Gulf Medical University

Ajman, AE

admissions@gmu.ac.ae +971 6 7431333P.O.Box: 4184 – Ajman, United Arab Emirates.

Bachelor of Science in Optometry

College of Health Sciences

Bachelor

Overview

Optometry is a healthcare profession that is autonomous, educated, and regulated (licensed/registered), and optometrists are the primary healthcare practitioners of the eye and visual system who provide comprehensive eye and vision care, which includes refraction and dispensing, detection/diagnosis and management of disease in the eye, and the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system. Addressing a significant local gap, GMU’s Bachelor of Science in Optometry (BSc OPT) program supports the Emiratization and education goals, with a focus on expanding the local healthcare workforce to meet the demand for optometrists. As per the World Council of Optometry’s competency model, GMU’s Bachelor of Science in Optometry (BSc OPT) program, the UAE’s first, develops core skills in refraction, disease detection, and prescribing, while also emphasizing research and innovation. With a global shortage of optometrists and a high demand for eye care, this program addresses local and global needs by strengthening the optometry workforce to help reduce preventable vision impairment.

Typical Job Titles

Optometrist
educator
researcher
Public health and community eye care expert
consultant
academic faculty
administrative positions

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Fall 2026 applications are now open! Apply today and get ready to begin an exciting journey at Gulf Medical University.

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Tuition & Fees

AED 52,500Per year

AED 26,250 Per semester

Program Details

Degree level: Bachelor
Duration: 4 years
College: College of Health Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, graduates will be able to:

Explain the structure and function of the visual system, pathogenesis of ocular diseases, and its association with systemic diseases.

Employ knowledge of eye assessment and apply principles underlying the use of ophthalmic devices and procedures in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of visual conditions.

Analyse predisposing epidemiological, environmental factors and triage sight-threatening problems that require intervention to prevent visual deterioration or ocular disease with evidence-based referral management.

Conduct clinical assessment of the eyes and visual system, including refraction, ocular health assessment, ophthalmic dispensing, and recommending appropriate management options using evidence-based practice methods.

Perform low vision assessment, binocular vision assessment, vision therapy, contact lens assessment, ophthalmic dispensing, ophthalmic diagnostic procedures, and provide appropriate management solutions.

Integrate clinical knowledge into patient care with conditional autonomy, interpret data, apply clinical reasoning skills to derive a differential diagnosis, and formulate an evidence-based clinical management plan.

Support eye health promotion and apply appropriate management strategies for ocular and systemic conditions in the realms of collaborative practice.

Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills to establish and maintain professional relationships with patients, their families, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals to enhance the quality of care.

Interpret healthcare systems, policies, regulations, and the legal and ethical implications of patient care decisions in accordance with established standards of care in optometric practice, while contributing to improved healthcare outcomes for the community.

Demonstrate competency and commitment to continuous life-long learning and professional development by developing abilities to appraise and assimilate scientific evidence, engage in active research, and continuously improve patient care based on evidence-based management and emerging technologies.

Academic Requirements13

1The applicant must have completed a minimum of 12 years of school education.
2The applicant must have passed any one of the following English Language Proficiency Tests with a minimum score as follows:- All UAE education system scoring minimum 80% in English in Grade 12
3For those completed English medium of instruction in high school- Minimum 80% (UAE education system or its equivalent) in Grade 11/12
4Those not meeting the minimum 80% in English shall be on conditional admission and completing a remedial course in English for the first semester with a minimum passing score of 80%.
5for those international students who completed high school in their native language, any one of the English proficiency test scores to be submitted:- TOEFL CBT 173 – iBT 61
65.0 in IELTS for Academic
7Applicants from UAE educational systems (all tracks) must have secured a minimum aggregate score equivalent to 65% in Grade 12.
8Applicants from any other non-UAE educational systems not listed above must have secured a minimum aggregate score equivalent toUAE65%as per International Grade Conversion Table published by World Education Services (WES).
9Applicants from any other non-UAE educational systems must submit an Equivalency Certificate of their High School certificate from Ministry of Education, UAE. Failing to submit the equivalency certificate, the student would be on conditional admission and is required to fulfil the requirements as specified in the General admission requirements.
10Applicants must have passed any three science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics in any of the following grades: 11th or 12th.
11Applicants who lack any one of the required science subjects must complete and pass the non-credit remedial course offered by the University.
12If the applicant lack two or more science subjects in Grades 11 or 12 are required to do the Foundation program offered by the University.
13All applicants shall complete an interview with admission committee of the College. The decision of the Admission Committee shall be final and binding.

Program Requirements3

1Completion of 136 credits required for the program.
2A minimum pass mark of 65% (Grade D) for each course.
3Attendance of not less than 80% for individual courses.

Required Documents19

All of these are required to apply.

1Attested High School Transcript of Grades 10 or 11, & 12 covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics & English.
2Equivalency Certificate from the Ministry of Education, UAE for international curriculum
3Passport copy (Applicant and Parent)
4Emirates ID Card (if UAE Resident)
5English Language Proficiency Score (English High school marks/IELTS/TOEFL, etc.)
6One Passport Photograph with white background
7All UAE Nationals shall submit a copy of UAE nationality ID (Khulasat Al-Kayd) and family Book/card with identification number
8Good Conduct Certificate from school
9Medical Fitness Certificate from Thumbay Hospital
10Medical Insurance certificate (for UAE residents)
11Recognized baccalaureate degree and transcripts attested from the Ministry of Education, UAE
12Certificate of Recognition from MOE, UAE for international bachelor’s degree
13Passport copy and Emirates ID Card (if UAE Resident- Family book)
14Valid English Proficiency Score sheet or evidence of undergraduate degree medium of instruction
15Passport-size Photograph
16Curriculum vitae
172 Recommendation letters
18Statement of Purpose
19Relevant academic or professional experience certificates if any