Augenoptik, Optometrie (grundständig)

The study program takes place at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule). Learning locations at the university of applied sciences include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, laboratories, and libraries. Students also study at home (e.g., preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments; possibly participating in online courses).

This is a basic undergraduate (grundständig) study program. Study opportunities are available at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), leading to degrees such as Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). The standard duration of study is 3-4 years. The basic study program in Ophthalmic Optics and Optometry provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in optometry, optics, and vision sciences. It leads to a first higher education degree. Ophthalmic Optics and Optometry is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium). Possible basic study programs include Ophthalmic Optics/Optical Device Technology and Ophthalmic Optics/Optometry. Admission requirements for universities of applied sciences include at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification), possibly a completed vocational training (Berufsausbildung) as an optician, and possibly passing an internal university selection process. The study content includes lectures, seminars, and practical exercises at the university, for example, in compulsory modules such as general optics, anatomy and physiology, binocular vision, spectacle optics and fitting, and fundamentals of contact lens fitting.

The standard duration of study is 6-8 semesters. The average actual duration of study is 9 semesters. Source: Statistisches Bundesamt, Statistischer Bericht - Statistik der Prüfungen an deutschen Hochschulen - Prüfungsjahr 2024.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for student services, student body, semester ticket). Tuition fees may apply for 'long-term students,' for a second degree (Zweitstudium), or after consuming a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance are typically required when exceeding the age limit of 25 years or certain income limits. Information on funding opportunities can be found at the Deutsches Studierendenwerk - Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten. The Federal Education Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG) also provides funding possibilities.

Dual study programs (duale Studiengänge) combine a university study (Studium) with vocational training (Berufsausbildung) or practical phases in a company. In the basic study program of Ophthalmic Optics, Optometry, there are programs that integrate vocational training and further education programs. For example, the study can include the recognized vocational training as an optician or be combined with further training to become a master optician (Augenoptikermeister). Further information and search for dual study programs can be found on the AusbildungPlus portal.

Compulsory modules include, for example: General Optics, Anatomy and Physiology, Binocular Vision, Spectacle Optics and Fitting, Fundamentals of Contact Lens Fitting, Ophthalmoscopy and Skiascopy (Vision Measurement), Pathology, Immunology and Pharmacology, Physiological Optics, Special Optometric Examinations, Systemic Changes and the Eye. Elective modules may include, for example: Medical Imaging Procedures, Medical Statistics, Medical Technology in Ophthalmology, Special Contact Lenses, Visual Perception. Practical study content may include internships, practical modules, and practical semesters (e.g., in companies in the optical industry), depending on the university.

Students should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Attending lectures and seminars in the university's auditoriums and seminar rooms during the semester; possibly participating in online courses from home. Conducting practical exercises such as refraction and correction determinations in the optometry laboratory. Independent work includes preparing for and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (even during lecture-free periods). Organizing the studies independently within the given structure, adhering to deadlines and study periods, and completing study and examination achievements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). Career preparation may include completing internships (e.g., in companies in the optical industry).

The following subjects can be alternatives for the Augenoptik, Optometrie (undergraduate) study program: In the field of Medical and Rehabilitation Technology: Medical Physics (undergraduate), Medical Technology (undergraduate), Orthopedics, Rehabilitation Technology (undergraduate). Commonality: Acquiring knowledge in Physics, Biology, Medicine, and Technology. In the field of Optoelectronics and Optics: Photonics, Optical Technologies (undergraduate). Commonality: Acquiring knowledge in Optics and Laser Technology, Physics, and Manufacturing Technology.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for a successful Studium (university study): Mathematics (e.g., knowledge in geometry and statistics), Chemistry, Biology, Physics (e.g., functions of the human eye, biochemistry, and wave physics), Computer Science (e.g., data structures, algorithms, and programming languages), English (e.g., reading and understanding foreign language technical literature), Economics/Law (e.g., to facilitate access to business administration study content).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. The following topics are relevant, for example: Time management and self-organization. Elective modules such as Medical Statistics can also provide additional qualifications. Internships (Praktika), for example in companies in the optical industry, specifically prepare for professional life. If applicable, the master craftsman examination (Meisterprüfung) or the advanced training examination to become an Optometrist (HWK) can be taken. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of the universities (see contact details of the respective university).

The undergraduate study program Augenoptik, Optometrie (Ophthalmic Optics, Optometry) imparts fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in optometry, optics, and vision sciences. It leads to a first university degree. Augenoptik, Optometrie is also available as a dual study program (dualen Studiengang).

Examples: Ophthalmic Optics/Optical Device Technology (Bachelor), Ophthalmic Optics/Optometry (Bachelor).

For Bachelor graduates in ophthalmic optics and optometry, various career fields are available in the private sector, such as medical, orthopaedic, and rehabilitation technology, quality assurance, quality management, or sales and distribution.

In the 20th century, subjects like physiological optics or biology were incorporated into precision engineering (Feinwerktechnik) degree programs. From 1980 onwards, the first departments for ophthalmic optics and optometry developed, leading to the establishment of independent degree programs in ophthalmic optics. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, aiming to reform the European higher education landscape by creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing degree programs (introducing Bachelor's and Master's degrees), and improving the mobility of students and lecturers.

The Bachelor's degrees awarded in this field are Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.).

The following vocational trainings (Ausbildung) can be alternatives for those who discontinue their studies. In the field of medical and rehabilitation technology, the optician (Augenoptiker/Augenoptikerin) profession shares commonalities in manufacturing, fitting, repairing, and selling vision aids, and advising customers. In optoelectronics and optics, the precision optician (Feinoptiker/Feinoptikerin) or process mechanic for spectacle optics (Verfahrensmechaniker/Verfahrensmechanikerin für Brillenoptik) professions share commonalities in working with optics, lenses, or spectacle lenses. Searching via occupational fields on BERUFENET may reveal further alternatives. For more information on prospects after dropping out of studies, visit studienwahl.de.

No remuneration is received during the study (Studium) period. However, compensation can be agreed upon for practical phases, for example, during an internship in a company. Remuneration during a dual study program (duales Studium) varies depending on the training model and the company.

Depending on the university and the degree program, specialization is possible, for example, in ophthalmic optics or optical device technology.

Legal regulations for university studies in Germany are determined at the federal level by the Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) and joint structural specifications for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs. The Qualifications Framework for German Higher Education Degrees is also part of this. At the state (Bundesland) level, higher education laws, administrative regulations, and qualification or university admission ordinances apply. At the university level, the university's own statutes, along with the study and examination regulations for the respective study program, are valid.

The prerequisite for studying at Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences) in Germany is at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the competent authority of the respective Bundesland (federal state). Information on studying without a school-based higher education entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals is available for each federal state. Depending on the university, an internal university selection process may take place. For dual study programs (duale Studiengänge), an Ausbildung (vocational training), internship, or employment contract with a suitable company (practical partner) is usually required.

Bachelor's graduates in ophthalmic optics and optometry can continue their studies in advanced fields such as ophthalmic optics, optometry, medical technology, or photonics, optical technologies, thereby expanding their career opportunities. Examples of advanced study fields include ophthalmic optics, optometry, medical technology, and photonics, optical technologies.