The Bachelor of Optometry (Hons) at UCSI is a 4 year curriculum that consist of : Health science, Vision science, Ocular disease, Systemic disease, Optics, Binocular Vision, Low Vision, Contact Lens and Clinical trainings and postings.
Definition
Optometrists are primary health care providers and they are the first point of professional contact for people experiencing problems with their eyes or have difficulty seeing. Optometrists play a unique role in providing accessible and vital eye care to the community.
Optometrists are experts in the optics of lenses, eye health and visual performance. They assess, diagnose and manage ocular diseases, injuries and disorders across a wide range of patients. Optometrists prescribes spectacles, contact lenses and devices for the visually impaired. They are also contribute to the community via community outreach programmes.
Registration
Optometrists are registered health professionals. In order to practise optometry, a university degree in optometry must be undertaken. All optometrist in Malaysia must be registered with the Malaysian Optical Council.
Optometrists Basic range of clinical skills
Refraction: Measuring the optics of the eye
Binocular vision tests: Testing the co-ordination of the two eyes as a team
Ophthalmoscopy: Internal examination of the eye for eye disease
Slit lamp biomicroscopy: External, detailed examination of the eye
Tonometry: Measuring the pressure of the eyeball
Optical Dispensing: Supply and management of spectacles and contact lens
Occupational health Consultation
Specialization in Optometrists includes : contact lens, vision therapy, binocular vision, low vision, sports vision, children’s vision, occupational health, consultants in industry.
Career prospects
1. Hospitals – private or government
2. Independent private practice
3. Partnership or group practice
4. Academia in Private/Public Universities
5. Research projects through funding/grants
6. Retail optical stores
7. Manufacturers of Ophthalmic Products
8. Military hospital/clinic
9. Consultants for insurance companies and industrial safety programs
10. Ministry of Health/WHO officer
11. Community Health Clinics/ Association for the Blind
Professional pathway for optometrists
1. The optometrist with degree in Bachelor of Optometry have the option to further theirs studies by doing Masters /PhD degrees or the Doctor of Optometry (OD) – 4 year course
2. With an advance degree, they can choose a career in academics by being a lecturer for a public/private university. They can also conduct research by obtaining grants from the Ministry of Health or any other organizations.
3. The Masters in Optometry (local or international universities) is done by coursework/ research and the PhD in Optometry or any Medical Sciences related discipline (local or international universities) is by research.
The benefits of being an optometrist
A noble and respectable position in the community as a health care professional.
The opportunity to be self-employed, either as a partner or a sole practitioner.
Substantial monetary remuneration, particularly owning or part-own a practice.
4. Relatively easy to obtain employment.
Comfortable working conditions.
Have the opportunity to attend congresses to interact with peers and learn about new developments in the profession.
The ability to work as an optometrist in overseas countries.
The chance to help the less fortunate with participation in eye outreach programs.
Great satisfaction in helping patients overcome vision problems.
The importance to increase number of optometrists :
1. Good income potential and business opportunities as the eye care industry is a multi-million dollar industry and has huge potential for exponential growth.
2. The world population is growing older and there will be more baby boomers who will reach retirement age. By this time, the population of the older generation will increase and there will be tremendous opportunities for eye care products and services as this generation will seek high quality products to meet their eye care needs.
3. The world population is getting smarter and more health conscious on their eye conditions. Therefore they will seek eye care services and eye examinations to ensure that their eye is in top health condition.
4. Children who cannot read or write may need the help of an optometrist.
5. There is a rise in visual impairment due to cataract, diabetic and glaucoma and needs to be detected in the community.
6. Longer life expectancy of the population results in more eye diseases and systemic diseases so the role of optometrists is crucial.
7. Increase in refractive error; myopia, early presbyopia and astigmatism.
8. Replacement of retiring optometrists.
9. Shortage of optometrist in the market to cater for 30 million population of Malaysia. At present only 1 optometrist meets the eye care needs of 20,000 people in the community. We need to increase the number of optometrists in Malaysia by two thirds in the next 5 years so that 1 optometrist is serving 7000 people.
10. The regulation of the eye care industry states that every optical outlet needs to have a registered optometrist at the premise (Optical Act 1991).
Why study in UCSI ?
1. Lecturers are well trained from local and international universities.
2. Teaching methods are lectures, tutorials, laboratory, clinical sessions at internal and external settings, focused sessions and hands on approach.
3. Sophisticated optometry equipments and instruments for clinical labs and training.
4. Well equipped pre-clinical labs and clinical examination rooms for student practical sessions and clinics.
5. Retail outlet by industry partner for training of future optometrists.
6. Opportunity to contribute to society and obtain experience by working with the community in outreach programs (orphanage, schools, old folks home).
7. Opportunity to do research in UCSI and collaborations with other universities.
8. Clinical postings in the public and private hospitals/ retail outlets to ensure students are exposed to real life patients and eye conditions while getting hands on training from the experts (ophthalmologists, clinical optometrists, retail optometrists).
9. Participate in public health campaigns and health care promotions (eye care awareness and intervention) to the community.
10. Opportunity to meet a wide range of patients that comes to the UCSI examination clinics to add value to the learning experience.
The entry requirements are :
Minimum of 3 credits and 2 must be from Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics in SPM or its equivalent, including pass in English.
STPM or Science Matriculation with minimum of 2.50 CGPA or its equivalent.
Foundation in Science with minimum 2.50 CGPA.
Diploma in Science, Health science, Opticianry or any health related field.
Canadian Matriculation Programme or its equivalent.
A Levels with minimum 3 credits.
The English requirements are : Distinction (A+ / A / A-) in English Language at SPM/UEC level; MUET Band 5; OR A score of 213 (computer-based) / 550 (written-based) / 80 (internet-based) in TOEFL; OR Band 5.5 in IELTS.
With the above explanation, I urge you to consider Optometry as a study choice because of the tremendous opportunities available and the potential for career growth. Do contact me for further questions @ 012 3262 108
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