Optometry in English (4 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 – 80 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 compulsory part A of the study program (68 credits) contains specialization courses – Clinical diagnostic method in optometry, Eye diseases and pharmacotherapy, Disorders of binocular vision, Contact lens correction, Low vision, Emergency medicine, Qualification exam in optometry and Master's thesis.

Part B of the limited choice (10 credits) contains professional courses (Paediatric optometry, Vision training, Eye health and nutrition, etc.), which complement the knowledge and practice area of the optometrist, as well as academic courses (Modelling in vision science, Eye movements, Visual neuroscience, etc.), which complements research skills

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. Bachelor degree in Optometry*
2. The average grade in study courses must be 60% of the maximum.
3. English language proficiency.

*Complies with the requirements of the Latvian Standard for the Profession of Optometrist