Bachelor of Optometry

OVERVIEW
The purpose is to produce optometry graduates equipped with appropriate knowledge and skills to adequately contribute to the health needs of the country. In addition, the programme is designed to enhance the lifelong learning skills of the student for continuous clinical and research development.

CAO CODE

KN-W-BOP

NQF Level

Duration

4 Years

Closing Date

30 September

REQUIREMENTS
National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a degree pass Minimum subject requirements:

English
Life Orientation at Level 4
Life Sciences – Level 4
Mathematics and Phys Sci 4 (Choice 1, 2 and 3 will be prioritised)

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Level 1 Semester 1

General Principles of Chemistry (CHEM110) – 16 credits
Introductory Biology for Health Sciences (BIOL103) – 16 credits
Mathematics for Natural Sciences (MATH150) – 16 credits
Intro Physics for Life Sciences & Agriculture (PHYS131) – 16 credits
Introduction to Anatomy & Neuroanatomy (ANAT103) – 16 credits

Semester 2

Anatomy of the Head, Neck & Back (ANAT108) – 8 credits
Introduction to Optometry and Physics (OPTM141) – 16 credits
Community Optometry (OPTM142) – 16 credits

Choose ONE of the following isiZulu modules – 16 credits:

Basic isiZulu Language Studies A (ZULN101) – for non-Zulu speakers
Academic Writing (ZULM105) – for Zulu speakers

Total Credits – Level 1: 136 credits

Level 2 Semester 1

Biochemistry and Microbiology for Optometry (BIMI200) – 16 credits
Clinical Techniques I (OPTM231) – 16 credits
Homeostasis (HPHS221) – 16 credits
Ophthalmic Optics I (OPTM242) – 16 credits

Semester 2

Clinical Science for Optometry (OPTM243) – 16 credits
Clinical Techniques II (OPTM232) – 16 credits
Integration and Communication (HPHS222) – 16 credits
Ophthalmic Optics II (OPTM244) – 16 credits

Total Credits – Level 2: 128 credits

Level 3 Semester 1

Optical Dispensing (OPTM341) – 16 credits
Visual Science I (OPTM342) – 16 credits

Semester 2

General and Ocular Pharmacology (PHRM344) – 8 credits
Visual Science II (OPTM343) – 16 credits

Year-Long Modules

General Clinic I / Grand Rounds (OPTM351) – 16 credits
Diagnosis and Management of Ocular Disease (OPTM344) – 32 credits
Contact Lenses I (OPTM362) – 24 credits

Total Credits – Level 3: 128 credits

Level 4 Semester 1

Binocular Vision (OPTM435) – 16 credits
Contact Lenses II (OPTM431) – 16 credits
Low Vision (OPTM437) – 16 credits
Paediatric Optometry (OPTM433) – 16 credits
General Clinic II (OPTM443) – 16 credits

Semester 2

Clinical Grand Rounds (OPTM444) – 32 credits

Year-Long Modules

Research Methods & Publication for Optometry (OPTM442) – 32 credits

Total Credits – Level 4: 144 credits

Complete Degree Total: 536 credits

School of Health Sciences

Bachelor of Optometry