SAQA

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.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Doctor of Technology: Optometry

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
11917	Doctor of Technology: Optometry
ORIGINATOR
Committee of Technikon Principals
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Curative Health
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	240	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 10	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Registered"		SAQA 1337/01	2003-07-01	2006-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2007-06-30		2010-06-30

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

The qualifying learner can conduct independent original research based on investigating or the testing of previously un-researched ideas, under minimum guidance and contributing to knowledge production in the field of optometry. The research problem, its justification, process and outcome is reported in a thesis, which makes a distinct contribution to the wider field of optometric knowledge and is worthy of publication.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Masters Degree in Optometry at NQF level 8

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence of the qualification, as detailed in the specified outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider's learning programme or through experience that complies with the stated specified outcomes.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

One
1.Demonstrate knowledge and insight into an un-researched/new field of optometric relevance
* Demonstrate insight into the scope of relevant knowledge about the problem/issue to be resolved
* Demonstrate understanding of the field of optometry

Two
1. Apply research methods and techniques appropriately and correctly
* Select the appropriate research method for the investigation
* Apply the scientific method correctly to make a distinct contribution to the field of optometry

Three
1. Apply research tolls effectively and correctly in the research process

Critical level:

Identify and solve problems, using critical and creative thinking

Work effectively and independently, without inherently relying on a group or team, but able to work with them

Demonstrate effective self-management strategies

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information

Demonstrate effective communication abilities

Use science and technology effectively and critically, sharing responsibility towards the environment and health of others

Demonstrate abilities in original research

Demonstrate understanding of the world as a set of related systems

Use reflective strategies to learn more effectively

Display life-long learning strategies to ensure ongoing professional competency

Participate as a responsible citizen at local, national and global level

Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour

Implement mechanisms of quality assurance to ensure competent and safe practice, while being aware of cost effectiveness

Display cultural and aesthetic sensitivity in dealings with patients, colleagues and the public

Demonstrate career pathing strategies

Demonstrate entrepreneurship

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

One

The listed and cited literature within the literature survey and the exposition of the research reflects mastery of relevant and recent trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the research area of optometry, related to the identified problem

Models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in the research area of optometry are analysed, explained and juxtaposed correctly in oral presentations and the written record of research

Two

The use of literature surveys/experimentation/correlation/casual analysis is justified fully and correctly, in oral presentation and the written record of research

The original research problem is clearly identified, defined and detailed in the research proposal

The stated hypothesis directs the investigation

Logical interpretation of data reflects a clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and the ability to evaluate contradictory information

Two scientific papers are submitted for publication

Three

Information sources are used correctly and appropriately and include a range of media

Information technology skills are applied effectively in information searches, data-analyses, data presentation and the production of the thesis

The appropriate mathematical and statistical methods are applied correctly to quantitative and qualitative data

The inferences, interpretations and conclusions from measurements and statistical analyses are valid

Language and numerical skills are applied effectively and correctly in communicating the research problem, its investigation, outcome and recommendations

Integrated assessment:

Formative Assessment:
Peer group assessment
Presentations
Participation in seminars
Self-assessment
Supervisory tutorials

Summative Assessment:
Articles
Viva voce/Defence of research
Presenting papers
Thesis

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

VERTICAL:
Post doctoral research

University of the North
Randse Afrikaanse Universiteit
University Durban-Westville

Within the proposed optometric services career ladder, the degree will articulate with that of

Masters/O.D. optometry programme at levels 7 and 8

Internationally O.D. (Optometry Doctor - U.S.A.)

HORIZONTAL
PhD

University of the North
Randse Afrikaanse Universiteit
University Durban-Westville

MODERATION OPTIONS

External moderation

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Complies with requirements of external accreditation body (SERTEC)

Assessors to be qualified at equivalent or higher qualification in Optometry or related field

External moderators to be qualified at level 8 or equivalent

NOTES

While South Africa still had Technikons, all of their qualifications were registered under the Committee of Technikon Principals. After the Technikons became Universities of Technology or merged with Universities, the qualifications were registered under each of these institutions, and the CTP qualifications fell away (hence the end date of 2006, above). Where relevant, replacement information is s
hown in the table above.

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