Dr.Ithar Beshtawi is the Head of the Optometry Department at An-Najah National University in Palestine. She is an Assistant Professor in Optometry, she holds a PhD in Optometry from The University of Manchester where she investigated the Biomechanical effects of collagen cross-linking treatment on human corneal tissue and cell morphology. She also had her MSc in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences from the University of Manchester where she investigated the effects of Multifocal Contact Lenses on peripheral refractive errors and Myopia. In 2017, Dr.Beshtawi won the Daniel Turnberg UK/Middle East Travel Fellowship Scheme organized by the Academy of Medical Sciences and conducted a research visit to the University of Manchester and to the University of Liverpool where she investigated the application of Nanoindentation technique in measuring the biomechanical properties of postmorterm human corneas after collagen cross-linking treatment. In her academic field, Dr. Beshtawi has published many research articles in high impact factor scientific journals, and published a book entitled “The Effect of Multifocal Contact Lenses on Peripheral Refractive Error”.She has also been invited to present research papers in numerous national and international conferences. Additionally, she won An-Najah National University Award for Research Excellence and Quality of Publication in 2014, 2016 and in 2017 for her excellent research. Dr. Beshtawi has been active in many projects in the university. She is currently involved in many projects such as: “Public health and human rights”, “Curriculum and skill development in vision rehabilitation”, and JUSUR programme for vision rehabilitation of partially sighted and blind Palestinian youth, in addition to an active involvement in children vision screening in Palestine.