Optometry An-Najah National University

Overview

The Optometry program of the An-Najah National University is committed to prepare optometrists who deliver clinical care of the highest standard with utter most integrity and professionalism.

Goals

The goal of the Bachelor of Optometry program is to graduate future professional leaders for the highest level of optometric practice dedicated to eliminating preventable blindness in the OPT.Graduates will serve as leaders in clinical and executive positions, translating evidence-based science into clinical practice and quality-improvement policies that ultimately leads to better vision care.

An-Najah’s Optometry Department, including the new Eye Clinic at An-Najah National University Teaching Hospital is committed to fulfilling the mission and vision to the community through the achievement of these Goals and Objectives:

• Establish a resounding optometric program that will enable the College to become a leader in Optometric education in the Middle East.

• Provide outstanding educational programs and resources.

• Develop an outstanding clinical education through enhancing clinical services at the University’s Teaching Hospital and Teaching Clinics.

• Promote safe, efficient and quality vision care delivery across the country.

• Establish the College as an exceptional research institute in optometry, vision science and clinical practice.

• Develop community capacity building.

• Unify the practice of optometry locally and across the region by adjusting the scope of practice and ensuring it meets international standards.

Career Opportunities

Currently, the Palestinian optometric scope of practice allows Optometrists to practice either in private practice, Ophthalmology clinics and hospitals or in retail optical settings. Some graduating optometrists become invoved in speciality practice such as contact lenses, low vision, pediatrics, and vision therapy. In addition, optometrists with masters or doctorate degrees have the opportunity to join academic optometric faculties as academic professors and research assistants.