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: 

Bachelor of Optometry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
73791  Bachelor of Optometry 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  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  480  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2034-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

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 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    A learner who claims to have achieved entry requirements through experiential learning will be assessed. If the learner is found to be competent the learner may gain:
  • Access;
  • Advanced placement;
    Or
  • Recognition of qualification status.

    Special conditions may apply, such as continuing practitioner development.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
    "National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies.
    Or
    "Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
    "National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    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 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 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.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Make a contribution in a research group, doing projects and assignments.
  • Discuss and reason diagnosis and management strategies with supervisors and other learners.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • Adequately perform and record the results of visual examinations within a reasonable time frame.
  • Reflect on decisions regarding management strategies and diagnosis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 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.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 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.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6:
  • Competently perform visual examinations and procedures using appropriate instrumentation.
  • Follow hygienic procedures in clinical and non-clinical situations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 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.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 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.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 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.)

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 10:
  • Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and understanding during taking of the case history, throughout the visual examination and during decision making.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 11:
  • Use written and technological means including the 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.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 12:
  • Demonstrate an appropriate level of independence and creativity and establish contact with individuals in the corporate environment and/or private practice.

    Integrated Assessment:
    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 8 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 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Pharmacy, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.

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

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.