Bachelor of Optometry (Honours)

  Institution: International Islamic University Malaysia

Optometrist are primary health-care specialists trained to examine the eyes for defects in sight, ocular diseases and problems related to general health. They also trained to fit and supply optical appliances such as spectacles, contact lenses and low vision aids. Optometrists are responsible for detection, diagnosis and management of ocular diseases and the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system. They provide primary eye care responsible for ocular and ophthalmic referrals to the secondary care services. An optometrist examines the visual system to establish its state of health and to provide, if necessary, an optical correction to optimize visual performance.

Programme Description

Career Opportunities

The majority of optometrists are independent primary care general optometric practitioners, some practice part-time or full time in hospital eye departments and others are active in research and teaching. The development of the scope of optometric practice includes proposals for optometrist to carry out some functions currently in secondary care sector. The knowledge and skills obtained allow a graduate to enter a career in all areas of optometry such as: Clinical Optometrist, Community Optometrist, Optometrist in Retail Optical Stores, Education and Research, Consultant in Private Practice, Consultant in Tertiary Healthcare, Consultant in Business or Business Communication, Specialized Optometry Care, Optometrist in Military and Security Services.

Entry Requirements

The general academic requirements for admission into undergraduate degree programmes of IIUM are as follows:

A pass in the IIUM Matriculation Centre’s final examination with a CGPA of not less than 2.0 and fulfillment of all other requirements for promotion to the first year of undergraduate study

OR Three principal passes, or ‘C’ grades in the STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia) examination,

OR Three principal passes in the GCE ‘A’ level examination,

OR Any other certificate that is recognised by the Senate as equivalent to one of the above.

Language Requirements

Depending on the programme of study, instruction at IIUM is carried in English and/or Arabic. Applicants wishing to pursue studies in programmes taught in English must obtain:

• A score of 550 in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or
• 6.0 points in the test administrated by the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS)
• If they do not have either of these qualifications, applicants may sit for the IIUM-administered English Placement Test (EPT), in which they must obtain at least 6.0 points to fulfill the requirement.
• Applicants interested in programmes taught in Arabic must obtain an exemption after sitting for the IIUM-administered Arabic Placement Test (APT).

Applicants who are unable to submit satisfactory results in any of the tests above may take up language proficiency courses at the university to fulfill the admission requirements.

Other Requirements

If deemed necessary, applicants may also be required to attend an interview and/or take an entrance test conducted by the Board of Admissions.

Undergraduate Intake Schedule

The details of the undergraduate intakes are as follows:

A complete application should consist of the following items:

• A complete, signed application form; and
• Certified true Copy of Transcripts / Higher School Certificate (HSC) / GCE ‘A’ Level or equivalent; or
• Certified true Copy of GCE ‘O’ Level or equivalent; and Recommendation Letter (at least one form the authority bodies); and
• Applicant’s Financial Statement and/or
• Undertaking Letter; or
• Applicant’s Undertaking or Sponsorship Letter from the Government (for MBBS, Dentistry & Pharmacy applicants)

Source: International Islamic University Malaysia