health policy development.

Particular attention is given to community eye health and primary eye care, the prevention of childhood blindness, the control of ocular infections, the psychological and social dimensions of visual impairment, occupational eye health, and the initial management of ocular emergencies and injuries from preventive and public health perspectives. The program also examines the applications of artificial intelligence, health informatics, telemedicine, and health information systems in the development and improvement of eye care services.

The program aims to prepare graduates who are capable of designing, implementing, and evaluating eye health programs at both community and national levels. Graduates will also be able to participate in population-based surveys, identify populations at increased risk of visual impairment, analyze gaps in health service provision, and contribute to the development of evidence-informed policies. In addition, the program strengthens competencies in leadership, management, advocacy, communication, and interdisciplinary teamwork in collaboration with health institutions, governmental bodies, academic organizations, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies.

A range of teaching and learning methods is employed, including lectures, academic discussions, case studies, critical appraisal of published research, individual and group projects, community-based activities, and independent research. Students complete the program by undertaking a master’s thesis in an area of public health related to vision and eye care, thereby preparing them to contribute to scientific research, service development, and the improvement of eye health at the local and regional levels.

The program is intended for professionals and graduates from relevant medical and health disciplines, including optometry, medicine, nursing, public health, pharmacy, and other medical and health sciences. It is academic and research-based in nature and does not confer a professional or medical license to practice any health profession. Professional practice remains subject to the regulations and requirements of the relevant licensing authorities. 

General Objectives

The program aims to:

• Enhance knowledge of ocular disease epidemiology and the determinants of eye health.

• Develop competencies in scientific research, biostatistics, and the analysis of eye health data.

• Prepare students to plan, implement, and evaluate eye health programs.

• Promote equitable access to eye care services, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations.

• Develop leadership, management, policy development, and advocacy competencies in eye health.

• Integrate artificial intelligence, health informatics, and digital technologies into the development of eye care services.

• Prepare qualified professionals who can contribute to blindness prevention and the promotion of eye health at both national and international levels

Programme Details

The program comprises 36 credit hours and is offered exclusively through the thesis track. It includes specialized courses in eye health and epidemiology, eye care program planning, community eye health, research methodology and biostatistics, artificial intelligence and health informatics, leadership and management, and health economics.

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, discussions, case studies, individual and group projects, independent learning, and community-based and research activities. Students are assessed through examinations, written assignments, presentations, projects, and the completion of a research thesis.

The program is academic and research-based, with a focus on public health and eye health. It does not confer a professional or medical license to practise any health profession