Optometry is a primary healthcare profession, dedicated to the improvement and preservation of eyesight. Optometric training includes the diagnosis and management of ocular disease, the dispensing of spectacles and contact lenses, and the management of people with special needs (children and those with low vision). Optometrists examine the eyes not only for vision problems, but for early detection of eye diseases and other abnormal systemic conditions. They also test patients for vision depth, colour perception, contrast sensitivity, and the ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. The tests performed in UCSI are comprehensive eye examinations of the internal and external eye structures that utilise accurate instruments. This enables accurate analysis of a patient’s test results that will be further utilised to develop his/her treatment plan to ensure proper eye care management. As such, the ocular management may include any of the following: prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy, managing the problems of slow learners, medications, and appropriate referral of patients when necessary.
This four-year full-time undergraduate programme provides avenues for students to have proper training in managing various eye conditions. Major emphasis is placed on understanding and managing clinical conditions related to the eye in a practical setting and courses are in-depth, challenging, and designed to significantly advance optometric clinical skills in all fields of vision care.
UNIQUE SELLING POINTS OF THE COURSE
Optometrists are high-income earners and have tremendous potential for growth, job security and satisfaction. A career in optometry is virtually stress-free and is not physically demanding. During clinical trainings, students at UCSI learn in a simulated optometric environment, practising on each other before moving on to real patients, under the supervision of experienced lecturers. This training provides procedural experiences in case history taking, performing eye examinations, employing diagnostic techniques, and applying the necessary communication skills to discuss treatment plans and options with patients.
Not all graduate studies are scientific theories; many are very practice-oriented. Students in their final year will be able to manage a practice and work with children and the elderly with a clear knowledge of healthcare laws and policies, ethics, and economics that are applicable to the field of optometry.
Qualified professional optometrists in our School will supervise students in various practical clinic sessions, including community service. It’s a good way to gain valuable exposure to the eye health needs of the public. This way, students are trained to understand the unique problems and needs of patients in different stages of life, particularly patients in nursing homes. From these experiences, the clinician will be able to manage inner city neighbourhood clinics, inmates, and institutionalised and low-income patients that otherwise wouldn’t have access to the vision care they need.
The qualified optometrist is a primary health care professional, who examines, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye, through their clinical education, training and experience. Having been trained to have broad geographical view in patient handling, optometrists are capable to provide effective primary eye and vision care services to children and the general public.
STPM with at least 2.50 CGPA or its equivalent; OR
Science Matriculation with at least 2.50 CGPA; OR
*International students holding equivalent academic qualifications but of non-English curriculum, are required to sit for the English Placement Test, which may result in the taking of the Certificate in English programme (1 to 10 months). Students who intend to pursue the above undergraduate programme directly, are advised to fulfill the above English requirements prior commencing their studies at the university.
Upon completion of the UCSI optometry programme, graduates will be able to register as optometrists with the Malaysian Optical Council (MOC), under the Optical Act 1991. The graduates will be eligible to sit for the American or Canadian optometric board examination, if they want to practice overseas. Nonetheless, job opportunities in optometry abound in Malaysia. Optometry is a lucrative profession and the prospect is excellent. The demand for optometric services is expected to remain high with the ever increasing visual demands in the modern computer-based workplaces, and the increasing life span of the global aging population.
Other unique opportunities
Source: UCSI University