Bachelor of Optometry
Health Sciences and Social Services - Promotive Health and Developmental Services
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Overview
Purpose: The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with a well-rounded, broad education in Optometry, equipping them with the knowledge, theory, and methodology necessary to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in a professional setting. Upon completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:
- Register as Optometrists with the Professional Board of Optometry and Dispensing Opticians of the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
- Investigate, diagnose, and manage visual and ocular health-related issues.
- Address and manage vision and eye health problems in various eye care settings.
Rationale: Optometry practice in South Africa aligns with the World Health Organization's mission of primary eye care. The qualification aims to reduce the burden of vision impairment, with uncorrected refractive errors and cataracts being major global causes of visual impairment. The qualification addresses preventable conditions leading to blindness, emphasizing the need for accessible eye care services in both public and private sectors. Optometry plays a crucial role in providing primary eye care and refractive services, contributing to overall quality of life and societal well-being.
The Bachelor of Optometry program prepares learners to register as Optometrists, enabling them to contribute to eye health at all levels of care and across various healthcare sectors. Graduates can work independently in clinical practice, academia, industry, health administration, and research. The qualification emphasizes the integration of professional outcomes, fostering lifelong learning and community engagement. It aims to meet societal health challenges by staying responsive to evolving healthcare needs and external realities.
Overall, the qualification aims to produce competent Optometrists who can serve as change agents in their communities, promoting equitable, accessible, and quality eye care services. The curriculum is designed to address past shortcomings and strengths, ensuring the qualification aligns with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) requirements and remains fit for its intended purpose.
Outcomes
- Ensure professional and clinical responsibility are within the relevant regulatory framework and national health policy.
- Apply knowledge, communication and health care skills in conducting a patient history while adhering to the appropriate medico-legal ethical framework.
- Apply knowledge, scientific health care skills and technologies in the examination of the eye and related conditions.
- Apply appropriate learning strategies to develop the skills to diagnose eye and related conditions with knowledge of minimum standards of optometric care.
- Apply appropriate learning strategies to be equipped to manage and deliver eye care services and to provide therapy with the knowledge of minimum standards of optometric care and relevant consultations and consent.
- Record and maintain legible, secure data and patient information while adhering to appropriate regulatory requirements.
- Apply various learning strategies to continually contribute to the improvement of health care services appropriate to the specific needs of the community.
- Manage and administer human, financial, technical and other resources to ensure optimal delivery of eye and vision care products/services.
- Design, conduct and critically appraise research.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Apply optometric knowledge, clinical skills, and equipment appropriately.
- Act in accordance with professional standards of behavior.
- Function as an independent practitioner in the eye care field.
- Implement principles of planning, establishment, development, and maintenance of an optometric practice.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Recognize significant or unusual clinical presentations.
- Communicate findings accurately.
- Make general observations of the patient.
- Obtain the case history.
- Interpret patient information from other professionals.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Formulate and implement an examination plan.
- Assess the eye and supporting structures using appropriate tests, procedures, and measurements.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Interpret and analyze findings to establish a diagnosis.
- Appraise the accuracy and validity of clinical test results.
- Evaluate information from the case history and other relevant sources.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Design a management plan for each patient.
- Prescribe spectacles, contact lenses, low vision devices, pharmacological treatments.
- Dispense optical prescriptions accurately.
- Manage patients requiring vision therapy.
- Manage the treatment of ocular disease and injury.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Organize data in a legible, secure, accessible, permanent, and unambiguous manner.
- Maintain confidentiality of patient records.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Identify and solve community-specific problems.
- Display responsible decision-making.
- Educate people and communities on visual and ocular health.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Manage available financial resources efficiently.
- Apply management strategies for a viable business.
- Understand labor legislation relevant to employees.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Conduct a literature review.
- Conceptualize a viable research proposal.
- Produce a research proposal.
- Conduct approved research.
- Produce a research report.
Integrated Assessment:
- Continuous formative assessment during modules.
- Various assessment methods including practical reports, presentations, case studies, evaluations, and research.
Summative Assessment:
- Examinations and research report.
- Clinical evaluations and practical examinations.
- Written and oral tests.
- Assignments and reports.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 480
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.