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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Optometry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111796  Master of Optometry 
ORIGINATOR
University of Limpopo 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification is for the learners who wish to strengthen their knowledge and competencies and develop advanced research competence as scholars of optometry. The qualification ensures that learners exit the qualification with the required knowledge, skills and competencies of an optometry professional and scientist.

Rationale:
In order to advance the National Development plan for health care, new solutions that are effective, of quality and of reasonable costs need to be developed to ensure the upliftment of health, particularly for eye health and vision, within all communities within South Africa, its surrounds and further afield. Research knowledge and skills are important to advance the field of optometry, and its sub-disciplines, in order to provide solutions to common and complex problems relating to eye health and vision and to provide for a cadre of leaders in the optometry field locally, nationally and at an international level. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where applicants to the qualification do not meet the admission requirements as stated above, the Recognition of Prior Learning policy of the institution will be used to consider the applicants for admission to the qualification. The qualification will consider accepting optometry professionals who have been employed full-time in an optometric role at a leadership level but who do not possess an NQF Level 8 optometry qualification, but meet all the exit level requirements and have the competencies to enter into a Masters qualification through assessment via RPL. Such individual, must however have obtained a qualification in optometry at NQF Level 7 as a minimum, and demonstrate aptitude for research and enquiry. RPL will be applied appropriately through rigorous administration, assessment and appeal processes. All RPL will be conducted by RPL trained practitioners. Applicants entering through RPL may be required to take additional modules as deemed required by the institution.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Optometry or equivalent, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF Level 8 totalling 180 Credits.
  • Research dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Master a theoretically sophisticated subject matter.
    2. Master the skills of critical thinking, problem solving, collection and analysis of information and effective professional written and oral communication.
    3. Assess, critically review and apply relevant information, in order to identify research needs.
    4. Initiate, undertake and participate in all aspects of the research process.
    5. Make sound ethical judgements within the field of specialty and be accountable for all decisions made.
    6. Engage in lifelong learning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Conceptualise contemporary philosophical and theoretical issues in a specialised field.
  • Develop specialised knowledge in a critical and comparative manner, depending on the particular field of focus within the optometry disciplinary area.
  • Utilise computers for assessing, processing and retrieveing data and literature competently.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Plan and write a composite literature review on a topic using relevant and contemporary resources.
  • Evaluate critically different viewpoints in order to offer a relevant opinion on a topic.
  • Review literature to identify a research problem.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Plan and write a composite literature review on a topic using relevant and contemporary resources.
  • Evaluate critically different viewpoints in order to offer a relevant opinion on a topic.
  • Review the literature to identify a research problem.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify a research problem and pose it in a relevant manner.
  • Develop a research proposal and to conduct the research under minimum supervision.
  • Utilise literature in evaluation of a research topic, to develop related research question/s, and formulate the aims and objectives required to address the critical research question/s.
  • Select the appropriate research design for both qualitative and quantitative research.
  • Demonstrate the good understanding of different data collection methods.
  • Validate data collection tools.
  • Capture, clean, organise, evaluate and analyse research data.
  • A working knowledge of basic statistical procedures equired for a particular problem.
  • Critically discuss the findings of the study and to be able to compare them with similar studies.
  • Plan and demonstrate a presentation (oral or poster) for academic purposes.
  • Develop a research report, dissertation, article and abstract on the study undertaken.
  • Evaluate the results of a research study and be able to translate them into appropriate and feasible recommendations.
  • Apply research principles in optometry activities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Use knowledge critically to make sound ethical judgements without prejudice and to the benefit of mankind and the environment.
  • Take accountability for all decisions taken and implemented.
  • Be aware of the necessity regarding ethical and professional conduct within the optometry profession and adhere to at all times.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Accumulate knowledge through self-directed work within the discipline.
  • Stay abreast of important innovations in the field of optometry by means of continuous education.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is conducted via research dissertation only. Learning and assessment will take place across all Exit Level Outcomes to ensure that the graduate meets all expectations of a National Qualification Framework Level 9 learner, as well as meeting the expectations of a professional of optometry and related sciences with this qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification in the Optometry discipline is offered by the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. It admits learners with a Bachelor Honours qualification with a high standing. It is a one to two-year qualification which could be an early exit from a Doctor of Philosophy qualification, focussing on research through supervision and co-supervision. The qualification provides key transferable skills in areas such as commercial awareness, academic writing and public engagement. This training equips learners with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.

    A similar type of qualification is offered by the University of Glasgow in Scotland called a Master Science in Clinical Vision Research. The purpose of the qualification is to bridge clinical care in optometry with vision science by educating and training health-care professionals to conduct clinical research in a patient care or academic setting, practicing at the highest level of proficiency, integrity, and professionalism.

    At the University of Auckland in New Zealand, learners can study the research qualification of the Master of Science, within the Optometry discipline. The focus of the qualification is to provide advanced study in a specific area of interest and a chance to work independently. This Master of Science allows committed scientists to focus on a relevant area of interest or practise and pursue an advanced qualification. The research masters develops advanced research skills, working alongside Faculty of Science researchers - many of whom are major contributors in their field. The School of Optometry Postgraduate qualifications at the University of Auckland are designed to assist and enhance clinical, biomedical and vision science research. The length of the qualification depends on the entry point, which could be an undergraduate degree, or an undergraduate with a postgraduate diploma equivalent. The qualification compares in terms of admission, outcomes and purpose of the qualification the Master of Optometry qualification at the institution. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Public Health, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Optometry, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Optometry, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.