OVERVIEW
The Bachelor of Optometry programme is offered at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville campus, and is structured over eight semesters of full-time study. The purpose of the programme is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical competencies required to practise as optometrists. Optometrists serve as primary eye care professionals, providing comprehensive vision care services. This includes the assessment and correction of refractive errors, the prescription and dispensing of optical aids, the detection and management of ocular diseases, and the rehabilitation of functional disorders of the visual system.
ADMISSION 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)
Please note: Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Selection is subject to space and discipline requirements.
CURRICULUM
Level 1
Semester 1
| Module Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|
| CHEM110 | General Principles of Chemistry | 16 |
| ANAT122 | Introduction to Anatomy & Neuroanatomy | 16 |
| EDSJ1CS | Critical Social Justice and Citizenship | 0 |
| SHSC1BH | Becoming a Healthcare Professional | 16 |
Semester 2
| Module Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|
| ANAT114 | Head, Neck and Ocular Anatomy | 16 |
| OPTM141 | Introduction to Optometry and Physics | 16 |
| OPTM142 | Community Optometry | 16 |
| ZULN101 | Basic isiZulu Languages Studies | 16 |
| ZULM105 | Academic Writing | 16 |
Level 2
Semester 1
| Module Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|
| BIMI200 | Biochemistry and Microbiology for Optometry | 16 |
| OPTM231 | Clinical Techniques I | 16 |
| HPHS221 | Homeostasis | 16 |
| OPTM242 | Ophthalmic Optics I | 16 |
Semester 2
| Module Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|
| OPTM243 | Clinical Science for Optometry | 16 |
| OPTM232 | Clinical Techniques II | 16 |
| HPHS222 | Integration and Communication | 16 |
| OPTM244 | Ophthalmic Optics II | 16 |
Level 3
Semester 1
| Module Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|
| OPTM341 | Optical Dispensing | 16 |
| OPTM342 | Visual Science I | 16 |
Semester 2
| Module Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|
| PHRM348 | Pharmacology and Therapeutics | 16 |
| OPTM343 | Visual Science 2 | 16 |
| SHSC1RM | Research Methods for Health Sciences | 16 |
Year Modules
| Module Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|
| OPTM351 | General Clinic I / Grand Rounds | 16 |
| OPTM346 | Ocular Disease | 24 |
| OPTM362 | Contact Lenses 1 | 24 |
Level 4
Year Modules
| Module Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|
| OPTM460 | Research Methods & Publication for Optometry | 16 |
| OPTM462 | Strabismic and Non-Strabismic Anomalies | 24 |
| OPTM461 | Contact Lenses 2 | 24 |
| OPTM464 | Low Vision and Rehabilitation | 24 |
| OPTM463 | Paediatric Vision | 24 |
| OPTM465 | General Clinic and Optometric Practice | 32 |
Awaiting Finalisation
