University of KwaZulu-Natal

Bachelor of Optometry

Health Sciences and Social Services - Curative Health

Purpose and Rationale

Minimum Requirements for Registration as an Optometrist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa:

  1. Qualification: Completion of a Bachelor of Optometry degree from a recognized institution in South Africa.

  2. Competency: Demonstration of competency in applying up to tertiary level care, including relevant promotive, diagnostic, treatment, and management strategies suitable to the cost-effectiveness or needs of the community.

  3. Clinical Training: Completion of the required clinical training hours as stipulated by the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

  4. Internship: Successful completion of an internship at a recognized optometry institution to gain practical experience.

  5. Registration Exam: Passing the registration examination conducted by the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

  6. Ethical Standards: Adherence to the code of ethics and professional conduct set by the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

  7. Continuing Professional Development: Commitment to ongoing learning and continuing education to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field of optometry.

By meeting these minimum requirements, a graduate can register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as an Optometrist and practice legally in the country.

Outcomes

  1. The students will be able to perform visual examinations
  2. Assess the integrity of the ocular system
  3. Communicate effectively with other health care workers as well as the lay community

Assessment Criteria

Integrated assessment is used to evaluate the ability to apply the core knowledge and skills necessary for delivering high-quality eye care in different service delivery settings. This assessment may involve a variety of methods such as:

  1. Oral and written examinations: These tests evaluate the understanding of theoretical concepts and the ability to apply them in practical scenarios related to eye care.

  2. Clinical evaluations: Assessments conducted in a clinical setting to evaluate practical skills, clinical reasoning, and decision-making abilities when providing eye care services to patients.

  3. Written case presentations: Students may be required to present written case studies, demonstrating their ability to analyze and diagnose eye conditions, develop treatment plans, and communicate effectively with patients.

  4. Seminar presentations: Presentations in a seminar format assess the ability to research, analyze, and present information on specific topics related to eye care, demonstrating depth of knowledge and communication skills.

  5. Assignments: Written assignments may include tasks such as literature reviews, essays, or reflective reports, which test the ability to critically evaluate information and apply it to real-world situations in eye care.

  6. Research projects: Research assignments may involve conducting original research on a specific aspect of eye care, demonstrating the ability to design a study, collect and analyze data, and draw evidence-based conclusions to improve practice.

These various modes of assessment help evaluate the competence of individuals in utilizing their knowledge and skills effectively in providing quality eye care services across different contexts of service delivery. By combining theoretical understanding with practical application and critical thinking skills, integrated assessments ensure that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the eye care profession and contribute to the improvement of patient outcomes.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
480
SAQA Source
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University of KwaZulu-Natal
University of KwaZulu-Natal
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Description
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a public research university located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville. UKZN is one of the top-ranked universities in South Africa and is known for its excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, and business. The university has multiple campuses spread across the province, including Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Westville. Each campus has its own unique character and facilities, providing students with a diverse and vibrant learning environment. UKZN is committed to producing graduates who are academically competent, socially responsible, and globally competitive. It strives to promote innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among its students. The university also actively engages with local communities through various outreach programs and initiatives. Overall, the University of KwaZulu-Natal is a prestigious institution that offers high-quality education and research opportunities to students, contributing to the development and advancement of South Africa and the African continent as a whole.

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.