Optometry in English (6 semesters)

The study program is designed to ensure the growth of the young optometrist as a specialist, acquiring knowledge, skills and competences that meet not only the standard requirements of the optometrist profession, employer requirements and the specifics of the labour market, but also the requirements of the optometrist profession defined in Europe and Category 3 (without the use of medication) requirements defined by the World Optometrists Council in the Global competency-based model of scope of practice in optometry, which provides that the optometrist offers not only optical services (management and dispensing of ophthalmic lenses, ophthalmic frames and other ophthalmic devices that correct defects of the visual system), but also provides primary vision care (evaluation and management of defects of the visual system), including evaluation, differentiation, and management of the health status of the eye structures and related general diseases (including referral to other specialists for diagnosis and treatment). The total amount of the study program – 120 credit points – is divided into several stages: practice (33%), courses directly related to medicine and optometry (35%), academic and research skills development courses – 32%. The content of the courses is regularly reviewed to ensure a broad knowledge of profession-related issues, emphasizing the latest trends and directions in the rapidly evolving field of vision care.

The study programme (120 credit points) contains compulsory (part A), optional (part B), and practical courses. The practical training (internship) accounts for 26 credit points. Part A (82 credit points) includes general introductory courses and specialisation courses: general medicine in optometry, eye diseases and pharmacotherapy, contact correction, visual perception models, as well as a state examination and Master's thesis. Part B (38 credit points) contains compulsory pre-professional courses, clinical and experimental courses in optometry. The state examination accounts for two credit points and consists of a theoretical knowledge test in optometry and a practical examination in the evaluation of the patient's visual function and vision correction. The elaboration and defence of the Master’s thesis is worth 20 credit points. 

Part C of the free choice (2 CP) allows the student to acquire additional knowledge in courses of other fields at the University of Latvia, other universities in Latvia or abroad.

There is an additional opportunity to gain international study experience and new knowledge in one of the many partner universities during the semester of ERASMUS+ studies.

By fulfilling the requirements of the program, a graduate acquires extensive professional skills and abilities in the field of primary vision care – optometry, as well as academic knowledge, skills and competences in vision science, in order to be able to independently develop research at optometrist's workplace or to continue studies in the doctoral programme in Latvia or abroad.

Admission requirements for international students

1. first or second cycle higher education in another healthcare field or first cycle higher education in life sciences, chemistry or physics, medical engineering;

2. The average grade in study courses must be 60% of the maximum.

3. English language proficiency

Formula for calculating the competition score: entrance test (1 x 1000 = 1000)