Vision Science and Business (Optometry)

The part-time Master's degree program M.Sc. Vision Science and Business (Optometry) at the University of Applied Sciences Aalen is aimed at ambitious students and professionals who are interested in well-founded skills in the field of clinical optometry, optometric visual function training, science and research as well as a small amount of business administration in an international Master's degree program in Germany.Whether you come from a family-run optometry or ophthalmic business and want to modernize your company, want to deepen your clinical expertise as an experienced optometrist, are looking for global career opportunities as a student from abroad, or want to pursue an academic career with a doctorate or take the next academic step directly after your Bachelor's degree - this course offers the right path for your goals.

Graduates of the Master Vision Science and Business (Optometry) at Aalen University of Applied Sciences are optimally prepared for careers in

• clinical optometry and vision therapy
• Research and doctoral programs in the field of vision science
• management positions in the healthcare sector
• international optometric and scientific institutions
• family-run or own optometric companies

This Master's degree program stands for scientific excellence, international orientation, clinical practice and business competence - combined in a future-oriented study program.

The degree program combines

• scientifically sound and practice-oriented clinical skills
• with Vision Therapy and Pediatric Optometry
• and a small proportion of business and leadership skills

The cyclical study system allows for flexible entry: depending on the year of entry, you start either with the clinical part or with Vision Therapy and Pediatric Optometry and complete all modules in a structured, transparent and consecutive sequence. The curriculum combines vision science, optometry, clinical practice and business management. Contents such as Binocular Vision, Vision Therapy, Ocular Disease, Scientific Methods, Marketing Management and Leadership ensure a holistic education.

International students benefit from a degree program taught entirely in English, academic structures and a reliable orientation in the German university system. The optional Clinical Observations in the USA offer valuable insights into optometry, international experience and strengthen global career prospects. All students benefit from clear procedures and detailed early scheduling in a fully English-language degree program with a strong international focus, thanks in particular to the professors and experts from the USA. During two optional one- to two-week clinical observations in the USA, Master's students gain valuable insights into optometry there.

1. Assemble the following necessary documents 

- Bachelor´s degree in optometry

- High School Diploma

- CV

- identity card or passport

- Proof of English language proficiency at minimum level B2

- Applicants with foreign degrees must also upload the certificate from an official academic evaluation agency, e.g. uni-assist. Applicants with a degree from India must upload an APS certificate (APS India). 

- Evidence demonstrating a minimum of one year of practice/work experience up on completion of the Bachelor degree program. 

Note: If you lack the necessary year of professional experience, stop here. You can apply for the so-called “Kontaktstudium" directly to the Dean of Studies Prof. Dr. Anna Nagl using the enclosed form.

Kontaktstudium410 KBPDF

2. Access the online application portal here.

3. Select the Master’s degree program Vision Science and Business (Optometry) at Aalen University of Applied Sciences.

4. Fill in the requested data and upload the following documents: Bachelor’s degree certificate (scan), High School Diploma (scan), CV, identity card or passport (scan), English language certificate Level B2 (scan), Evidence demonstrating a minimum of one year of practice/work experience up on completion of the Bachelor degree program. Additionally, Applicants with foreign degrees must also upload the certificate from an official academic evaluation agency, e.g. uni-assist. Applicants with a degree from India must upload an APS certificate (APS India). 

5. Submit your application.

6. Now: The Master‘s admission office at Aalen University and the Dean of Studies, Prof. Dr. Anna Nagl, will review your application. 
Note: The quickest way is to send an email to Prof. Dr. Anna Nagl after successfully submitting your application, informing her that you have applied for the part-time Master's program.

7. As soon as you have been offered a place at university, accept your study place.

8. Afterwards, please send the requested original documents by letter (including the certified Bachelor's degree certificate) to the Master's Admissions Office, Hochschule Aalen, Beethovenstr. 1, 73430 Aalen, Germany.

9. And transfer the semester fee (currently 180 euros per semester) to the requested bank account.

10. You also will receive the study fee notice (currently 19,990 Euros for the entire program) – you need to transfer the first instalment 5,000 Euro to the requested bank account.

11. Please keep always an eye on your E-Mail box

12. Congratulations: You are a new student in our fantastic part time Master’s degree program Vision Science and Business (Optometry)!

Aalen offers the perfect balance between concentrated study, high quality of life and international openness. The city is manageable, safe and well organized - ideal for students who appreciate clear structures, but at the same time are looking for an active and diverse life.

For students who want to continue their studies directly after their Bachelor's degree, Aalen University of Applied Sciences offers short distances, a close connection to the university and a strong campus feeling. Working professionals benefit from the quiet learning atmosphere and the good balance between Studies and everyday life. International students will find a friendly, open environment with affordable housing and good connections to larger cities such as Stuttgart or Munich.

Aalen is also attractive for research-oriented students: the proximity to the University of Applied Sciences, modern infrastructure and a concentrated working environment create ideal conditions for academic work. At the same time, the city offers sufficient balance through nature, sports activities and cultural events.

Aalen is particularly interesting for entrepreneurial students due to its location in an economically strong region. Many companies in the fields of optics, medical engineering and technology are located in the surrounding area and open up opportunities for practical projects, collaborations and career prospects.

The Aalen Friends of Optometry e.V. is an independent, non-profit alumni and support association that is closely connected to the Master Vision Science and Business (Optometry) program at Aalen University of Applied Sciences. The association pursues the goal of sustainably strengthening optometry and vision science through research, Further Education, international exchange and networking. It forms an important interface between students, alumni, science and practice.

The focus is on the transfer of knowledge and the promotion of professional exchange. The Aalen Friends of Optometry regularly organize specialist events, training courses, workshops and lectures with national and international experts. This gives students and alumni access to the latest scientific findings, new technologies and innovative treatment methods in optometry.

Another key aspect is the strong alumni network. The association connects former and current students with professionals from clinics, practices, research institutions and industry. This network offers valuable contacts for career entry, career development, research collaborations and international projects. For students in particular, this opens up direct access to the professional world and global perspectives.

In addition, the Aalen Friends of Optometry e.V. promotes international cooperation. The close connection to the ECOO | European Council of Optometry and to the US-American partner universities and institutions further strengthens the international character of the study program.

Our Master's students thus benefit from a scientifically sound advanced training course at the highest level, which is not only of high academic quality, but also internationally recognized and networked.

For alumni of the Master Vision Science and Business (Optometry), membership of the association means

• Access to a strong professional network
  • Support in the transition from Studies to the profession
  • Insights into current research and clinical practice
  • Participation in high-quality continuing education programs
  • International networking with optometrists and professors worldwide and exchange opportunities

The Aalen Friends of Optometry stand for community, quality and international networking. They make a significant contribution to ensuring that the Master's program not only offers an academic education, but also long-term career prospects and membership of a strong optometric community.

Why not takea look ?

What is the parking situation at the University of Applied Sciences?

There are numerous free parking spaces near the Laboratory Building Optometry/Optometry on the Burren Campus of Aalen University of Applied Sciences.

Where do I live during the attendance phases?

Most Master's students live in shared apartments.

What are the food options like?

There is a canteen and a cafeteria which are open from Monday to Friday during the traditional lecture period. There are also many shopping facilities such as bakeries, EDEKA, Kaufland as well as pizzerias and restaurants in the surrounding area.

Are the two one- or two-week stays in the USA as part of the Studies program necessary to obtain the Master's degree?

No, the clinical observations in the USA are voluntary and are not required for the number of credit points required for the Master's degree.

Do I have to be present and participate in every module?

Full attendance of every module selected is required on site due to the lab sessions (hands-on practicals) integrated into almost all modules. Only the theoretical module Pharmacology is offered online.

Can I start the Master's program directly after my Bachelor's degree?

Yes, it is possible to start directly after the Bachelor's degree. The official term for this in Baden-Württemberg is contact studies.

Can I also start the Master's degree program with a Dipl-Ing. (FH) degree in Ophthalmic Optics?

Yes, admission is possible with both the Bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in Ophthalmic Optics and the Dipl-Ing. (FH) in Ophthalmic Optics.

Is the entire course taught in English?

Yes, due to the international orientation and the renowned professors with practical experience from the USA, all lectures and examinations are held in English.

What level of English do I need?

B2.

Do I need a visa if I come from abroad?

Yes, students from non-EU countries require a valid student visa.

The exact requirements and procedures depend on the country of origin and are regulated by the German diplomatic mission in the respective country of origin.