Beyond Glasses

For over three decades, Bar-Ilan University’s School of Optometry and Vision Sciences has been shaping the future of eye health, vision research, and optometry education. From training expert optometrists to pioneering ophthalmic research and collaborating with the high-tech industry, the school is leading advancements in clinical optometry, visual neuroscience, and ocular technology.

A Turning Point in Israeli Optometry

Israel’s Optometry Law mandated that all practicing optometrists must hold an academic degree, revolutionizing vision care in the country. This shift led to the founding of Bar-Ilan’s optometry school, which today boasts:

• Over 1,000 optometry graduates working nationwide
• 150 advanced-degree researchers specializing in vision therapy, ocular disease research, and optometric technology
• Cutting-edge vision research partnerships with leading universities and high-tech startups

Since its inception, the school has gone beyond correcting vision—it is now a hub for ophthalmic research, neuroscience, and eye technology innovation. To mark its 30th anniversary, we explore its impact on vision science, brain research, and optometric education.

Optometry in Times of Crisis: Community-Focused Vision Care

The school operates specialized optometry clinics, offering:

• Comprehensive eye exams
• Low vision rehabilitation
• Contact lens fitting
• Visual therapy for vision impairment

Each year, these clinics serve over 3,000 patients, providing critical eye care services to diverse populations.

In 2017, the school launched a mobile optometry clinic to bring vision care to underserved communities. During the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, this clinic provided free prescription glasses to evacuees who fled their homes without essential belongings.

Even in times of peace, the mobile clinic reaches schools, senior centers, and rehabilitation facilities, offering free vision screenings. Funded in part by the Israeli Blind Association, this initiative reflects the school’s deep commitment to accessible eye care and community optometry.

"Through this work, we not only train students in clinical optometry but also instill values of social responsibility and patient care," says Prof. Yossi Mandel, Head of the School.

“A Medical Miracle”: Life-Changing Success Stories

Patients frequently share their gratitude for the transformative impact of the school’s optometric services. One patient wrote:

"I was examined by Philip and the master’s team. It was a miracle—I regained sight in my right eye after 30 years! I can finally see and feel incredible. A medical miracle!"

Another patient shared:
"I found a place where they truly listened to all my concerns and examined each one thoroughly, with professionalism, patience, and empathy. I realized that even people with visual impairments have reason for optimism and hope."

Beyond the Eye: Vision Science Meets Brain Research

The next frontier in optometry research is the connection between the eye and the brain. Recognizing this, the school joined Bar-Ilan’s Faculty of Life Sciences in 2016, integrating neuroscience and vision research into its curriculum.

Students receive an optometry degree (BSc in Optometry) with a strong foundation in:

• Physics and visual optics
• Life sciences and neurobiology
• Brain and vision sciences
• Clinical optometry and advanced diagnostics

Graduates can pursue ophthalmic research, clinical optometry, and visual neuroscience in master’s and PhD programs.

21st-Century Optometry: Innovations in Teaching and Clinical Practice

To align with modern optometry, the school has upgraded its curriculum:

• Increased clinical exposure to complex eye conditions
• Expanded training in ocular disease management
• Introduced lectures by leading ophthalmologists and optometrists
• Developed a pathway for European optometry certification

"We are training our graduates to be at the forefront of optometry and ophthalmic research," explains Prof. Mandel. "Many of our students identify early signs of ocular diseases and refer patients to ophthalmology clinics and hospitals."

A Global Vision: From Berkeley to High-Tech Optometry Startups

"Optometry is about more than just prescribing glasses," says Prof. Uri Polat, a founding faculty member. "Our goal is to lead vision science research at a global level. That’s why we partner with the world’s #1 optometry school, UC Berkeley."

Recent vision neuroscience studies have revealed ways to train the brain to improve vision, even in adults.
"Our research shows that targeted neuroplasticity training can restore visual abilities at any age, without surgery," explains Prof. Polat.

From the Lab to the Market: Optometry and High-Tech Innovation

Israel is a hub for vision science startups, developing:

• Retinal implants for macular degeneration
• AI-powered eye diagnostics
• Smart contact lenses
• Brain-based vision enhancement technology

"Our goal is to bridge optometry research with high-tech innovation," says Prof. Polat. "We collaborate with startups to ensure students gain real-world experience in applied optometry research."

Restoring Sight: Cutting-Edge Retinal Implant Research

Bar-Ilan’s optometry research labs are developing:

• Artificial retina technology – A microchip implant that restores vision in macular degeneration patients.
• Stem cell-based retinal implants – Electrodes and bioengineered neurons that reconnect damaged retinal cells with the brain, restoring light sensitivity and vision.

Funded by the European Union, these breakthroughs could revolutionize ocular medicine.

Vision Science Beyond Earth: Optometry in Space

Bar-Ilan’s researchers, in collaboration with the Israel Aerospace Medicine Institute, developed astronaut vision testing technology. This innovative system was selected for the Rakia Space Mission, bringing optometry research beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

How the Brain Sees: New Research on Vision and Memory

A study from Dr. Sharon Gilai-Dotan’s lab found that:

• Blurry images are remembered less accurately than sharp ones, even though they require more cognitive processing.
• Peripheral vision struggles to recognize negative emotions, while positive emotions are more easily identified.

These insights could inform future vision therapy techniques and advanced optometric solutions.

Expanding Partnerships: Building the Future of Optometry

The school recently launched a clinical training partnership with Wolfson Medical Center, with additional hospital collaborations in progress.

The Clinical Master’s Degree (non-thesis), introduced three years ago, is already producing top-tier graduates. Today, alumni:

• Achieve high scores in Israel’s optometry licensing exams
• Hold leadership roles in optometry organizations
• Drive research in vision science and ocular technology
• Innovate in high-tech optometry startups
• Return as faculty members after completing their PhDs

As vision science, optometry technology, and neuroscience research continue to evolve, Bar-Ilan’s School of Optometry remains at the forefront of innovation—pushing the boundaries of eye care, brain research, and optometric education.