The Saudi Institute for Health Services provides education and training opportunities for students with a secondary school certificates as opticians and guarantees the proper job for them in the associated Saudi hospitals and eye care centers.

• During his study, the student receives a monthly financial assistance.
• After completion of study the student will be awarded a diploma recognized by the Saudi Council for Health Specialties.
• The student is guaranteed a job in the Associated Hospitals or Optical Centers.

The opticianry program prepares students for jobs in two ophthalmic health care areas, as dispensing opticians or as technicians working with optometrists or ophthalmologists.

Students learn to fit, select and evaluate spectacles and contact lenses to   patients.                          

They also learn to operate, and maintain optical tools as well as interpret prescriptions  and keep records. A concentrated presentation of career development and clinical experience, combined with general education courses accomplishes this multidisciplinary approach

The optician is an allied health care professional who provides lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses, and contact lenses for intended wearers on written prescriptions from ophthalmologists or optometrists. Other responsibilities may include business/administrative functions relating to record maintenance; purchasing and maintenance of supplies and equipment; and preparation of laboratory job orders.

This program provides students with specialized knowledge and skills required to deal with subnormal vision devices, contact lenses and eyeglasses. The student will learn to produce eyewear from basic laboratory components. Instruction is provided in the techniques of fitting, selecting, and adapting eyewear to patients. The student will also learn the instruments and basic techniques used to fit, select, and evaluate contact lenses. Introductory courses cover basic optics and ocular science including anatomy, optics, and eyewear fabrication. Advanced courses allow the student to gain specific skills in eyewear dispensing, contact lenses, and professional management.

The students acquire medical experience through training in hospitals, eye care centers and laboratories at the end of the second semester and during the fourth semester. This is then followed by a 6-month externship in optical firms and hospitals. The curriculum also includes courses in communication skills, microcomputer fundamentals, and business. The period of study and training is two and a half years.

After successfully completing the Opticianry Program and the licensure examination of the Saudi Council for Health Specialties, the graduates will have the skills necessary to work as a dispensing optician or sales representative in the eye care field. Some graduates may become owners of their own dispensing establishments. Employment of opticians is expected to increase due to population growth and increase of health awareness. The expected earnings of qualified opticians are among the highest of health-care technicians.

Optician program is a mix of theoretical science and technical practice. If you like science,    computers and technology, and if you have good communication skills, you are a good candidate   for this program. This program is also suitable for those interested in pursuing a career as health care professionals.