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.
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- 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 Awaiting Finalisation
