DHA Optometrist study guide
DHA Optometrist · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The DHA Optometrist Licensing Examination is the assessment pathway associated with professional licensing for optometrists seeking to practise in Dubai under the Dubai Health Authority. It is intended for optometry graduates and practising optometrists who need to demonstrate, to a health regulator, that their clinical knowledge and judgement meet the standard expected for independent practice in the emirate. The DHA Optometrist study guide has 7 sections and about 1,503 words.
01Ocular Anatomy, Physiology and Optics
Know the layers of the cornea (epithelium, Bowman's, stroma, Descemet's, endothelium), the refractive index of each ocular medium (air 1.00, cornea ~1.376, aqueous ~1.336, crystalline lens ~1.42, vitreous ~1.336), and the reduced eye model (power ~60 D, nodal point ~7 mm behind cornea, principal planes). Understand the blood–aqueous barrier, the ciliary body's dual role (secretion and accommodation), and the drainage pathway (trabecular meshwork → Schlemm's canal → collector channels → episcleral veins).
255 words, about 1 min02Refraction, Retinoscopy and Prescription of Optical Aids
Master the types of ametropia (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, anisometropia), the far point and near point, and the distinction between spherical equivalent and the actual sphero-cylindrical prescription. Understand Jackson cross-cylinder refinement, the duochrome test, and the fogging technique.
218 words, about 1 min03Contact Lens Practice
Know lens materials (hydrogel vs silicone hydrogel Dk/t, water content, modulus), base curve and sagittal depth relationships, and the difference between rigid gas-permeable and soft lens fitting philosophies. Understand the tear film's role, oxygen transmissibility (Dk/t), and the Holden–Mertz criteria for overnight wear.
224 words, about 1 min04Ocular Disease, Pathology and Pharmacology
Understand the major categories: anterior segment (keratitis, uveitis, conjunctivitis, dry eye), posterior segment (AMD, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, glaucoma), and adnexal disease (blepharitis, chalazion, tumours). Know the mechanisms of common drugs: beta-blockers (timolol), prostaglandin analogues (latanoprost), alpha-agonists (brimonidine), carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (dorzolamide), and steroids.
190 words, under 1 min05Binocular Vision, Strabismus and Paediatric Optometry
Master the cover test (uncover, cover-uncover, alternate), the Hirschberg and Krimsky tests, and the difference between comitant and incomitant strabismus. Understand AC/A ratio (normal 4–6 Δ/D), the near point of convergence, and fusional reserves.
205 words, about 1 min06Diagnostic Procedures, Instrumentation and Low Vision
Know the principles of tonometry (Goldmann applanation, non-contact, rebound), perimetry (Humphrey 24-2, 30-2, 10-2), gonioscopy (Shaffer grading), and OCT (macular and RNFL). Understand the difference between screening and diagnostic tests, and the role of visual field indices (MD, PSD, VFI).
201 words, about 1 min07Professional Practice, Ethics and Dubai Health Regulation
Understand the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulatory framework: licensure, scope of practice, continuing professional development (CPD), and patient record requirements. Know the principles of informed consent, confidentiality, and referral pathways.
210 words, about 1 min