Health | Natural Sciences

Vision Science and Business (Optometry)

Selection Procedure
Numerus Clausus (N.C.)
Language
English
Degree
Master of Science, MSc
Duration of Study
4 semester (Training)
Next start
WiSe 26/27
Closing date
15.01.2027
Messung der Sehkraft im Masterstudiengang Vision Science and Business (Optometry)
Become an expert in optometry: Learn everything you need to know about eye diseases and vision therapy from US professors/optometrists—clinically, practically, and at the highest level.

Your roadmap to the Master's degree

Highlights of the study program

Admission requirement

Admission to the Aalen Master's course "M.Sc. in Vision Science and Business (Optometry)" can be granted to those who can prove the following requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in optics or optometry
  • Evidence demonstrating a minimum of one year of practice/work experience up on completion of the Bachelor degree program. If you lack the necessary year of professional experience, you can apply for the so-called “Kontaktstudium” directly to the Dean of Studies Prof. Dr. Anna Nagl using the enclosed form.

Application “Kontaktstudium”410 KBPDF

 

What makes this degree programme special

Career Prospects

Graduates will acquire in depth knowledge and deeper understanding in optometry and the competence to deliver superior patient care. The Aalen Master's Degree Program modules are precisely aligned from US-Professors with the European Diploma Optometry (EDO). It fully covers all clinical and optometric competencies of part B, C and D of the European Diploma Optometry (EDO). The master's graduates receive the internationally recognized Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree.

Lectures from Professors from the US

The lecturers are given in English predominantly by renowned Professors from the US-American Partner University Pacific University College of Optometry (PUCO, Forest Grove, OR), the New England College of Optometry (NECO, Boston, MA) and the State University of New York (SUNY, NY). The internationally recognized Optometry Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree is awarded upon successful completion of the program, which includes both Bachelor's and Master's degree (a total of 300 ECTS Credit Points). This foundation facilitates an individual to pursue higher levels of learning such as a PhD degree, Doctor of Optometry (OD).

Duration

The Aalen Optometry Master's Degree Program M.Sc. Vision Science and Business (Optometry) is on a part-time basis allowing full-time employment. It takes depending on the workload of each individual student two to three years. The didactic portion of the program is entirely lectured in English over four semesters (24 months). In addition the degree requires a master thesis with guidance from experts in the field from Europe and US. Direct classroom and laboratory workshops are presented once a month over an extended weekend (Friday through Tuesday). Experienced Alumni and optometry practice owners from Germany, Switzerland, Croatia and Slovenia ensure that what has been learned from the US-American Professors can be applied in practice in small groups in the well-equipped laboratories during the lecture weekends.

Full-time employment/Part-time Master’s Degree program/Tuition Fee

This in Europe unique Master’s degree program in cooperation with US-American Colleges of Optometry allows full-time practitioners, researchers and educators from all over the world to study on a part-time basis at Aalen University. The degree program of optometry offers a wide range of specialty modules in optometry and clinically orientated courses with hands-on practical training in the laboratory settings. The knowledge can be applied to everyday practice. The tuition fee amounts € 19,990 (including both electives in USA). The fees are paid in four instalments: 1st payment on acceptance to the program: € 5,000, 2nd payment: April 1 in 2nd semester: € 5,000, 3rd payment: October 1 in 3rd semester: € 5,000, 4th payment: April 1 in 4th semester: € 4,990. In addition, a semester fee of € 180 is due each semester.

„Cutting edge“: Continuing Optometric Education (COE) of the Aalen Friends of Optometry

Continuing Optometric Education (COE) events are organized by the Alumni Association, the Aalen Friends of Optometry. The focus of the Alumni association „Aalen Friends of Optometry e.V.“ lies on research and science projects as well as the promotion of basic and advanced training. The annual Aalen Master Alumni event is a great example of how important it is in the field of optometry to share cases of all kinds unusual and innovative solutions. It has proven to be a valuable opportunity for the optometrist community to learn from experienced professionals and gain a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of optometry and ophthalmology. The main topics include the international exchange of knowledge and experience with professional experts, researchers and clinicians from different nations. Alumni meetings are the place to be for experienced optometrists, ODs and ophthalmologists to share their knowledge and for alumni and current students to gain valuable insights into the latest research in optometry. Alumni Continuing Optometric Education (COE) events foster a sense of unity and shared competencies within the optometry community.

Clinical Observations/Visits in the US

The Aalen Optometry Master students have the opportunity to participate in clinical observations in the US twice. Not only one week in two of the five optometric clinics of SUNY (The State University of New York) focusing on Binocular Vision/Vision Therapy/Low Vision, Pediatric, Contactlenses, Ocular Disease, or Comprehensive eye exams, but also Aalen Master’s students can attend the "Sports Vision Module" for one week with the renowned expert Professor Graham Erickson at the Pacific University College of Optometry (Forest Grove, Oregon) and spend another week at clinics in Seattle, Denver, or the Oregon area specializing in Vision Therapy. These clinical observations in the US are optional for the Master students, but always an unforgettable experience.

Career insights from our graduates

Career paths of our graduates

Jessica Gruhl

Optician/optometrist, contact lens fitter at Avermann Contactlinsen

The degree programme liaises with the most comprehensive specialist knowledge in the field (of) optometry - and does so in a form that allows students to apply what they have learned directly in practice; practical experience. Thanks to the clinical experience of the German and US lecturers and professors, the lectures and laboratory classes, labs and lectures are always very practice-orientated and have so far been a huge enrichment for my everyday working life.

Stephanie Felgner

Business Developoment Diagnostic Manager at Mediconsult, Roggwil TG, CH

Best choice for a Master's program. Very structured and detailed knowledge about eye diseases combined with useful vision therapy.

Stefanie Berger

Coaching, Consulting, Training at Berger Partners, Berlin

The masters (UK)/master's (US) for working professionals combines top-class optometric expertise with commercial, economical, profitable, financial, cost-effective thinking - ideal for anyone who wants to take a strategic and entrepreneurial approach to optometric services.

Kai Jaeger

Owner of optical businesses, member of the (managing) board of AOV NRW, President of the ZVA

The fact that it's a degree programme for working professionals was a decisive factor for me in balancing self-employment, family life and Studies.

Tom Köllmer

Optician/optometrist at the ophthalmology practice of Dr. med. Harry Domack, Schweinfurt, Germany

I want to provide my customers with the best possible information and be able to answer their questions about vision competently, no matter what they want to know. That's why I decided to do a Master's degree for working professionals at Aalen University of Applied Sciences.

Andreas van der Heide

Optician/Optometrist at Konstantin Tsiounis AG, Glarus, CH

High level of education, close to the Swiss border and possible alongside work.

Career Opportunities with the Master M.Sc. of Science in Vision Science and Business (Optometry)

With the Master’s degree graduates Master of Science M.Sc. in Vision Science and Business (Optometry) are prepared for future challenges they face in optometry. The content allows students to apply knowledge gained in everyday practice with customers. Fields of activities incorporate optical shops, contact lens institutes, optometric practices, ophthalmologic clinics, industry and research. In addition, it facilitates the pursuit of further education, such as a PhD degree and/or Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree program.

Außenbereich am Burren, zwei Studierende der Hochschule Aalen mit Fahrrad

Discover the Campus

Find out where you will study and what else the Campus of Aalen University of Applied Sciences has to offer in addition to Studies.

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