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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 Technology: Optometry |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 73842 | Bachelor of Technology: 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 | ||
| B Tech | Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services | Rehabilitative Health/Services | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 480 | 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 06120/18 | 2018-07-01 | 2018-12-31 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2019-12-31 | 2024-12-31 | |||
| 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 replaces: |
| Qual ID | Qualification Title | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Min Credits | Replacement Status |
| 963 | Bachelor of Technology: Optometry | Level 7 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7 | 480 | Complete |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| This qualification is intended for optometrists in the field of health care. These persons will be competent to;
1. independently apply up to tertiary level care relevant promotive, diagnostic and treatment strategies appropriate to the needs of the community, 2. independently apply strategies appropriate to the cost-effective management of the needs of the community. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Appropriate qualification at NQF level 6 in Optometry.
Previous relevant registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| N |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| The qualification will be awarded to the 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 and through experiential learning experience that complies with the stated specified outcomes. |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| The qualifying optometrist will be competent to:
1. Apply scientific optometric skills as well as optical and allied technologies to ascertain the accuracy of the prescription of the eye care products to visually compromised people 2. Apply scientific health care skills and optometric technologies in the diagnosis, prescription and delivery of eye and vision care therapy within the context of health services appropriate to the needs of the community 3. Interact consultatively in the delivery of eye care products, therapy and medication to visually compromised people while applying self-reflex learning strategies during interactions 4. Apply appropriate medico-legal ethics, health and safety regulations and codes of conduct in the (assessment) evaluation, diagnosis and delivery of service and products to patients/clients 5. Apply advanced optometric skills in the assessment of ocular and visual parameters 6. Apply advanced optometric skills within the health care skills in the assessment of ocular and visual anomalies 7. Manage and administer human, technical and other resources to ensure optimal diagnosis, prescription and delivery of eye and vision care products/services 8. Apply self-reflexive learning strategies to continually improve the optometrically related service within health care service appropriate to the specific needs of the patient/client to ensure professional contribution to the needs of the society. One 1. Apply scientific optometric skills, optical and allied technologies to ascertain the accuracy of the prescription of the eye care products to visually compromised people. * Interpret, analyse and critically evaluate ophthalmic prescriptions and their validity. (C) (5 credits). * Evaluate the patient/clients personal needs and requirements in the eye and vision care context. (C) (5 credits). * Relate the analysis of ophthalmic prescriptions to the final optical product (C) (2 credits). * Communicate information clearly to the patient, informing them accurately of the optical-aid end product. (C) (2 credits). * Apply specific scientific knowledge to the manufacturing, repair and adjustment of optical appliances. (C) (2 credits). * Use specialised machinery involved in the manufacture of optical appliances or parts there-of. (C) (2 credits). Two 1. Apply scientific care skills and optometric technologies in the diagnosis, prescription and delivery of eye and vision care therapy within the context of health services appropriate to the needs of the community. * Analyse, interpret and apply advanced optometric knowledge in the evaluation, diagnosis and final prescription of eye and vision care therapies. (C) (15 credits). * Relate the prescribed therapy to a specific visual training program. (C) (8 credits). * Communicate competently with all stakeholders in the training program and desired training goal. (C) (2 credits); * Implement the training program for visually compromised patients. (C) (3 credits). * Monitor the progress of the patient's training program. (C) (1 credit). * Report accurately on the progress of the patient's condition to pertinent people. (C) (1 credit). Three 1. Interact consultatively in the delivery of eye care products, therapy and medication to visually compromised people, while applying self-reflex learning strategies during interactions. * Communicate with the optical dispenser and/or prescribing practitioner. (C) (1 credit). * Communicate with lens suppliers. (C) (2 credits). * Communicate with suppliers of frames. (C) (2 credits) * Communicate with supplier of manufacturing machinery. (C) (2 credits). * Communicate with suppliers of various other optical aids and instrument machinery. (C) (2 credits). * Maintain effective communication and co-operation between patients and stakeholders. (C) (1 credit). Four 1. Apply appropriate medico-legal ethics, health and safety regulations and codes of conduct in the (assessment) evaluation, diagnosis and delivery of service and products to patients/clients. * Practice with ethical conduct appropriate to a multi-disciplinary team of professionals. (C) (5 credits). * Apply optimum patient care at all times. (C) (3 credits). * Apply all relevant regulations to ensure that the patients and public are protected from consequences of inadequate evaluation, diagnosis, referral and dispensing. (C) (6 credits). * Perform optometric ally related procedures safely (C) (3 credits). * Practice within the appropriate code of conduct. (C) (3 credits). Five 1. Apply advanced optometric skills in the assessment to ocular and visual parameters. * Utilise instrumentation to measure the head, face, eye and interrelated parameters. (C) (2 credits). * Utilise specialised instrumentation to obtain advanced measurements of the eye and interrelated parameters. (C) (8 credits). * Utilise various advanced techniques to measure movement capacity of the eyes, individually and together. (C) (2 credits). Six 1. Apply advanced optometric skills within the health care skills in the assessment of ocular and visual anomalies. * Utilise screening and other instruments to measure visual sensitivities in differentiation between normal and visually compromised people. (C) (10 credits). * Utilise orthoptic instrumentation before, during and after therapy procedures. (C) (5 credits). * Exercise judgement in assessing the performance of optical aids and therapy. (C) (3 credits). * Utilise specialised instrumentation in order to assess, evaluate, fit and determine contact lens suitability. (C) (3 credits). * Utilise specialised instrumentation in order to differentiate suspected ocular or related pathologies from the norm. (C) (3 credits). Seven 1. Manage and administer human, technical and other resources to ensure optimal diagnosis, prescription and delivery of eye and vision care products/services. * Administer the procedures and techniques in an efficient manner. (C) (2 credits). * Manage available financial resources so that only necessary products or services are dispensed. (C) (2 credits). * Carry out quality control procedures to ensure that products comply with laid down standards. (C) (3 credits). * Apply management strategies to ensure a viable business. (C) (3 credits). * Comply with various aspects of legislation affecting employers. (C) (5 credits). Eight 1. Apply self-reflexive learning strategies to continually improve the optometrically related service within health care service appropriate to the specific needs of the patient/client to ensure professional contribution to the needs of the society. This implies an underlying cultivation of maturation in the qualifying optometrist to: * Identify and solve problems specific to the community/area in which service is offered. * Display responsible decision-making. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| One
1. Knowledge of the patient's vision condition can be correctly demonstrated * The prescribed product or service can be correctly interpreted and explained * The vision and/or eye condition can be explained to the patient * The prognosis for improved vision can be explained to the patient * Completeness of the prescription can be shown * The accuracy of the prescription can be confirmed/assessed 2. A full case history can be taken and reflex learning strategies applied to differentiate relevant information * The patient's vocational and lifestyle needs can be correctly ascertained * The patient's socio-economic background can be ascertained to gain insight into vision needs and demands * Spectacle frames can be correctly chosen in terms of functional suitability * Spectacle frames can be suitably chosen in terms of colour * The patients personal choice and acceptance of spectacle frames can be ascertain 3. Knowledge of available product ranges can be shown * Knowledge of available lens treatment can be demonstrated * Knowledge of lens materials can be demonstrated * Suitability of lens designs can be shown with regard to frames * Vocational suitability of lenses and special treatments can be shown * Previous optical aids can be competently analysed and their validity assessed/ascertained 4. Basic knowledge of the patient's cultural and religious background can be demonstrated and reflex learning can be applied with increased experience * Different methods of communication can be shown * Cosmetic effects of the end products can be clearly explained or demonstrated * Head, face and eye abnormalities can be empathetically discussed * Product parameters can be pre-determined and adjusted * Comparative costing can be correctly carried out 5. Visual point separations in the spectacle plane can be correctly determined * Adjusting tools for spectacles can be correctly chosen * Adjusting tools for spectacles can be correctly used * Proficiency in adjusting spectacles competently can be shown * Knowledge of differences in material handling can be demonstrated * Existing optical appliances can be competently repaired or replaced 6. Instruments can be competently used to lay out and mark up lenses * Machinery related to edging and finishing lenses can be competently calibrated * A variety of specialised machinery for manufacturing/finishing/and repair purposes can be competently operated * Knowledge of safety regulations pertaining to manufacturing activities can be demonstrated Two 1. Advanced knowledge of the patient's visual system problem can be demonstrated and evaluated * The vision and/or eye condition can be diagnosed and explained to the patient * The service or therapy can be correctly prescribed and explained * The aim of the prescribed product and/or therapy can be explained to the patient * The prognosis for improved binocular co-ordination and visual systems functioning can be correctly assessed 2. An adequate case history pertinent to the specific condition can be taken * An adequate time frame for the service or therapy can be determined * The patient's level of motivation can be satisfactorily ascertain * The correct instrumentation can be selected in order to carry out the service or therapy 3. The patient's level of comprehension of their visual condition can be ascertained * The possible limitations of the patient's condition can be correctly explained * Different methods of communication can be shown * Different levels of communication (i.e. to stakeholder groups) can be shown 4. Knowledge of instrument and free-space training programs can be demonstrated * Simple, concise instructions can be given to the patients * Demonstrations can be delivered/given competently * Awareness of the patient's understanding at all times within the visual training programme must be present 5. Levels of progress can be ascertained * A holistic approach and adequate encouragement can be provided, empathetically * Timeous intervention can be shown 6. A wide range of correspondence skills can be demonstrated * Writing and interpretation of professional reports can be demonstrated * Optometric measurements can be correctly recorded, interpreted and reported Three 1. Skills in communication with all members of the Health Care Team can be demonstrated * Negotiating skills can be demonstrated with regard to structuring of the therapy, eye care products or medication * Knowledge of the relevant prescribed medication can be demonstrated * Assertiveness within the appropriate discipline can be demonstrated * Knowledge of alternative, inappropriate or substitute medications can be understood * Knowledge of relevant drugs and their action on the eye and human body can be demonstrated * Knowledge of relevant drugs and their action on infections agents can be shown * Likelihood of patient compliance can be correctly ascertained 2. Knowledge of correct lens terminologies can be shown * Clear and concise instructions can be given * Knowledge of technical limitations can be demonstrated * Effects of compromises on lens design versus junctions can be understood * Knowledge of up to date international and local quality standards can be shown * Willingness to accept viable lens design alternatives or modified products can be shown 3. Knowledge of correct frame components can be shown * Knowledge of spectacle frames functions can be demonstrated * Knowledge of alternative optical aid mounting devices can be shown * Knowledge of current fashions can be utilized * Quality of spectacle frames can be carefully judged * Knowledge of frame and fashion accessories can be demonstrated 4. Knowledge of availability of specialized machinery can be shown * Knowledge of operation and design of instruments/machinery can be demonstrated * Service of upgrading poor aspects of machinery can be competently negotiated with the supplier 5. Knowledge of stock of various suppliers of optical aids and specialized optical instruments can be demonstrated * Current knowledge of services offered and economic viability can be ascertained * Effective negotiation with regard to acquisition of new stock/services can be demonstrated * Settlement in areas of service and/or supply of instruments/optical aids can be attained amicably 6. Problem areas in the provision of eye care products or therapy can be identified and adequately explained to the patients and stakeholders * Amicable solutions can be reached by reasonably/open communication with patient and stakeholders * Advisory capacity can be demonstrated with regard to structuring of services versus financial payments * Reflex learning through interaction with patients, stakeholders and professional colleagues can be supplied Four 1. Knowledge of professional ethics can be demonstrated * Knowledge of appropriate behaviour can be ascertained * Knowledge of own professional limitations are clearly understood * Relevant knowledge of other professional ethics can be shown * Consideration of the patient as the primary concern within a multi-disciplinary approach can be shown * The patient's rights to quality care are protected 2. Consideration of the patient's special requirements and limitations can be demonstrated * Patient care procedures are optimally performed * Knowledge of human behaviour in a culturally diverse environment is demonstrated and applied * The psychological diversity of patients is acknowledged * The clinical diversity of patients is acknowledged 3. Situations can be assessed, discretion and judgement can be exercised and appropriate action can be taken * Knowledge of own professional limitations are clearly understood and adhered to * Expertise in protective eyewear can be demonstrated * Knowledge of all relevant regulations can be applied and demonstrated * Responsibility can be assumed for professional decisions 4. Knowledge of appropriate measurements can be demonstrated and safely carried out * Awareness of patients facial structure, individuality and variations from the norm can be accurately assessed and measured * Knowledge of patients ocular structure, individuality and variations from the norm can be accurately assessed and safely measured * Knowledge of properties of various materials and their manipulation can be safely demonstrated * Skills in the use of adjusting equipment can be safely performed * Accurate awareness of patient's proximity to all optical instrumentation can be safely ascertained * Knowledge of disease and its spread via contamination of instrumentation/etc. can be demonstrated * Knowledge of use of ocular related medications, installation and safety precautions can be ascertained * Appropriate methods of sterilization can be applied 5. The patient's rights in accordance with the bill of rights are maintained * Patient confidentiality can be correctly applied and entrusted * Appropriate responses to the patient's needs, can be demonstrated within the ethical code of practice * Unethical and illegal professional activities are reported to the appropriate authority Five 1. Knowledge of structural limitation/variations in patient's facial features can be demonstrated * Structural limitations/variations in patient's facial head and ocular features can be accurately determined 2. Knowledge of various specialized instrumentation used in assessment of ocular measurements can be demonstrated * Knowledge of specialized instrumentation and techniques used in assessment of visual function can be utilised * Skill in the operation of specific instrumentation to obtain advanced eye measurements and function can be demonstrated 3. Knowledge of normal eye movements can be demonstrated * Assessment techniques in measurement of eye movement can be demonstrated * Knowledge of the patient's co-ordinated eye movement function can be ascertained * Techniques pertaining to assessment of co-ordinated eye movement function can be performed Six 1. Knowledge of specific measurements pertaining to the normal eye can be demonstrated * Instruments can be operated skilfully in the assessment of 'normal' parameters of visual function * Anterior structures of the eye can be ascertain to be within normal parameters * Appropriate decision making and referral can be demonstrated where abnormality is detected/suspected 2. Knowledge of function of specialised orthoptic instrumentation can be demonstrated * Specific binocular vision techniques can be utilised to assess appropriate starting points of therapy * Specific instrumentation can be utilised during the therapy programme * Knowledge/application of maintenance and follow up procedures can be shown 3. Knowledge of the specific use of various optical aids can be demonstrated * Suitability of specific optical aids or therapy programmes can be ascertained with regards to a specific patient's needs and performance * Appropriate decisions can be made regarding the continuation of use of optical aids and therapy 4. Knowledge of contact lens materials and parameters can be shown * A relevant care history can be taken * Patient's motivation and contact lens suitability can be ascertained * Skills in ascertaining the fit of various contact lens types in the patient's eye can be demonstrated * Management goals and strategies can be designed for each patient's specific contact lens wear suitability * Correct contact lens wear, insertion and removal, cleaning and maintenance procedures can be demonstrated and taught to the patient * A working knowledge of contact lenses and solutions can be maintained * Knowledge of contact lens related complications and induced pathologies can be demonstrated 5. Knowledge of ocular disease and its manifestations can be shown * Knowledge of systemic disease and its ocular manifestations can be demonstrated * Basic knowledge of laboratory tests can be shown Seven 1. Adequate knowledge of effective techniques and procedures can be demonstrated competently * A holistic approach to problem solving within an effective time frame can be shown * Effective short-term decisions regarding patients are made when the need arises * Effective long-term decision regarding patients are made when the need arises 2. Awareness of costs involved in the procurement of various machinery and stock, can be shown * Accurate assessment of the necessity of specific machinery and stock can be made within contextual demands * Knowledge of viable available financial resources can be shown and utilized appropriately * Responsibility for purchases and sales of products or services can be shown 3. Specific parameters of acceptable/unacceptable variances pertaining to optical products are known to adhered to * Routine procedures are maintained to assess the quality of products * Calibration of various instrumentation is routinely carried out 4. Awareness of economy pertaining to affordability of eyewear and related services can be demonstrated * Knowledge of correct financial management and accurately record keeping can be demonstrated * Knowledge of business protocol can be shown 5. Knowledge of relevant laws pertaining to the equity act is understood * Knowledge of correct application of labour laws can be demonstrated * The employee's rights, within the bill of rights, is known and respected/adhered to * Correct procedures can be followed in assessment of employee performance Eight 1. Use of critical and creative thinking can be applied * Problem solving with a team approach can be utilized * Relevant knowledge of the community/area can be ascertained 2. Realistic management goals and strategies can be ascertained and implemented * Consequences of decisions can be understood and accounted for 3. Simple informative pamphlets/posters can be designed and distributed on common eye diseases * Basic eye hygiene can be described and taught to patients/persons * Environmental influences on the eye and visual system can be explained simply to the patient/person * Preventative measures can be taught to allow the patient/person to maintain healthy vision function Integrated assessment: Formative and summative assessment allow for progressive mastery of skills and knowledge utilising the following methods including continuous assessment: 1. Written and oral tests and examinations 2. Projects/assignments 3. Supervised experiential and community training and performance pertaining to the qualification of the provision of eye-care with in health care to the community. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| 1. University of the North
2. Randse Afrikaanse Universiteit 3. University Durban-Westville Within the proposed optometric services career ladder, the degree will articulate vertically with that of |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| Criteria are those to meet SERTEC requirements
Professional Board for optometry and Dispensing Opticians, under the Health Professions Council of South Africa Overviewed by the South African Optometric Association |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| Criteria are those to meet SERTEC requirements
Assessors must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa Assessors should be actively involved in either optometric education, optometric practice or industry and should have a working knowledge of the minimum standards required to obtain the qualification |
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
| As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2009; 2012; 2015. |
| 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: |
| 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. |