DHA Optometrist study plan

DHA Optometrist · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Ocular Anatomy, Physiology and Optics

Label a blank diagram of the globe, adnexa, and anterior segment from memory, achieving 90% accuracy
Explain the layers of the cornea, retina, and lens capsule and state the function of each layer
Trace the visual pathway from photoreceptor to occipital cortex and state the effect of a lesion at three key points
Calculate image vergence through a single spherical refracting surface using the vergence formula

A hand-drawn annotated anatomy and optics summary sheet (2 pages) self-scored against a checklist of 40 structures and 10 formulas

Week 2

Derive and apply Snell's law, thin-lens, and thick-lens equations to at least 15 numeric problems
Describe accommodation, pupil reflexes, and tear film physiology and link each to a clinical consequence of dysfunction
Convert between sphere/cylinder/axis, plus-cylinder, and minus-cylinder notation for 20 prescriptions without error
Compute spherical equivalent and induced prism by decentration for given lens powers

A timed 25-question optics and refraction worksheet scored at 80% or higher

Week 3

Perform and record static retinoscopy findings for at least 10 practice scenarios, including working-distance compensation
Interpret a full objective and subjective refraction and justify each refinement step
Select appropriate lens materials, coatings, and base curves for five patient profiles with written rationale
Identify when to prescribe prisms, multifocals, or safety eyewear and state the indication

Five complete worked refraction case write-ups with prescription and lens recommendation for each

Week 4

Compare rigid, soft, and scleral lens materials on oxygen permeability, wettability, and replacement schedule
Calculate base curve, diameter, and power adjustments when converting a spectacle prescription to a contact lens prescription
List fitting assessment criteria for soft and rigid lenses and describe signs of a tight versus flat fit
Outline handling, care, and compliance counselling for a new lens wearer

A one-page contact lens fitting decision flowchart plus a 15-item self-quiz scored at 80% or higher

Week 5

Classify the major anterior segment and retinal diseases by mechanism, signs, and first-line management
Match 20 ophthalmic drugs to class, mechanism, indication, and key contraindication
Describe the emergency presentation and immediate action for acute angle closure, chemical injury, and retinal detachment
Interpret given visual field, fundus, and slit-lamp findings to reach a differential diagnosis

A 30-row disease and pharmacology comparison table completed from memory and checked for accuracy

Week 6

Explain the pharmacology of diagnostic mydriatics and cycloplegics and select agents by patient age and iris colour
Perform cover test, ocular motility, and near point of convergence interpretation for 10 written scenarios
Differentiate comitant from incomitant strabismus and describe amblyopia classification and treatment options
State paediatric refraction and prescribing thresholds by age group

Ten binocular vision and paediatric case vignettes answered with diagnosis, reasoning, and management plan

Week 7

Describe the procedure, normal values, and common artefacts for tonometry, perimetry, gonioscopy, and fundoscopy
Select and justify low vision aids for three patient profiles based on acuity and task goals
Interpret a given OCT, visual field, and topography report and state the clinical significance
Explain infection control and instrument calibration requirements for each diagnostic device

A diagnostic procedure reference card set (one card per instrument) covering procedure, norms, artefacts, and calibration

Week 8

Summarize Dubai Health Authority licensure, scope of practice, and patient record requirements for optometrists
Apply informed consent, referral, and confidentiality principles to five ethics scenarios
Complete two full-length timed mock exams and log every missed item by domain
Re-drill all logged weak areas until each domain reaches 80% accuracy on a re-test

Two completed mock exam score reports with a written remediation log showing domain-level accuracy of 80% or higher

Week 2: Score 80% or higher on the optics and refraction worksheet and reproduce all key formulas from memory

Week 4: Complete five refraction case write-ups and the contact lens flowchart with no factual errors on self-review

Week 6: Score 80% or higher on the disease, pharmacology, and binocular vision vignette set

Week 8: Achieve 80% or higher overall on both timed mock exams with no domain below 70%