UKZN B Optometry Requirements

Bachelor of Optometry

CHS – OPTM 1 Selection for the Bachelor of Optometry

Candidates are eligible to apply for selections to register for the qualification of Bachelor of Optometry provided they have

1. a) an NSC degree pass with English, Life Orientation level 4 and Mathematics 4 and Life Sciences or Physical Science at Level 4

(b)            33 points excluding Life Orientation

CHS – OPTM 2 Curriculum for the Bachelor of Optometry

The curriculum for the qualification Bachelor of Optometry, comprising modules with a total credit point value of 512 credit points as approved by the Senate, shall extend over eight semesters of full-time study. All modules in the curriculum shall be compulsory.

CHS – OPTM 3 Clinical Experience

1. a) All final year students shall be required to produce verified records (by approved clinical supervisors) of their personal performance of a minimum of 130 supervised optometric examinations of patients (including 10 patients with ocular pathology) in the internal and external clinics, before the end of the academic year. This will include patients seen in the Level 3 internal and external clinics.
2. b) All final year students will be required to produce verified records of a minimum number of patients seen in each of the specialist clinics as follows:  Binocular Vision (10), Contact Lenses (15); 6 RGP’s and 9 Softs, Low Vision (10) and Paediatric Vision (10).
3. c)  All final year students will be required to produce verified records of a minimum of 500 clinical hours completed during the duration of the degree programme.

CHS – OPTM 4 Attendance

Attendance to all practical and clinical modules are compulsory.

CHS – OPTM 5 Progression requirements

To maintain their good standing, and to avoid either warning for slow academic progress or exclusion from the University, students must maintain minimum rates of progression through their qualifications. Minimum rates of acceptable progression for this qualification are set out below.