Master of Optometry

HEI was permitted to start the Masterlevel program in optometry in 2019. It is the first of its kind in Nepal. The major aim of this post graduate course in optometry and award of Master of Optometry (M. Optom)that provides an extended clinical optometry education for both academic and non-academic careers.  The vision of HEI to launch M. Optom programme is to play a leading role in optometry education and training in the country and to establish HEI as the institution of first choice for students and faculty for optometry education in Nepal.
Students having Bachelor of optometry or equivalent degree in optometry from recognized university can apply for the course. The main goal of the M. Optom program is to strive for academic excellence, encourage the development in Eye and Visual system technologies, and incorporate new ideas and leadership quality in the field of eye health. This is a 4 semesters (2 years) programme, which involves course work, clinical and teaching assignments, patient care,and research and dissertation projects. Educative seminars, hands-on training sessions, workshops and special lectures are also conducted on regular basis for the students.
After the completion of M. Optom programme, the graduates would contribute for educating people on Eye Health services and Vision rehabilitation. It is expected that aftera few years of delivery of this programme nation will have specialist  optometrists in various specialty of optometry such as vision therapy, low vision and rehabilitation, binocular vision, contact lens practice, neuro-optometry, behavioral optometry, occupational optometry and therapeutic optometry.
The following are some of the general strategies HEI follows for optometry education 
-    Use recent technologies and updated knowledge in optometry education and clinical optometry. 
-    Create best learning environment to students.
-    Engage students in innovative study, critical analysis, research and academic activities that enhance learning.
-    Conduct academic activities and research that is relevant to present and likely future eye care situation of Nepal and contemporary international trends.
-    Explore the opportunities for innovation and active learning
-    Provide knowledge and practice based, community oriented optometry education
Academic infrastructure and human resources
HEH and HEI provide one of the best learning platforms for students in the nation. It has the state of the art diagnostic tools and equipment in all clinical departments for diagnosing visual and ocular disorders. During their bachelor and master studies the students get exposure in these various departments and levels of care within the eye hospital. In general outpatient block, where clinician are involved in examination, diagnosis and treatment of visual and pathological disorders the students get opportunity to learn and apply clinical skills learnt in the classroom. There is separate pediatricoutpatient where ophthalmologist and optometrist are available for assessing, diagnosing and treating pediatric eye and vision disorders. From the minor procedure units, students can obtain clinical skills to perform minor surgical procedures and various ophthalmic investigations. Contact lens clinic and binocular vision clinic are other well-functioning special clinics for teaching and learning optometry skills. HEH is launching vision therapy clinic in near future.
Low vision clinic of HEI is regarded as one of the oldest, best equipped and updated Low vision clinic in the nation. Our Optometrist faculty member is regarded as the master trainer in refraction and low vision within the NNJS run eye hospitals of the country. Ophthalmic imaging department is one of the busy clinic among investigative clinics of the hospital. It is equipped with optical biometers, corneal pachymeter, automated perimeters, Optical coherence tomographer with auto fluorescence, and fundus photographer. Electrophysiology unit is a new investigative clinic in the hospital with facility of electroretinogram (ERG), electrooculogram (EOG) and visual evoked potential (VEP).
Students get excellent clinical practice skills from these various departments. These arrangements in various departments also help students to carry out various research projects. Optical dispensing unit is another strongest and busy unit in the hospital. Studentsare posted here to learn optical dispensing, spectacles fitting process and procedures, and business aspect of the industry.
HEH is expanding some specialized services in its recently constructed building. Considering the need to upgrade the services, the new building will be utilized for special vision care services. Vision assessment, refractive correction and visual rehabilitation are some specialized services planned in the new facility. The building will be dedicated for quality vision care. This building will serve as Optometry facility of Himalaya Eye Hospital. It will promote Optometry practice in the institute and enable optometry students to utilize optometric approach for treating and managing ocular disorders and diseases.
HEI has experts and experienced team of ophthalmologists, optometrists and ophthalmic medical personnel to deliver effective and efficient eye and vision care. HEI has five experienced ophthalmologists with fellowships in different subspecialties and six optometrists to serve as teachers for the academic programs.Additionally, HEI has part time teachers from reputed university and colleges to teach basic science and othernon-medical subjects in the curriculum. Frequently HEI alsoorganizes guest lectures and online classes from various reputed faculties of optometry around the globe.