An ocularist specializes in the fabrication and fitting of ocular prostheses for people who have lost an eye or eyes due to trauma or illness.
Where do Ocularists work?
Ocularists are ophthalmic technicians usually working at oculoplastics departments in tertiary eye hospitals. They prepare, provide, fit and maintain ocular or orbital prosthesis.
What does an ocularist do?
An ocularist is a thoroughly trained professional skilled in the art of fitting, painting and fabricating custom ocular prostheses.
What skills do you need to be an ocularist?
To be successful as an ocularist, you should possess superior manual dexterity, creativity, and compassion. Ultimately, a top-notch ocularist should have good interpersonal skills and a strong knowledge of ocular anatomy.
How long does it take to become an ocularist?
In the South Africa there are no formal institutions that offer training for people that want to become ocularists or prosthetic eye technicians. However, to pursue this career path, aspirants need to complete an approved apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship generally takes five to seven years to complete. In total, apprentices have to undergo 10,000 hours of practical training, which have to be supervised by a Board Approved Diplomat Ocularist.
Employment requirements
This is what you typically need for the job.
Dietary technicians require completion of a two- to three-year college program in dietary technology and supervised practical training.
Pharmacy technicians usually require completion of a two- to three-year college program in pharmaceutics.
Ocularists require completion of the ocularist training program of the South Africa Society of Ocularists and supervised practical training or A five-year supervised practical training program under a certified ocularist.
Certification by the National Examining Board of Ocularists is usually required.
Prosthetists and orthotists require a two-year college program in prosthetics and orthotics technology and three years of supervised practical training.
Certification by the South African Board of Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CBCPO) may be required.
Prosthetic and orthotic technicians usually require a two- to three- year college program in prosthetics and orthotics and one to two years of supervised practical training or Completion of secondary school and up to four years of supervised practical training under a certified prosthetist or orthotist.
Registration with the Canadian Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CAPO) may be required.
Below is How to Become An Ocularist In South Africa
To become an ocularist, you will need education and training in creating artificial eyes for people who have lost natural eyes.
The work you perform may help people who have lost eyes due to injury as well as those who have lost them because of cancer or other medical conditions.
In most cases, you will need to secure an apprenticeship under an ocularist who has board certification.
You can often find internship opportunities listed on the websites of ocularist societies, such as that of the American Society of Ocularists.
Usually, such apprenticeships incorporate study of this profession with hands-on practice. For example, in some countries, aspiring ocularists have to spend about five years getting hands-on training and experience.
Sometimes additional coursework is required when you are interested in this career. For example, you may need to complete courses in such subjects as fitting theory, office management, physiology, and tinting in addition to studying under an ocularist.
You may also have to learn about materials as you study to become an ocularist.
Typically, organizations that help prepare aspiring ocularists for board certification either offer the required courses or provide referrals to schools offering approved courses. Study can include not only traditional classes but also workshops.
Education and training to Become An Ocularist In South Africa
The OASA has taken in our first enrolment of students for training this past Jan 2019, and are very excited that the programme has finally come to fruition after some 12 years of development.
The Ocularists Association of Southern Africa is the first country in the world to register Ocularistry on the NQF (National Qualification Framework).
We have also set up a process by which students from any country will be welcome/able to visit South Africa for short periods (from 1 month to 6 months) and work under one of the Host Ocularists.
You will need to follow the guidelines of our visiting student WIL guide. you will need to convey what it is they would like to achieve through their visit, i.e. hands-on training or research. Your visit will culminate in an article/thesis summarising their visit and what you have learned.
Ideally, we would like you to present your study at our annual congress, but that would depend on logistics and if you were in South Africa during our congress.
You will be required to make available a digital copy of any research or study achievements done while here for us to publish on our website for the benefit of other students.
You are welcome to visitor this page should you be interested in training as an Ocularist.
How do you become an ocularist?
A person must learn how to make artificial eyes through an apprenticeship with an approved ocularist (a Board Approved Diplomat Ocularist). The ASO Apprentice Program requires that the apprentice must study all aspects of ocular prosthetics, and spend five years (10,000 hours) in practical training.
What skills do you need to be an ocularist?
To be successful as an ocularist, you should possess superior manual dexterity, creativity, and compassion. Ultimately, a top-notch ocularist should have good interpersonal skills and a strong knowledge of ocular anatomy.
Is an ocularist a South Africa?
Ocularists are not doctors and therefore not licensed to diagnose or treat any type of eye disease. They are specifically trained to fit, fabricate and maintain prosthetic eyes. They also serve as the primary source of patient and provider education in this specialized field.
Where do Ocularists work In South Africa?
Ocularists are ophthalmic technicians usually working at oculoplastics departments in tertiary eye hospitals. They prepare, provide, fit and maintain ocular or orbital prosthesis.
Do you need a degree to become an ocularist In South Africa ?
Only a Board Approved Diplomate Ocularist, approved by the ASO, can train apprentices in the South Africa To be considered for an apprenticeship, you must have a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old. Completing courses in the sciences, sculpting, painting and applied psychology can improve your candidacy.
How much does it cost to get a prosthetic eye In South Africa?
In the South Africa, the current cost for an artificial eye ranges from R 37782.75 to R125438.71. The cost of a Scleral Shell prosthesis ranges from R 40805.36to R 125438.71. The fee may be more or less depending on where you live, and the work required.
What do you call a person who checks eye problem In South Africa?
An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats all eye diseases, performs eye surgery and prescribes and fits eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research on the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision disorders.
Does losing an eye hurt?
Enucleation surgery typically is performed under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. Local anesthesia is often applied at the end of the surgery so you will experience little or no discomfort when you wake up in the recovery room afterward.