Study Contents
Optometry is the study of vision, defective vision and its correction. It includes not only physical but also biological optics.
Due to their specialised training, optometrists have advanced knowledge and techniques to identify the causes of vision problems. In doing so, they can assess various visual defects and, in specialist opticians' shops, ensure that their customers achieve the best possible quality of vision with the help of the right glasses or contact lenses. They also check the visual functions, such as the visual field, contrast and colour vision or twilight vision. By means of screenings performed with the help of the most state-of-the-art technical instruments, optometrists can detect abnormalities in the eye at an early stage and, if necessary, recommend a visit to an ophthalmologist or specialist. Among other things, they measure intraocular pressure and examine the cornea, crystalline lens or retina for indications of a possible eye or general disease.
Above all, however, they also provide support in the field of ophthalmology, they conduct research and develop new methods for correcting vision and are instrumental in the development and manufacturing of innovative devices.
Structure and Sequence
Master opticians start directly in study stage 2 and only need two years to complete the degree while working.
Study Stage 1 (1st-4th semester)
In study stage 1, you will study on the premises and in the laboratories of the ZVA Academy of Optometry (ZVA-Akademie der Augenoptik) in Dormagen. You will learn in a very practice-oriented manner using the most state-of-the-art equipment in ophthalmic optics and optometry. After approx. two years ( or one year, depending on the course model chosen), you will take a master craftsperson's examination in optometry before the Chamber of Crafts as an intermediate examination and, optionally, an examination to become an optometrist (HWK).
Study Stage 2 (5th-8th Semester)
Once you have successfully obtained your title as a master craftsperson, you will then get to know the scientific side of optometry in greater depth at Campus Jülich of FH Aachen as well as at the Academy of Ophthalmic Optics. You will learn and research new topics in optometry. You will acquire advanced skills in the areas of optometry, ocular pathology, scientific work, management, and much more. You will complete two company practical trainings and finish study stage 2 with the academic degree Bachelor of Science.
Both study stages can be completed either extra occupationally or full time. The duration of the studies is eight semesters. This corresponds to about three years full-time or four years extra-occupationally..
- Extra-occupational in the "Dual Course"
approx. 15 - 18 weeks of compact in-person classes per academic year, divided into three blocks of approx. five to six weeks. In the remaining seven to eight months, you can do practical work and deepen your knowledge for the course of study through eLearning. - Full-time in the "Full-time Course"
12 months of in-person classes per year with five days of attendance per week ( with the exception of holidays and public holidays).
Advantages and Special Features
The modular structure of the degree programme allows for tailor-made studies according to your life situation. Compared to other ophthalmic optics degree programmes, another advantage is that students remain employed or complete work placements during the entire study period, resp., and therefore achieve an optimal combination of theory and practice.
Overview of Studies
Specialisation 5.-8. Semester
| Module Title | LP | VÜP | SWS | |||
| 5. Semester | ||||||
| Naturwissenschaftl. Grundlagen | 9 | 62 | 8 | |||
| Qualitäts- & Informationsmanagement | 6 | 31 | 4 | |||
| Praxis-Modul | 12 | |||||
| 6. Semester | ||||||
| Patient Care | 6 | 4 | 6 | |||
| Wissenschaftl. Arbeiten I | 3 | 11 | 3 | |||
| Management Führung und Kommunikation | 6 | 22 | 6 | |||
| Optometrie IV + V | 6 | 2 | 6 | |||
| Statistik / Messtechnik | 4 | 21 | 4 | |||
| 7. Semester | ||||||
| Wahlmodule | 6 | *** | 4 | |||
| Wissenschaftl. Arbeiten II | 6 | 22 | 4 | |||
| Pathologie III | 3 | 2 | 2 | |||
| Kontaktlinse IV | 3 | 1 1 | 2 | |||
| Angewandte optische Verfahren | 6 | 3 1 | 4 | |||
| 8. Semester | ||||||
| Praxisprojekt | 15 | |||||
| Bachelorarbeit | 12 | |||||
| Kolloquium | 3 | |||||
Elective Module Catalogue
| Module Title | LP | VÜP | ||
| Visuelle Wahrnehmung | 3 | 2 | ||
| Bildgebende Verfahren in der Medizin | 3 | 1 1 | ||
| Moderne Mikroskopie | 3 | 1 1 | ||
| Advanced Scientific Writing: proposals, reports, presentations (Englisch) | 3 | 11 | ||
| Medizintechnik in der Augenheilkunde | 3 | 1 1 | ||
| Medizinische Statistik | 3 | 11 | ||
This catalogue is an exemplary list of the courses offered. These courses are not offered every semester. The final range of courses offered in a semester is announced at the faculty at the beginning of each semester.
The selection of modules amounting to at least 6 credit points of the catalogue is compulsory!
Further details can be found in the Module Handbook, der Examination Regulations of the study programme "Augenoptik & Optometrie" (Ophthalmic Optics & Optometry") and, if applicable, the Framework Examination Regulations of FH Aachen.
Abbreviations:
V = Vorlesung (Lecture), Ü = Übung (Exercise), P = Praktikum/Seminar (Practical Training/Seminar): in SWS
SWS = Semesterwochenstunden (Semester Hours per Week)
LP = Leistungspunkte = credit points and weighting of examination performances (corresponding to ECTS, i.e. credits according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System)