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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Medicine in Ophthalmology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117123  Master of Medicine in Ophthalmology 
ORIGINATOR
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  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:
This qualification is a specialist Training of learning which facilitates the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to a level appropriate to an ophthalmic specialist. The learner will develop an appreciation of multi-system disease and visual impairment in the context of other co-morbidities. For specific diseases, the learner will demonstrate knowledge concerning aetiology (including pathogenesis, genetics and interactions with patients' physical and social environment), clinical manifestations, investigation, diagnosis, management and prevention, and including management of visual impairment generally. Learners will need to consolidate and enhance their clinical skills, including history taking and carrying out an appropriately targeted clinical examination, developing investigative strategies through an appropriate choice of tests, analysing the evidence in order to formulate a provisional diagnosis and outlining an approach to therapeutic. They will also demonstrate a capability to recognise and appropriately manage complications of treatment.

Rationale:
Preventable causes and treatable causes are leading factors in the prevalence of visual disability and blindness in the community. An ophthalmic manifestation of systemic disease happens frequently. Correcting and preventing visual disability leads to significant socio-economic benefits. With this qualification, the learner will render preventative measures and curative procedures. There is a link between the College of Medicine of South Africa and specific the College of Ophthalmologists. The curriculum followed is as prescribed by the College of Ophthalmologists. With this qualification, the learner will be able to provide specialist ophthalmological treatment. Mainly preventable blindness and cataract surgery will reduce the burden of visual disability in the community and therefore have an impact on economic development. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners who have passed a Diploma in Ophthalmology from the College of Ophthalmologists will have an additional advantage of entering the qualification. However, this does not exempt them from completing all the assessment requirements of the qualification. There will be recognition for the time spent in closely related clinical disciplines. This recognition includes neurology, neurosurgery and general medicine. The curriculum includes Neuro-Ophthalmology, Community Eye Health and Systemic Conditions with Ocular Signs.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement is:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Must have completed internship and community service. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 720 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Applied Anatomy, 20 Credits.
  • Applied Physiology, 20 Credits.
  • Ophthalmology pathology, 248 Credits.
  • Ophthalmology (Major), 262 Credits.
  • Ophthalmology (Dissertation), 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of:
    > Anatomy and embryology of the head and neck to include CNS.
    > Specialised anatomy and embryology of the visual system.
    > Ocular and visual physiology.
    > General principles of physiology, genetics, basic statistics, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, immunology and microbiology.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of:
    > Optics.
    > Physical Optics.
    > Clinical Optics.
    > Optics of instruments.
    > Pathology.
    > Basic Pathology.
    > Pathology of ocular systems.
  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the medical and surgical management of diseases of the eye and adnexa.
  • Conduct research and provide a thesis that includes a significant research component on a topic related to Ophthalmology. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.
  • Display a holistic approach to disease processes related to general physiology, the anatomy of the head and neck, and pathology as applied to Ophthalmology.
  • Engage with theories and knowledge of all aspects of specialist expertise in the management of medical and surgical conditions affecting the eye and adnexa.
  • Engage with opinions and understanding of all elements in the principles of Ophthalmology pathology of different parts of the eye and adnexa; tumours of the eye; and pathology of HIV.
  • Apply a broad and specialised knowledge of Ophthalmology and associated disciplines to address complex practical and theoretical problems in creative and innovative ways.
  • Examine the patient and make an informed decision regarding the treatment of such a patient.
  • Design and implement methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the field of Ophthalmology.
  • Use a wide range of specialised skills in resolving complex and challenging issues within the Ophthalmology discipline and practice.
  • Perform all procedures skillfully and safely, adapting to unanticipated findings or changing clinical circumstances.
  • Provide a criticism of the methods used to solve complex problems in the discipline, highlighting advances and challenges.
  • Discuss ideas and interests in an articulated manner, using appropriate discourse to a variety of audiences.
  • Communicate results and findings to the broader scholarly community in oral or written form.
  • Participate in debates and arguments within the Medical Health sector for the advancement of the discipline of Ophthalmology.
  • Argue concepts and ideas logically, based on evidence and factual information in Ophthalmology, to contribute towards the well-being of the Patient.
  • Communicate using a patient-centred approach that encourages patient trust and autonomy and is characterized by empathy, respect, and compassion.
  • Assist patients and their families to identify, access, and make use of information and communication technologies to support their care and manage their health.
  • Plan, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research on a topic in Ophthalmology with scholarly integrity.
  • Research question or hypothesis is relevant and structured in alignment with the study conducted.
  • Ensure the literature review contains appropriate depth, is proper and contemporary, and is contextualised to support the research.
  • Research design and methodology used is suitable to answer the research question.
  • Research design, methods and the critique and reflection thereof are sufficient to provide an accurate analysis, interpretation, and substantiation of results.
  • Apply Ethical considerations to all aspects of the research, understanding and the writing of the report, including plagiarism.
  • Practice medicine within the defined scope of Ophthalmology practice and expertise.
  • Establish and maintain positive and respectful relationships with physicians and other colleagues in the health care professions to support collaborative care.
  • Adopt a patient-centred approach to the management of the clinical circumstance.
  • Show an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within the context of Ophthalmology.
  • Carry out professional duties in the face of multiple, competing demands.
  • Adhere to the professional and ethical codes, standards of practice, and laws governing specialist practice.
  • Recognise when the values, biases, or perspectives of patients, physicians, or other health care professionals may have an impact on the quality of care, and modify the approach to the patient accordingly.
  • Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a professional orientation, and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to a particular profession.

    Integrated Assessment:
    There are ongoing departmental assessment and structured education and training. A portfolio will demonstrate the depth, breadth and balance of surgical and non-surgical education and training gained under the supervision.
  • Research
    Learners must demonstrate their understanding of research by providing evidence of their capability to critically review new developments and research findings in science and medicine as they apply to ophthalmology.
  • The final assessment will be composed of the following components:
    Written: Comprising 2 papers, each covering Ophthalmic Medicine and Ophthalmic Surgery. Papers may consist of a combination of long essay-like, short and MCQ questions.
    Clinical: The Clinical examination will consist of: A series of short cases that will include OSCE stations.
    Oral: An Oral examination will be conducted on the successful completion of the written and clinical examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The University of Calgary, Canada, offers a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada accredited residency qualification in Ophthalmology. The qualification is a five-years, and it includes one year of foundational clinical training. Followed by four years of specialised ophthalmological training which provides for collecting and interpreting data, carrying out diagnostic procedures, making appropriate clinical decisions (including recommending proper therapeutic procedures) and research.

    In Ireland, learners that specialise further in Ophthalmology must undertake higher specialist training for four and a half years having completed a minimum of two to four years of basic specialist training in Ophthalmology. Training can follow the Medical Ophthalmology or the Surgical Ophthalmology pathway. It also includes specific curriculum requirements for the two channels, as well as clinical rotations. Learners rotate through the seven recognised training centres in Ireland. Training takes place from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Ophthalmology located in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital. Learners sit an exit examination at the end of their training to acquire the Fellowship in Ophthalmic Surgery through the RCSI. The practice offers more ophthalmology specialisation than this qualification, although expert knowledge and competencies in Ophthalmology are outcomes of both qualifications. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Optometry, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of 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.
     
    1. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University 


    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.