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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Opticianry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99134  Bachelor of Health Sciences in Opticianry 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
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  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  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   2033-06-30  

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 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide graduates with the academic requirements that are needed for accreditation and registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Dispensing Optician. Upon successful completion of the qualification graduates will be competent to independently analyse optometric prescriptions and to apply ophthalmic and management skills in order to provide the optimum visual correction. They will also be competent to perform visual screening, and the qualification will enable graduates to maintain high standards of eye care, in order to address the eye care needs of the community. The qualification should contribute to making vision care accessible to the community by providing the learner with the necessary awareness, understanding, knowledge, skills and values to function as an independent practitioner within the eye care field.

Specifically the qualification will enable graduates to:
  • Realise their full potential and make a significant contribution to society in the field of eye care delivery.
  • Have the relevant knowledge to ensure that professional and clinical responsibilities are executed according to the relevant regulatory frameworks and national health policy.
  • Have the necessary health care skills and technologies to enable them to carry out prescription analysis and provide the required appliances for visual correction.
  • Interact consultatively in the management and delivery of appliances for visual correction, with knowledge of the minimum standards of patient care.
  • Record, maintain and secure data and patient information while adhering to appropriate medico-legal ethics, health and safety regulations and codes of conduct.
  • Manage and administer human, financial, technical and other resources to ensure optimal delivery of eye and vision care products/services.
  • Apply self-reflective learning strategies to continually improve the health care services appropriate to the specific needs of the community to ensure professional contribution to the needs of society.
  • Promote health and wellness through eye health education within the scope of the Profession.

    A significant proportion of training for Dispensing Opticians will be devoted to equipping the Dispensing Optician to function effectively within the South African public health system. This requires skills in the areas of visual screening, management and designated primary eye care functions in order to meet the demands in the public health sector. The Dispensing Optician must also be sensitive and responsive to cultural and community diversity.

    Rationale:
    The three-year professional Degree for Dispensing Opticians is based on principles and guidelines which apply to health professions education and training worldwide with due consideration of the requirements of registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

    The rationale for the qualification is to deliver Dispensing Opticians who can render a professional optical service and act as an Optical Service Manager effectively and efficiently. Dispensing Opticians either work alone, or as part of a team of professionals which may include Optometrists and Ophthalmologists. The role of the Dispensing Optician is to provide the optimum visual correction to patients and to be able to provide advice on aspects of safety and eye care in the workplace and community. The Dispensing Optician is ideally placed to function in both private and public health sectors in order to alleviate the burden of decreased vision as a result of refractive error.

    Successful completion of the qualification will bring with it enrichment of the learner through a qualification, registration with the HPCSA and opportunities to help the community in a professional health field. The Dispensing Optician is an invaluable member of the eye care team and in the management of optical services. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL may be used for "access", "advanced standing", "credit/exemption" (for informal or non-formal learning) or a combination of two or more of these purposes.

    In the case of RPL for access, which refers to candidates who do not meet the minimum formal requirements for entry into a qualification of study, due consideration will be given to the policies and procedures of the institution in order to facilitate greater access based on individual merit of the applicant.

    In the case of RPL for advanced standing or credit/exemption, where candidates may be exempted from one or more components of a qualification (e.g. a subject or module), or from specific level(s) of study at the institution (e.g. the first year of a National Diploma). Any such provisions will have to conform to the institution's RPL policy and each application must be approved by the Institution's Senate.

    Learners may achieve the qualification in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Entry Requirements:
    Admission of learners will be as follows:
  • Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with Bachelor's Degree admission.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV) passed with Bachelor's Degree admission. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5, 96 Credits:
  • Dispensing Optics 1, 16 Credits.
  • Geometric and Physical Optics, 14 Credits.
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology, 12 Credits.
  • Mathematics and Statistics, 12 Credits.
  • Physics, 12 Credits.
  • Chemistry, 12 Credits.
  • Professional Communications, 8 Credits.
  • Principles of Psychology, 10 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6, 128 Credits:
  • Physiological Optics, 20 Credits.
  • Ophthalmic Lenses 2, 18 Credits.
  • Occupational and Environmental Dispensing, 16 Credits.
  • Contact Lenses and Ocular Prosthetics, 12 Credits.
  • Practice Management 2, 14 Credits.
  • Ethics in Healthcare Research, 14 Credits.
  • Ocular Anatomy and Physiology, 18 Credits.
  • Research Methods and Statistics, 16 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7, 136 Credits:
  • Advanced Dispensing Optics, 18 Credits.
  • Practice Management and Ethics 3, 16 Credits.
  • Ophthalmic Lenses 3, 20 Credits.
  • Ophthalmic Instrumentation and Technology, 14 Credits.
  • Public Health, 14 Credits.
  • General and Ocular Pathology, 18 Credits.
  • Low Vision Dispensing, 14 Credits.
  • Research Project, 22 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Practice professional and clinical responsibilities as well as optical and allied technologies to the benefit of visually compromised patients.
    2. Apply scientific health care skills, optical and allied technologies in the interactive consultation and dispensing of optical appliances to the patient while adhering to appropriate medico-legal ethics, health and safety regulations and codes of conduct.
    3. Interact consultatively in the management, education and final dispensing of eye care products, to visually compromised patients, with knowledge of the acceptable standards of optical care.
    4. Record, maintain and secure data and patient information while adhering to appropriate medico-legal ethics, health and safety regulations and codes of conduct stated in the patient charter.
    5. Manage and administer human, technical and other resources to ensure optimal, delivery of eye and vision care products/services within the context of the public and/or private health sector.
    6. Apply self- reflexive learning strategies to continually improve the optically-related service within eye care services appropriate to the specific needs of the patient.
    7. Perform vision screening procedures in order to identify refractive problems for the purposes of referral to the appropriate eye care practitioners.
    8. A research dissertation is produced following twelve months' supervised experiential learning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Detailed ophthalmic/optical knowledge and clinical skills are demonstrated.
  • Developments in clinical knowledge, ophthalmic/optical skills and techniques and technology are evaluated for their efficacy and relevance to clinical practice.
  • New and existing procedures and techniques are applied and adapted to improve patient care.
  • Clinical experiences and discussions with professional colleagues are used to improve patient care.
  • Professional independence in ophthalmic/optical decision-making and conduct is maintained.
  • Optometric/optical services necessary for the care of the patient are provided or are initiated.
  • Information is clearly communicated to patients, patient care-givers, staff, colleagues and other professionals.
  • The various functions of and resources available from, ophthalmic/optical and other organisations are understood and utilised.
  • Familiarity with relevant State and Health Council Acts can be demonstrated.
  • Emergency facilities are organised for times when the optometrist/dispensing optician is unavailable for appropriate referral.
  • Patients who qualify for subsidised eye care schemes are advised of the services to which they are entitled and these services are made available.
  • Information on matters of visual health and welfare (including the need for regular eye examinations, and product and treatment developments are provided.
  • The demography and epidemiology of the community and the patient population are understood.
  • The diagnosis is presented according to the spectacle prescription and explained to the patient or guardian.
  • A course of management is chosen with the patient, following counselling and explanation of the likely course of the condition, case management and prognosis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Modes and methods of communication which take into account the physical, emotional, intellectual and cultural background of the patient are employed.
  • A structured, efficient, rational and ethical exchange of information between the optometrist/optician and the patient takes place.
  • Pertinent information from previous assessments by other professionals is sought and interpreted (with the patient's permission).
  • Physical and behavioural characteristics of the patient are noted and taken into account.
  • The reasons for the patient's visit are elicited in a structured way.
  • The specific occupational, social and environmental requirements for the prescription are accurately determined.
  • Information required for the prescription and patient management is elicited from the patient and/or others.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Patients requiring on-going care and review are recalled as their prescription indicates, and management is modified as indicated.
  • The patient's refraction, visual requirements and other findings are applied to dispense the spectacle prescription.
  • Contact lenses are correctly ordered and on receipt, parameters are verified before the lenses are supplied to the patient.
  • The patient is instructed in matters relating to ocular health and vision in contact lens wear, contact lens care and maintenance.
  • A range of low vision devices is demonstrated to the patient according to the prescribed specifications.
  • The patient is informed of and, if necessary, referred to other rehabilitative services.
  • The prescription is correctly interpreted and responsibility for dispensing is accepted.
  • The patient is assisted in selecting the visual correction.
  • The appliance is adjusted and delivered and the patient is instructed in the proper use and maintenance of the appliance and of any adaptation effects, which may be expected.
  • The need for referral to other professionals for assessment and/or treatment is recognised and discussed with the patient.
  • Visual screening for occupational or other purposes is provided.
  • Automated technology is used on instruction from the Optometrist/Ophthalmologist, including, but not limited to:
    > Non-contact tonometer.
    > Visual Field Analyser.
    > Automated Keratometer/Corneal topographer.
    > Autorefractor.
    > Fundus Camera.
  • Pre-operative advice, if working with Ophthalmologist, is provided.
  • Appropriate referral for further post-operative treatment or assessment of complications is arranged.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • All relevant information pertaining to the patient is recorded in a format, which is understandable and is usable by the dispensing optician and his/her colleagues.
  • Patient records are kept in a readily retrievable format and are physically secure.
  • Information from patient records and/or obtained from patients are released only with the consent of the patient.
  • Relevant knowledge of professional ethics are shown and patient's rights to quality care are protected.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • A holistic approach to problem solving within an effective time frame is shown.
  • Effective short and long term decisions regarding patients are made when the need arises.
  • Accurate assessment of the need for specific machinery and stock are made within contextual demands.
  • Detailed knowledge of financial management required to run an independent practice is understood.
  • Specific parameters of acceptable/unacceptable variances pertaining to optical products are known and adhered to.
  • Routine procedures are maintained to assess the quality of products.
  • Calibration of practice instrumentation is routinely carried out.
  • Sound knowledge of business/practice management is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of the relevant laws for managing a small business such as South African Revenue Service (SARS) regulations and the VAT (Value Added Tax) Act is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Realistic management goals and strategies are ascertained and implemented.
  • Consequences of decisions are understood and accounted for.
  • Simple informative pamphlets/posters on common eye diseases are designed and distributed.
  • Basic eye hygiene is described and taught to patients/persons.
  • Environmental influences on the eye and visual system are explained to the patient/person.
  • Preventative measures to allow the patient/person to maintain healthy vision function are taught.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Knowledge of patient's visual condition is correctly demonstrated.
  • Knowledge and understanding of ocular anatomy and ocular pharmacology is demonstrated.
  • A knowledge and understanding of normal and abnormal development of vision and refractive errors are demonstrated.
  • A knowledge and understanding of ocular disease is applied.
  • Snellen Visual Acuity is accurately determined in order to refer the patient appropriately, if necessary.
  • Plus lens is used to determine presence of hyperopia and to refer appropriately.
  • Pinhole is used to determine reduced acuity due to refractive error or pathology/amblyopia in order to refer appropriately.
  • The vision condition is explained to the patient for the purpose of referral for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Screening results are correctly recorded and referral letters appropriately compiled.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Optical Prescription and Device verification are described.
  • Fabrication and repair of Optical Devices are conducted.
  • Prescription analysis and interpretation are explained.
  • Properties of ophthalmic materials and special optical appliances are analysed.
  • Dispensing and fitting an ophthalmic prescription are conducted.
  • Prescribed case studies are completed according to criteria for each sub-category.
  • Evidence of cases is correctly interpreted.
  • Relevant measurements/data are considered.
  • Appropriate appliance/lens design is provided.
  • Adequate rationale is provided for dispensing the appliance/prescription.
  • A Research proposal and mini-dissertation are presented.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification includes a range of formative and summative assessment methods to determine the learner's applied competences. The specific methods of assessment will vary according to the subject matter to be assessed and will be appropriate to theoretical or clinical/practical competence. Accordingly, the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Opticianry will include assessments in line with University's policy. In addition integrated assessments may take the form of:
  • A portfolio of Evidence (a collection of evidence relating to provide proof of having achieved a set of outcomes.
  • Workplace/clinical assessment (conducted and assessed in the workplace/clinic according to a set of predetermined outcomes, criteria and guidelines).
  • Oral assessments (conducted for learning areas that require a practical demonstration of competence).
  • Observations (conducted to provide evidence of practical competence in a learning area).
  • Class presentations, performances and/or visual artefacts (in learning areas that require a demonstration of ability to communicate in nonverbal forms. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This type of qualification is not offered in South Africa or in any African country at present so the development of the qualification entailed a comparison against overseas qualifications of a similar nature. This BHSc Opticianry has been compared to international degrees and is similar in purpose.

    Durham Technical Community College in North Caroline in the United States of America offers a two-year Opticianry programme, namely the Associate in Applied Science in Opticianry. The Opticianry qualification teaches the learner to become an Optician. Opticians receive lens prescriptions from Eye Doctors, determine the size and style of eyeglasses desired by the customer make lenses and cut them to fit into an eyeglass frame, and adjust finished glasses to fit the customer. The graduate acquires competencies in all phases of opticianry, including surfacing which consists of blocking, fining, polishing, and inspecting both plastic and glass single-vision/multifocal lenses; bench work, which includes edging, hand bevelling, safety bevelling, heat treating, chemical tempering, tinting, and mounting lenses; and dispensing, which includes measuring, adapting, and fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses to the patient. Upon completion the graduate satisfies the formal educational requirements necessary to qualify for the licensing examination given by the North Carolina State Board of Opticians.

    The Baker College in New York offers the Opticianry Associate Degree. It has been developed with the guidance of employers in the field. Learners are trained Opticians as eye care professionals who dispense, adjust, and repair eyewear that helps people see more clearly. They analyse and interpret optical prescriptions; help customers select and fit the frames, contact lenses, or other optical devices that are best for their needs; and place the order. The qualification prepares learners as prescribed by the industry. The qualification consist of classwork and hands-on training in using the newest technology and tools, how to read optical prescriptions, take precise measurements and to fit eyewear properly. Graduates are fully prepared to sit for the national certification exam.

    The Dublin Institute of Technology in Ireland offers a Bachelor of Science (Ophthalmic Dispensing) at Level 7. The three year qualification equips learners with knowledge on how to take facial and frame measurements, make spectacle adjustment and repairs, order lenses from prescription houses, check frames and lenses to ensure they meet the required specifications. Learners also learn about different lens designs such as bifocals and progressive lenses and they learn about coatings and tints.

    Other institution from other counties such as the RMIT University in Australia offers a Certificate in Optical Dispensing. The two year qualification is not at the same level with the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Opticianry. However the focus of the qualification is to assist learners acquire knowledge in the interpretation of ophthalmic prescriptions and to provide patients with advice on spectacle frames, lens selection, contact lenses, sunglasses and safety eyewear. Though the qualification is at a lower level its focus is similar to this qualification.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares with international qualifications in terms of purpose and core content. However, the duration of the qualifications are not the same. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both the vertical and horizontal articulation possibilities:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences in other fields, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Community Eye Health, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Health Services Management, Level 8. 
    		•

    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. Cape Peninsula University of Technology 


    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.