Vision Science and Business (Optometry)

The M.Sc. Vision Science and Business (Optometry) for working professionals at Aalen University of Applied Sciences is aimed at ambitious students and contracting parties who are interested in sound skills in the field of clinical optometry, optometric visual function training, science and research as well as a small proportion of Business Administration, BA in an international masters/master's programme in Germany.Whether you come from a family-run opticianry or optometry business and want to modernize your company, are an experienced optometrist looking to deepen your clinical expertise, are a student from abroad looking for global career opportunities, or are aiming for an academic career with a doctorate or want to take the next academic step directly after your Bachelor's - this degree programme offers the right path for your goals.

Graduates of the Masters in 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 programmes in the field of) Vision Science
• management positions in the healthcare sector
• international optometric and academic institutions (allg.)
• company-managed or own optometric companies

This masters/master's programme stands for scientific excellence, international orientation, clinical practice; practical experience and business management skills - combined in a forward-looking study program.

The following prerequisites(s) must be met for admission to the Masters M.Sc. Vision Science and Business (Optometry):

• Completed Bachelor's degree (e.g. optometry or related subject area).
• Sufficient English language skills, English proficiency
• Complete application documents

The degree programme combines

• scientifically based and practice-orientated, with vocational-technical orientation
• 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 lecture timetable combines vision science, optometry, clinical practice; practical experience and business management. Contents such as Binocular Vision, Vision Therapy, Ocular Disease, Scientific Methods, Marketing Management and Leadership ensure a holistic vocational training.

International students benefit from a degree programmes taught entirely in English, academic structures and a reliable orientation in the German Higher education 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 an entirely 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.

If you would like to apply for the Master's M.Sc. Vision Science and Business (Optometry), you can access the applicant portal here .

For a better understanding, you will find a brief overview of the application process below:

1. Select degree programme.
2. Select the Masters Vision Science and Business (Optometry) at Aalen University of Applied Sciences.
3. Check the admission requirements: Completed Bachelor's degree (e.g. Optometry or related subject area), Sufficient English language skills, Complete application documents.
4. Submit online application.
5. Complete and submit the application via the online application portal of Aalen University of Applied Sciences.
6. Upload supporting documents: Bachelor's diploma (scan), Abitur certificate (scan), Resumé, identity card or passport (scan), proof of language proficiency in English (scan), further proofs if applicable (if available 1-year professional experience after Bachelor's degree).
7. The Admissions office of the institution of higher education and the head of degree program will check your supporting documents for eligibility, suitability, aptitude and completeness.
8. If your application is successful, you will receive your official letter of admission.
9. Enrollment (US)/matriculation (UK): Acceptance of the university place, submission of the final documents, payment of the Semester Contribution (currently 180 euros per semester) and tuition; tuition fees (currently 19,990 euros for the complete Studies).
10. Start your Studies: Welcome to the masters Vision Science and Business (Optometry) at Aalen University of Applied Sciences!

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 assess 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, Aalen offers short distances, close ties to the institution of higher education and a strong Campus feeling. Working professionals benefit from the quiet learning atmosphere and the good agreement 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 institution of higher education, modern infrastructure and a concentrated working environment create ideal conditions for academic research and writing. At the same time, the city offers sufficient balance through nature, sports programs and cultural events (general).

Aalen is particularly interesting for entrepreneurial students due to its location in a commercially, profitable, financially cost-effective 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, collaboration, cooperation and appointment funding for professors; appointment funds.

The Aalen Friends of Optometry e.V. is an independent, non-profit alumni and supporting clubs, which is closely connected to the Master's degree programme Vision Science and Business (Optometry) 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, 1. science and scholarshop (allgem.) and practice; practical experience.

The focus is on knowledge transfer and the funding of professional exchange. The Aalen Friends of Optometry regularly organize specialist events, further education, workshops and talks; 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 central aspect is the strong alumni network. The association connects former and current students with professionals from hospitals, practices; practical experiences, 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 collaboration, cooperation. Fraternities and sororities/clubs and the close association with the ECOO | European Council of Optometry and the US partner universities and institutions further strengthen the international character of the degree program.

Our Master's students thus benefit from a top-level, science-based further education that is not only of high academic quality, but also internationally recognized and networked.

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

• Access to a strong professional network
  • Support with the transition from Studies to appointment funding for professors; appointment funds
  • Insights into current research and clinical practice; practical experience
  • 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 masters/master's programme not only offers academic training, but also long-term funding for professors; appointment funds and membership of a strong optometric community.

Why not takea look ?

What is the parking situation like at the institution of higher education?

There are numerous free parking lots; parking spaces near the laboratory building for ophthalmic optics/optometry on the Burren Campus of Aalen University of Applied Sciences.

Where do I live during the face-to-face classes?

Most Master's students live in shared apartments.

What are the food options like?

There is a Cafeteria and a cafeteria, which are open from Monday to Friday when the university is in session. There are also many shopping facilities such as bakeries, EDEKA, Kaufland, pizzerias and restaurants in the surrounding area.

Are the two one- or two-week stays in the USA as part of the framework of Studies necessary to obtain the masters/master's degree?

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

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

Full attendance for each module selected is required, due to the lab sessions (hands-on internships, work placements) integrated into almost all modules. Only the theoretical module Pharmacology is offered online.

Can I start the masters/master's programme 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 continuing education program for professionals.

Can I also start the masters/master's programme with a Dipl-Ing. (FH) degree in ophthalmic optics?

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

Is the entire degree programme taught in English?

Yes, due to the international orientation and the highly-respected, well-known professors from the USA with practical experience, 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 a foreigners?

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

The exact prerequisites(s) and procedures depend on the country of origin and are regulated by the German diplomatic mission in the respective country of origin.