Optometrist are primary health care specialists trained to examine the eyes to detect defects in vision, signs of injury, ocular diseases or abnormality and problems with general health
Do I need an ophthalmologist or optometrist?
Visit an optometrist for routine eye care, such as a yearly eye exam or refilling an eyeglass, contact lens, or eye medication prescription. Visit an ophthalmologist for medical and surgical treatment of serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and laser eye surgery.
Does an optometrist treat eye infections?
To diagnose and treat eye infections, you would see an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. In addition, an internist or family physician can prescribe antibiotics to treat infections such as conjunctivitis (pinkeye).
Can an optometrist detect cataracts?
Eye cataracts can be diagnosed by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist by performing a series of tests, usually included in a comprehensive eye examination. The following tests help healthcare providers diagnose eye cataracts and determine their severity.
How To Become An Optometrist In South Africa & Subjects Needed
Are you looking for a way to become an Optometrist in South Africa and you don’t know the subjects needed or even universities in South Africa where you can undergo the course? If yes, then this informative article is for you. You will be given detailed information about how to become an Optometrist in South Africa, Universities and Subjects Needed.
What Does An Optometrist Do?
Optometrists are primary health care specialists trained to examine the eyes to detect defects in vision, signs of injury, ocular diseases or abnormality and problems with general health.
They make a diagnosis, offer advice and when necessary prescribe, fit and supply contact lenses or glasses. Some optometrists specialise in a particular clientele or type of treatment.
Tasks of an optometrist typically involve:
Communicating with patients to get detailed case histories
Examining the eyes of patients
Using specialist equipment for diagnosis and testing
Issuing prescriptions for spectacles or contact lenses
Fitting and checking prescribed lenses in order to correct vision defects
Offering advice and reassurance about vision-related matters
Offering help and advice for patients choosing frames and lenses
Writing referral communications to doctors
Liaising with other medical practitioners and sometimes sharing the care of patients with chronic ophthalmic conditions
Meeting sales targets with regard to selling spectacles or contact lenses
Undertaking continuing education and training.
What Qualifications Do I Need?
To qualify as an optometrist, it is necessary to obtain a Bachelor of Optometry degree at an approved university or technikon. This course of study combines theoretical learning and practical training. After which, graduates are required to complete an internship. Training combines classroom instruction and clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed optometrist.
Those who want to specialise in a particular area of practice will spend an additional year getting advanced clinical training. Optometrists are required to register with the Health Professions Council and Interim National Medical and Dental Council of South Africa before being allowed to practise legally.
What Subjects Do I Need?
Contact each institution for their specific requirements, but these subjects are recommended:
Biology
Physical Science
Where Can I Study?
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
National Diploma: Optical Dispensing
www.cput.ac.za
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Bachelor of Optometry
www.ukzn.ac.za
University of Johannesburg
Bachelor of Optometry
www.uj.ac.za
University of Limpopo
Bachelor of Optometry
www.ul.ac.za
University of the Free State
Bachelor of Optometry
www.ufs.ac.za
Required Qualifications
To become an optometrist in South Africa, you will need the following qualifications:
Certificate (National Senior Certificate /NC(V))
Bachelor’s Degree (Bachelor of Science in Optometry)
Required Level of Schooling & School Subjects:
NSC/NC(V) Entry requirements for optometry in South Africa may differ according to the educational institution; however, the following subjects are usually recommended:
Maths
Physical Sciences or Life Sciences
Biology
Duration of Study:
Optometrists in South Africa typically study for more than 4 years.
Employment Opportunities
Optometrists in South Africa often work in clinics, hospitals or go into private practice.
In order to work in this field, you will have to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
What qualifications does an optometrist need In South Africa?
You’ll need to get a degree in optometry, approved by the General Optical Council (GOC). You’ll also complete a one-year pre-registration paid and supervised work placement, with a registered optometrist, and pass the GOC final assessment to qualify.
How much money do optometrists make in South Africa?
R1,181,224 (ZAR)/yr.
How long does it take to become an optometrist In South Africa?
The path to becoming an optometrist is not as long as an ophthalmologist’s, but it still takes a minimum of seven to eight years to complete. Usually, a student must have completed their bachelor’s degree (although some schools accept three years of college) before applying to a four-year optometry program.
Is there a lot of maths in optometry?
There is physics for looking at contrast sensitivity, maths for lens optics equations, English for interpreting information and so much more. It is a lot of work trying to keep up with everything because it is all useful information that you need.
Is Optometry good career?
Optometry is a satisfying career in medical courses in various ways. It is a dynamic and challenging career that offers self-awareness, work flexibility, community respect, money related achievement & unlimited opportunities.
How difficult is optometry school In South Africa?
Optometry school can be difficult especially as a first-year student in a new city and new environment. Here are some tips to make it through. Optometry school is challenging enough. It is particularly difficult as a first-year student in a new environment and oftentimes a new city.
Is optometry school harder than medical school In South Africa?
But optometry school is not easy, it’s just more focused on the eyes and the parts of the body that relates to the eyes. Medical school is a lot more information since they deal with the whole body. Some key differences is the malpractice insurance and cost/length of schooling.
Is optometry school cheaper than medical school In South Africa?
Medical is most expensive, Optometry cheapest.
Is getting into optometry school competitive In South Africa?
Optometry schools are highly competitive; most applicants earn a bachelor’s degree before applying. Most OD schools take four years to complete. Some students choose to go on to a one-year residency program to get advanced training in a specialized area.
Is optometry school like med school?
In optometry school, you will take many of the same classes as medical school, such as anatomy, physiology and pharmacology. Prerequisites for optometry school and medical school are also very similar, all requiring a strong science and math background.