Optometrist

Optometrists are concerned with human vision and they use special equipment, machines and charts to detect faults in patient’s eyes. They also provide the care necessary to prevent or improve deterioration of vision. Optometrists give advice on the use of glasses and other visual aids as well as on environmental factors which will affect visual efficiency.

Job Characteristics

• Administering vision-analysis tests in order to determine the efficiency of vision of long and short distance.



• Prescribing spectacles or contact lenses to rectify or alleviate visual defects such as far-sightedness, short-sightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia.



• Evaluating the specific needs, working demands and hobbies of a patient in order to prescribe the most suitable correction.



• Detecting any abnormalities in the ocular system and referring a patient to a medical practitioner or ophthalmologist for further professional care.

Requirements
 
Secondary Education
Possession of a HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption, plus overall exceptional grades in all subjects is required to be admitted to a South African university. Technikons in South Africa require a HIGCSE or outstanding IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification.
 
Compulsory subjects
Mathematics and Physical Science - Technikon Witwatersrand also requires English (South Africa)

Recommended subject
Biology (South Africa)
 
Tertiary Education
The Universities of Durban Westville, the North and RAU offer a four-year B. Optom. degree. After completion of the degree course, a student may be expected to complete a one-year internship before registration with the HPCSA as a professional optometrist.

The Technikon Witwatersrand offers the N. Dip.: Optometry.The duration of the course is three years, and the fourth year leads to the B. Tech. Optometry. Students are required to complete a one-year internship. 

These courses are not offered in Namibia, but prospective optometrists must register with the Optometric Board of Namibia.

Personality
The prospective optometrist must have a genuine interest in people, good manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination and good eyesight, as he\she works with delicate tissues of the eye as well as specialized equipment.

Work Opportunities
Optometrists can work in clinical practices and private- and state hospitals. Self-employment seems to be a viable option and job prospects also seem to be good.

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