Course description
Degree in Optics and Optometry
Optometry. A universal discipline with strong roots
The history of optometry is linked to the development of different scientific areas related to vision, such as medicine, microbiology, neurology, physiology, psychology, etc, and to advances in the study of image formation by the eye and the development of instruments and optical aids.
A Profession of Community Service
Optometrists develop their profession as Primary Care Vision providers, attending to the visual needs of many different groups in society. From early detection and prevention of pediatric conditions to providing low-vision aides to geriatric patients with significant vision loss, Optometrists detect and treat conditions in all age groups, including visually handicapped and other special populations.
As the current population ages, the demand for vision care will increase. Trained vision care providers will be needed due to the increasing incidence of diabetes and hypertension in the general population, new visual demands associated with technology, and greater public awareness regarding early detection and treatment of pediatric conditions.
Degree in Optics and Optometry at UCJC
The degree in Optics and Optometry at UCJC is an official bio-health degree approved by ANECA under the European Higher Education Area, and is therefore accredited throughout Europe. It is completely dedicated to health following the Anglo-Saxon model, which is the furthest developed in this discipline.
Spread over 4 years, the curriculum covers all the necessary areas for fully extensive optometric training. The curriculum includes the physical sciences with a special focus optics and vision science, health sciences (anatomy and histology, physiology, microbiology and immunology, pharmacology, etc.), and specialized optometric courses (binocular vision, strabismus and amblyopia, pediatrics, geriatrics and low vision, contact lenses, neuro-ophthalmology, vision therapy and rehabilitation, ocular disease and associated systemic conditions).
The faculty is a multidisciplinary team with innovative and scientific character, comprised of: U.S. doctors of optometry, ophthalmologists, neurologists, pharmacologists, psychologists, physicists, and more. Our faculty uses an integrative teaching system with supervision and monitoring for each individual student.
The practical curriculum consists of more clinical credit hours than any other Spanish university. From the first year of the degree, a significant amount of clinical contact with real patients is arranged. This is realized through the combined cooperation of Centro Boston de Optometría and the best ophthalmology clinics, hospitals, and specialty centers in Madrid.
UCJC has sought the best clinical international experience for our graduates. Thanks to our affiliation with The New England College of Optometry in Boston, MA, USA, we are able to offer the possibility of completing a semester abroad in this school – a world leader in Optometric study and research.
* Class size is limited to 30 seats in order to be able to achieve academic objectives and clinical needs.
After graduation, then what?
UCJC also offers postgraduate programs such as the Masters in Advanced Clinical Optometry and Research, and the Doctorate in Clinical Optometry. These degrees are offered through collaboration with Centro Boston de Optometría and The New England College of Optometry, Boston.
Student Profile:
Useful characteristics for training and practice in this profession include: interest in a biohealth profession, ability to communicate with patients, empathy and disposition to serve others, ability to focus and attention to detail, deductive reasoning, good manual dexterity, and mechanical aptitude and coordination. Skills in visual health management are also helpful.
Professional Opportunities:
The reorganization of Primary Visual Atention has a high demand for trained professionals. The clinical and health focus of the UCJC degree allows graduates to work independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team in health centers such as specialty and primary care centers, public or private hospitals, Ophthalmic clinics, and Optical and Optometric health centers. Graduates can also work as professional consultants in numerous industries, such as ophthalmic lenses, drugs, optical instruments, and more.
Future access to our Postgraduate and Doctorate programs allow skill development in teaching and research. Moreover, the superior quality and focus of the program at UCJC will allow graduates to practice in other European countries and will provide the possibility to continue studying to gain degrees from the best universities in the US.
