Course Overview.
Optometry is described as a healthcare profession that is concerned with the eyes, related structures, as well as visual systems, vision information processing and vision in humans. It entails examining the eyes for visual defects and prescribing corrective lenses. Vision sciences on the other hand encompasses all studies related to vision such as how human and other living things process visual information, exploitation of visual perceptions for effective communication, how artificial systems can perform the same visual tasks as well as how visual perception works in humans. Professionals in this field can be referred to as optometrists, ophthalmic opticians among other titles. Optometrists are professionally trained to examine the eyes in order to detect defects in vision, signs of injury, ocular diseases or abnormality and problems with general health. Optometrists examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system. In their day to day work activities, these professionals diagnose and treat visual problems as well as manage diseases, injuries and other disorders associate with the eyes. They in addition prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed.
With various challenges related to the eye health, there is need to develop competent manpower for eye healthcare that will play an active role in the eye health towards the elimination of avoidable blindness globally and in particular, Kenya. This optometry education and training is the first of its kind in Kenya and across the region having been started in the year 2009. The Bachelor of Science in Optometry and Vision Sciences is therefore relatively new to the Kenyan market. The objective of the course is to equip students with skills, knowledge and ethical orientation to practice the profession of optometry in any part of the world. Emphasis is placed on training the students with the highest level of integrity, proficiency & professionalism in eye care thereby preparing students for professional practice at the leading edge of this rapidly evolving health care profession. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will have acquired the necessary skills and be able to apply comprehensive knowledge of anatomical and physiological concepts of the eye to effectively participate in eye care through examining eyes for both vision and health problems and correct refractive errors by prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses among other services.
Entry Qualifications.
For self sponsored students, at least a mean grade of C+ in KCSE. For Government sponsored students, the minimum cut point which is announced annually applies. The students should in addition have good performance in the following cluster subjects; Subject 1 BIO, Subject 2 CHE, Subject 3 MAT A or PHY, Subject 4 ENG/KIS or 3rd GROUP II or any GROUP III or any GROUP IV or any GROUP V.
Becoming an optometrist
If you’re interested in the health profession and want the chance to improve people’s health especially through eye care, then pursuing this course might be a good choice for you. In addition, you should be prepared to develop skills that can help you grow and succeed in this field.
Optometrists should have good communication skills to be able to clearly explain eye care instructions to their patients as well as answer patients’ questions. They must also have a high sense of accuracy in their work to ensure the glasses and other eye products are useful to the patients. Since technology keeps on changing, optometrists must be able to adapt to new techniques and instruments. Optometrists should also have the ability to explain ideas and instructions to children.
Good interpersonal skills are equally important as these professionals spend much of their time examining patients and must be able to help their patients feel at ease. Optometrists must be able to evaluate the results of a variety of diagnostic tests and decide on the best course of treatment for a patient; this requires these professionals to have good decision making skills.
Work environment.
Optometrists work in various environments such as doctors’ offices, retail stores, outpatient clinics and hospitals among other areas.
Career opportunities
Career opportunities available to optometrists can be found in hospitals, community health centres, colleges & universities, optical shops, research with commercial glass and lens manufacturers, nongovernmental organizations among other health care establishments. Graduates can also use their creativity and start their own businesses.
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