Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Optometry (HBScOPT)

• Normal Entry:  At least 5 ‘O’ Levels including Mathematics with a Grade “B” or better, Physical Science and English Language. Three passes at Advanced Level in Physics and any two of the following: Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology. Qualified applicants shall attend and pass an oral interview.
• Special Entry: Candidates with Diploma (Dispensing Optics) or (Ophthalmic Nursing) or B.Sc. (Vision Science) or post graduate diploma in Optometry may be allowed to enter the professional programme at the appropriate level depending on the content of their transcripts. Such candidates shall go through the same application process as outlined above.
• Mature Entry: Not applicable
• Visiting School: Not applicable

1. Overview

The Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Optometry is designed to prepare the student to perform a comprehensive eye examination with the use of special instruments to conduct tests which include examination of the outside and inside of the eye, determine the level of eyesight as well as conduct various eye tests. The students will be taught how to conduct such eye examinations and tests on patients of all ages from toddlers to the elderly. The students will be taught how to detect visual anomalies which include refractive errors that might require optical correction with spectacles, contact lenses or other devices. Students are trained to recognize and to some extent make a diagnosis of ocular diseases, such as, squint, subnormal vision and pathological conditions such as Glaucoma, Cataract and some of the common eye infections. Students are also taught to identify eye features that are linked to systemic conditions like Diabetes, Hypertension and certain tumours like those of Pituitary gland and Thyroid which have ocular manifestations. At part three level students are exposed to clinical experience where they start to see patients in our clinic only under supervision and we collaborate with the private sector as well as the local Government hospital’s ophthalmology department for clinical attachments and here they see a wide variety of pathological cases. The students are prepared to be part of a co-management team with cross referral of patients to medical practitioners, specialist ophthalmologists, orthoptists and rehabilitation specialists in cases of low vision management. The department plays an important role in research through partnerships with other institutions and universities as well as participate in community engagements which include eye screening activities and eye health campaigns especially during World Sight Day. Optometry graduates are exposed to various opportunities such as in academia, private practice, Government Hospitals and optical manufacturing industry.

2. Entry requirements.

• At least 5 ‘O’ Levels including Mathematics with a Grade “B” or better, Physical Science and English Language
• Three passes at Advanced Level giving a minimum total of 12 points from ANY of the following Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology
• Special entry will include qualifications deemed related to optometry and in some cases relates to mature entry WITH pre-requisite entry qualifications and is a prerogative of the board.

3. Program Structure.

4. Teaching.

Teaching comprises of hybrid methods internet (using a special web application called Moodle) and face-to-face with our lecturers being based outside the country and locally of which they are from various professions, practicing Optometrists, Pharmacologists, Ophthalmologists and Dispensing Optician. Our Optometry clinic serves for two purposes, clinical teaching of part-three and part-four students as well as provide clinical services to the public. The department uses up-to-date optometric equipment that ensures that the students are suitably knowledgeable to attend to patient needs.