Undergraduate Programmes

Home » Faculty of Health Sciences » Departments » Optometry » Undergraduate Programmes

BACHELOR OF OPTOMETRY (B9O02Q)

Programme Duration

  • Full-time: Minimum 4 years and Maximum 6 years
  • NQF Level 8, 480 Credits

Purpose

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying students with the ability to:
1. Perform visual examinations and relevant procedures included in the scope of Optometry (as stipulated by the Professional Board of Optometry and Dispensing Opticians) in the clinical environment as an optometrist.
2. Independently apply promotive, diagnostic and treatment strategies in a cost-effective manner appropriate to the needs of the community.
3. Use critical reasoning for holistic optometric management strategies in the diagnosis.
4. Establish a foundation for research and life skills for lifelong learning.

Outcomes

1. Apply thorough competency in professional and clinical responsibilities, scientific optometric skills, optical and allied technologies to ascertain the accuracy of the prescription of the eye care products to visually compromised people.
2. Apply scientific health care skills and optometric technologies in the interactive consultation of patient history while adhering to appropriate medico-legal ethics, health and safety regulations and codes of conduct.
3. Apply scientific health care skills and optometric technologies in the examination of eye and eye related conditions within the context of health services appropriate to the needs of the community, while adhering to appropriate medico-legal ethics, health and safety regulations and codes of conduct.
4. Interact consultatively in the diagnosis of eye and eye related conditions and delivery of eye care products, therapy and medication to visually compromised people, with knowledge of minimum standards of optometric care.
5. Interact consultatively in the management and delivery of eye care products, therapy and medication to visually compromised people, with knowledge of minimum standards of optometric care.
6. Record and maintain legible, secure data and patient information while adhering to appropriate medico-legal ethics, health and safety regulations and codes of conduct stated in the patient charter.
7. Manage and administer human, technical and other resources to ensure optimal diagnosis, prescription and delivery of eye and visual care products or services.
8. Apply self-reflective learning strategies to continually improve the optometrically related service within health care services appropriate to the specific needs of the patient/client to ensure professional contribution to the needs of the society.

Rules of Access and Admission Requirements

Please note: The admission requirements stated below are the minimum requirements to be considered for selection. Even if all minimum requirements are met, due to selection being based on academic excellence and limited number of places available in the program, acceptance into the program is not assured.

1. Language requirements.
2. Students who register at UJ for the first time for the Bachelor of Optometry degree presented through the medium of English must have obtained one of the following results (as the minimum) in their final Grade 12 examination: C symbol for English first Language, HG C symbol for English second Language, HG B symbol for English, SG.
3. Grade 12 Mathematics HG at least 60% (C Symbol).
4. Grade 12 Science HG at least 60% (C Symbol).
5. Grade 12 Biology HG at least 60% (C Symbol). Biology may be substituted with Grade 12 Physiology HG at least 60% (C Symbol).
6. Six (6) subjects will be considered.

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) – APS Score with minimum requirements as shown below:
(Exclude Life Orientation when calculating APS)
Minimum APS: 31

  • Language of teaching and Learning (English): 5
  • Mathematics: 5
  • Mathematical Literacy: Not accepted
  • Physical Sciences: 5
  • Life Sciences: 5

Selection Criteria

The Department of Optometry of the University of Johannesburg accepts a limited number of students per academic year in line with the enrolment target of the University. The decision to limit numbers is based on available facilities in the Optometry Department, number of students qualifying nationally from other academic institutions as well as compliance with the rules and regulations of the Professional Board of Optometry and Dispensing Opticians. For these reasons, and the high academic demand of the course it is necessary to apply an academic selection process. The selection process targets the most successful students for this course.

Selection is based purely on academic results. Please read together with HS9.1.3 regarding rules of access. Selection is done by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEC).

Provisional acceptance will be based on Grade 11 final marks. Students must however attain the minimum requirements as in HS9.1.3 in order to maintain their selection.

Students applying from other Universities and students with other degrees will also be considered. The selection is based on academic performance and an average of 65% for all modules passed is required for consideration. Students applying from other Universities should be in good standing with that Institution and also comply with the minimum requirements of that of a Grade 12 applicant.
Selection takes place based on first semester academic results. If students do not maintain similar academic performance, selection will be forfeited.

The Department reserves the right to admit a student that may not meet the stipulated requirements as set out. Furthermore, admission is at the discretion of the Department.

As soon as selection and provisional acceptance are completed, students will be notified by the Student Enrolment Centre. Students that are not accepted will be referred to their second choices indicated on the application form.

Decisions taken are final and no exceptions will be made. No late applications will be considered.

Pass Requirements

1. The Academic Rules and Regulations of the University of Johannesburg should be read in conjunction with the additional requirements for the program in particular AR5.11.1 and AR5.11.4.
2. Class attendance is guided by AR5.11.1 which states that “Students are expected to attend each class unless they have a legitimate reason, and where appropriate, the necessary evidence thereof, for being absent. AR5.11.4 states that “Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of tutorials.
3. In order to continue to the second academic year in Optometry, a student must pass all the prescribed modules for the first academic year of study.
4. Students repeating part of the second year, but with credits in Optometry 1 and Dispensing Optometry 1 theory must still attend all practical sessions in these subjects in order to retain their credits. Students repeating part of the third year, but with credits in Optometry 2 and Dispensing Optometry 2 theory, must attend all practical sessions in these subjects in order to retain their credits.
5. Diagnostic Drug Proficiency: All fourth year students in Optometry have to prove their competency in the practical administration of diagnostic drugs and the use of related diagnostic instruments. The required pass mark in this proficiency examination is 75%.
6. Clinical rotations to community clinics, public hospitals and the primary healthcare train (Phelophepa) are compulsory.
7. All modules must be completed successfully, number of patients and clinic hours as prescribed by the Professional Board of Optometry and Dispensing Opticians completed and a research project report submitted, in order to successfully complete the program.
8. The maximum time to complete the Bachelor in Optometry degree is 6 years.
9. A possible fifth academic year may be required for therapeutics and/or community service. On graduating and after completing the required exit level outcomes for the degree, learners must apply to the HPCSA for full registration to practice as an Optometrist.