Optometry
At the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), our Optometry programme has evolved significantly to meet national higher education priorities and the expanding scope of optometric practice. As a trailblazer in diagnostics and therapeutics training, UKZN Optometry is proud to be the first in South Africa to implement a decentralised clinical training model—a progressive approach now being adopted by health sciences programmes nationwide.
This innovative model allows our students to gain hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings, enhancing their readiness for professional practice while addressing critical human resource needs in the public health sector.
Our academic staff are committed to excellence in teaching, learning, and research. Each brings a unique area of expertise and a growing research profile, ensuring that our curriculum remains responsive to the evolving demands of the profession.
We also offer a vibrant postgraduate programme, attracting Master’s and PhD candidates from across the African continent. This positions UKZN as a continental leader in optometry education and research.
As the profession of optometry in South Africa continues to grow and evolve, UKZN remains at the forefront—developing skilled practitioners who contribute to the visual health of our nation and researchers who advance the field beyond our borders.
We invite prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as postdoctoral fellows, to explore the dynamic training and research opportunities available within our programme.
Vision
Our vision is to provide quality, relevant, vision and eye health education programmes
Mission and goals:
- To establish and maintain high standards of optometric education & training.
- To ensure that the programmes offered produce graduates with knowledge, skills and competencies that are both locally relevant and internationally competitive.
- To apply the core principles of transformation in discipline activities, programmes and action plans.
- To engage in strategic community partnerships towards the integration of social accountability into the entire programme.
- To produce high quality and essential national eye health research that contributes towards the elimination of avoidable blindness and promotes an improved quality of life of the communities our graduates are mandated to serve.
- To be at the forefront of cutting edge eye care technological advancements and new information generation.
- To produce graduates with the core values and ethical standards needed to serve individuals and communities equitability with compassion, respect and competence.