The Specialization Course in Optometry completes the training of licensed Opticians or graduates in Optics and Optometry and enables participants to achieve the following objectives:
- Determine and assess the eye’s refractive condition, as well as other physiological and functional conditions necessary to ensure good vision;
- Define corrective and compensatory ophthalmic measurements and parameters;
- Select, identify, supply, and fit visual devices—primarily spectacles, contact lenses, and low-vision aids—according to the individual and their refractive condition;
- Preserve, protect, enhance, and improve visual performance;
- Collaborate more effectively with all healthcare professionals.
The course includes theoretical lectures, practical exercises, and clinical experience, as well as extensive student support services such as tutoring and coaching.
Upon completion of the course, having passed the examinations required by the study plan and completed the IBZ Clinical Professional Portfolio, participants are awarded the Certificate of Specialization in Optometry, along with certification of the examinations taken and the programmes completed.
The course is available both as a full-time one-year programme and as a two-year programme for working students, with flexible learning delivered in person and online.
Admission Requirments
- Optician Professional License (Italian or foreign);
- Degree in Optics and Optometry (and Optician Professional License);
- Degree in Orthoptics and Ophthalmic Assistance (and Optician Professional License);
- Limited enrollment: 60 places per campus.
Study Plan
The study plan enables students to acquire the scientific knowledge and professional competencies of the Optometrist in accordance with the ECOO Syllabus and the guidelines of the American Optometric Association.
It includes specific IBZ Logbooks for practical activities and the development of the IBZ Professional–Clinical Portfolio, aimed at consolidating skills and competencies and certifying the clinical experience acquired.
| STUDY PLAN - OPTOMETRY COURSE | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subjects | Teaching hours | Clinical practice hours* |
Self-study hours | Total hours |
| Fundamentals of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Immunology and General Pharmacology – BEMBIF | 25 | 5 | 40 | 70 |
| Visual and Physical Optics | 25 | 5 | 40 | 70 |
| Ocular Semiology | 20 | 20 | 40 | 80 |
| Optometry I – Refraction and Refractive Anomalies | 30 | 20 | 55 | 105 |
| Pathophysiology of the Anterior Segment of the Eye | 25 | 5 | 40 | 70 |
| Physiology and Psychophysics of Vision | 25 | 5 | 40 | 70 |
| Ophthalmic Optics and Devices | 15 | 5 | 25 | 45 |
| Pathophysiology of the Posterior Segment of the Eye | 25 | 5 | 40 | 70 |
| Binocular Vision | 30 | 20 | 55 | 105 |
| Optometry II – Investigative Methods | 20 | 30 | 45 | 95 |
| Contact Lens Practice: Fundamentals and Clinical Practice I | 30 | 30 | 60 | 120 |
| Low Vision and Visual Impairment | 25 | 5 | 40 | 70 |
| Binocular Vision Anomalies | 40 | 20 | 70 | 130 |
| Function and Psychology of Visual Perception | 15 | 5 | 25 | 45 |
| Contact Lens Practice: Fundamentals and Clinical Practice II | 30 | 40 | 65 | 135 |
| Optometry III – Optometric Diagnostics | 30 | 10 | 50 | 90 |
| Optometry Profession | 15 | 5 | 25 | 45 |
| Scientific Research Methods for Optometry | 10 | 5 | 15 | 30 |
| Seminars | 20 | - | - | 20 |
| IBZ Professional–Clinical Portfolio (monitored) | - | 300 | - | 300 |
| Total | 455 | 540 | 770 | 1765 |
*“Note: Certain practical activities require dedicated IBZ Logbooks.”
Enrollment in the Specialization Course in Optometry
Enrollment and pre-enrollment open every year starting in October of the previous year.
Students enrolled in Optician, Optics and Optometry, and Orthoptics and Ophthalmic Assistance programmes may apply for pre-enrollment.
To pre-enroll, applicants must complete the available application form and pay the €300 pre-enrollment fee.
The admissions office will inform the applicant of the acceptance of the application and whether they have been admitted within the limited enrollment quota.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fee at IBZ covers all academic costs as well as a wide range of additional services and learning support, including:
- Textbooks, handouts, live-streamed lessons, video lessons, and materials required for practical exercises and all educational activities, provided by the Institute;
- At the beginning of the academic year, students receive a backpack, lab coat, notepad, pen, penlight, and an ID badge granting access to the Institute and its services;
- Remedial courses, tutoring, and coaching, both in person and online.
Tuition fees for the 2026/2027 academic year:
- Full-time Annual Course: €1,000 due at enrollment and €6,000 payable either in installments or as a single upfront payment;
- Part-time Two-Year Course for working students: €1,000 due at enrollment and €6,500 payable either in installments or as a single upfront payment.
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available, covering up to 50% of the tuition fee, based on objective criteria such as:
- Household income and assets, and family composition, documented with the University ISEE certificate and tax returns;
- Distance of residence from the campus.
Scholarship applications must be submitted prior to enrollment.
Full-Time Annual Optometry Course
The Annual Optometry Course consists of 995 hours of activities, of which 540 hours are dedicated to practical exercises and clinical experience. The programme is structured into three terms, with classes held from October to July, Tuesday to Thursday, 9:00–13:00 and 14:00–18:00, and optional clinic attendance on Fridays.
At the end of each term, a dedicated exam session is held for the subjects completed during that term.
The Annual Specialization in Optometry Course at the Bologna and Milan campuses will start on Tuesday, 6 October 2026.
Two-Year Optometry Course for Working Students
The Two-Year Optometry Course also consists of 995 hours of activities, with 540 hours dedicated to practical exercises and clinical experience. Attendance is typically three Mondays per month, from 9:00–13:00 and 14:00–18:00, with a break of over a month between December and January and a second break of equal duration from mid-July to September.
At the end of each module, a dedicated exam session is held for the subjects completed during the module.
The Two-Year Specialization in Optometry Course at the Bologna and Milan campuses will start on Monday, 5 October 2026.
Open Days will be held on the dates listed in the “Orientation” section
Students who have not completed their exams within the set period
- Lectures, practical exercises and all teaching activities;
- Examinations;
- School services and supports.