Established in 2004, the Bachelor of Optometry Program at An-Najah National University provides an integrated academic and clinical education designed to prepare scientifically and professionally competent optometrists. The curriculum combines biomedical sciences, optics and vision sciences, laboratory training, direct clinical practice, research, and evidence-based care.
Students develop the competencies required to conduct comprehensive eye and vision examinations, assess refractive status, visual function, and ocular health, interpret clinical findings, and formulate appropriate management, follow-up, or referral plans within the professional scope of optometry. Training also includes contact lenses, paediatric optometry and binocular vision, low-vision rehabilitation, clinical dispensing, and primary eye care.
The Program also emphasises professional ethics, patient safety, effective communication, interprofessional practice, social accountability, scientific research, and lifelong professional development, contributing to better eye health and the prevention of avoidable visual impairment and blindness in the Palestinian community.
Goals
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Provide an integrated and contemporary curriculum in biomedical sciences, optics and vision sciences, and clinical optometry.
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Prepare graduates who can conduct comprehensive eye and vision examinations and provide safe and effective optometric care within the professional scope of practice.
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Strengthen clinical education in primary eye care, contact lenses, paediatric and binocular vision, low vision, clinical dispensing, and ocular health.
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Promote evidence-based practice, critical thinking, scientific research, and the use of evidence in clinical decision-making.
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Promote professional ethics, effective communication, teamwork, social accountability, and patient-centred care.
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Develop local and international partnerships and clinical placements that support educational quality and continuous program development.
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Contribute to the development of eye and vision-care services and the prevention of avoidable visual impairment and blindness in Palestine.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
PLO 1
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology, pathology, eye disease, pharmacology, eye optics, and visual science, including accommodation, vergence, pupillary mechanisms, and ocular motility.
PLO 2
Explain and apply principles and techniques of optometric assessment, including refractive evaluation, binocular vision assessment (phorias, tropias, vergence, accommodation), and suppression testing.
PLO 3
Describe the epidemiology, classification, pathophysiology, and functional impact of ocular disease of the anterior and posterior segnents and visual disorders, including refractive errors, binocular vision anomalies, low vision conditions, and occupational eye hazards.
PLO 4
Perform comprehensive, problem-focused, and specialized eye examinations, including accurate case history, clinical testing, and interpretation of findings.
PLO 5
Apply clinical reasoning and decision-making to diagnose, manage, and monitor refractive, binocular, ocular, and low vision conditions, including appropriate referral.
PLO 6
Prescribe and manage appropriate optical and non-optical interventions, including spectacles, contact lenses, low vision aids, and vision therapy strategies.
PLO 7
Evaluate visual function and environmental factors, including occupational and ergonomic demands, and provide appropriate eye care, safety recommendations, and preventive strategies.
PLO 8
Apply optical principles and quantitative skills in clinical practice, including lens calculations, prism effects, magnification, and ophthalmic dispensing.
PLO 9
Communicate effectively, ethically, and professionally with patients and healthcare teams, including accurate documentation and preparation of referral and consultation reports, while adhering to ethical and legal standards.
PLO 10
Demonstrate ethical practice, professionalism, teamwork, independent learning, critical thinking, research engagement and continuous professional development.