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:

Bachelor of Optometry

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
3695	Bachelor of Optometry
ORIGINATOR
Rand Afrikaans University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was CHE until Last Date for Achievement			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)	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	896	Level 7	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 2663/05	2006-07-01	2009-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-30		2015-06-30

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
73791	Bachelor of Optometry	Level 7	NQF Level 08	480	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the ability
to:

Perform visual examinations and relevant procedures included in the scope of optometry, in the clinical environment as a qualified optometrist.

Perform visual examinations and appropriate procedures included in the scope of optometry in non-clinical environments such as hospitals; community and health care centres; old-age homes; schools; industrial sites and other centres.

Display skills in experimental science disciplines, as well as accurate and efficient handling of optometric instrumentation.

Make diagnosis by means of critical reasoning and after careful consideration of influencing factors, develop a holistic management strategy.

Apply theoretical knowledge as well as insight when non-typical or extraordinary cases present in the clinical situation.

Reflect on decision-making and management criteria.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Learners accessing this qualification should demonstrate their ability to:

Read textbooks and study material with understanding and disseminate relevant literature on a Grade 12 level

Take notes, draw conclusions and apply theory in the laboratory and non-classroom environments

Analyse data and perform basic technological procedures in the laboratory

Manipulate and apply basic mathematical concepts on a Grade 12 level.

Grade 12 Mathematics HG (at least 60% - C)
Grade 12 Science HG (at least 60% -C)
Grade 12 Biology HG (at least 60% -C)

Recognition of prior learning:

A learner who claims to have achieved entry requirements through experiential learning will be assessed. If the student is found to be competent the student may gain:

access

advanced placement

or recognition of degree status.

Special conditions may apply, such as continuing practitioner development.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

The learner should be able to:

1. Make a diagnosis on the visual abilities of the patient, by means of critical reasoning and after careful consideration of influencing factors, develop a holistic management strategy

2. Work in a team with peers, supervisors and lecturers.

3. Reflect on self-management skills in terms of time-administrative and organisational management.

4. Collect and analyse data through the case history and visual examinations; interpret this information to formulate a management plan.

5. Communicate with patients, colleagues, lecturers, supervisors and other health care providers utilising written optometric recording skills (clinical record cards) visual representation of conditions (for example topography results, slides, visual fields), or verbal presentations.

6. Have a working knowledge of instrumentation and technology in the field of eye care. Being aware of hygienic procedures and precautions to prevent the spread of eye diseases.

7. Demonstrate a holistic approach to patient management and health care.

8. Learn through reading, practicing skills, reflecting on mistakes as well as doing research.

9. Provide eye care services to the community at large.

10. Recognise and be sensitive to cultural differences in various communities and population groups.

11. Identify and apply for job opportunities in the market.

12. Create new or own employment possibilities.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. Analyse the visual abilities of the patient
Identify areas of strengths and weaknesses
Reason critically to make a diagnosis.
Consider various influencing factors.
Suggest solutions and management strategies, based on the patient's individual needs and circumstances, including occupation, environmental and sociological factors.

2. Make a contribution in a research group, doing projects and assignments.
Discuss and reason diagnosis and management strategies with supervisors and other students

3. Adequately perform and record the results of visual examinations within a reasonable time frame.
Reflect on decisions regarding management strategies and diagnosis.

4. Collect data from various sources, including patient history, tests and procedures.
Analyse this information correctly
Interpret the data.
Synthesise a management plan.
Reflect on decision-making.

5. Converse with the patient to obtain relevant information.
Accurately record results of visual examinations.
Report on findings and strategies (either verbally or in writing)
Present research findings and case studies.
Educate patients about eye and vision care.
Write referral letters to other health care providers.

6. Competently perform visual examinations and procedures using appropriate instrumentation.
Follow hygienic procedures in clinical and non-clinical situations.

7. Obtain information through the patient case history including facts on general health, environmental factors, cultural, multi-lingual and socio-economic factors.
Devise management strategies taking this information into consideration.

8. Read and evaluate relevant material, including articles and text books, and report back on gathered information.
Demonstrate competence in optometric procedures.
Reflect on mistakes in examination and/or management when patients are dissatisfied.
Complete research projects, including evaluation and interpretation of research results.

9. Experience and take part in outreach programs providing eye care to remote parts of the country, via mobile units and satellite clinics.
Be involved in specialised clinics (contact lenses, low vision, binocular vision, sports vision, etc.)

10. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and understanding during taking of the case history, throughout the visual examination and during decision making.

11. Use written and technological means including he Internet to seek employment.
Provide eye care to the community via hospitals, clinics, private practices, etc.
Interact with the corporate environment.
Get involved in academia, including postgraduate studies.

12. Demonstrate an appropriate level of independence and creativity and establish contact with individuals in the corporate environment and/or private practice.

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:
Learners will be assessed on completion of a module through a written and/or practical examination. Learners may be required to present research projects to their lecturers and/or peers. Level 7 learners are expected to perform practical examinations in the relevant disciplines.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented;
Theoretical knowledge, practical skills and attitude towards patients will be assessed. Learners will be assessed by means of written and/or practical examinations, evaluation of patient record cards, presentation of case studies as well as research projects.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

1. Access to qualifications on a lower level:
Learners, who want to switch to another qualification or other subjects at this institution, may do so within a period of three weeks after the start of the semester where applicable. They will retain full credit for modules that have been passed.

2. Access to qualifications on the same level:
The following possibilities for continuation of studies within other higher education programmes exist:

BSc, B.Ing, MB.ChB or B.Pharm degree programme

Another BSc degree or BTech degree program at any other higher education institution.

A national higher diploma program at any other higher education institution.

3. Access to qualifications on a higher level:
Having obtained this qualification, the following possibilities for further study of higher education programmes exist:

A post-graduate higher diploma or certificate program in optometry or related discipline.

Master's degree (level 8) program at any higher education institution.

Continuing practitioner development programs at any accredited institution(s).

MODERATION OPTIONS

Level 7 modules should be moderated by assessors from other departments within the university, other higher educational institutions, or practitioners in private practice. A team of assessors will usually perform practical assessments.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Assessors of the B.Optom qualification should at least have a B.Optom, B.Sc. (Hons), Diploma in Optometry, BTech (Optom) or other health care related qualification. Assessors should preferably have been exposed to applicable experience in practice or at higher educational institution. Assessors should preferably have experience in teaching and assessment.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006.

NOTES

Old qualification.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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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.

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