Doctor of Optometry

Purpose

The qualification is intended to provide the country with learners who have specialised holistic scholarship and well-developed research and practical skills in a specialised field and can therefore serve the community in a variety of important ways, in both the public and private sectors. Learners will master skills in all aspects of the research method including the identification of a problem, literature review, project planning, data collection and analysis, report writing and oral presentation of results. The learner will engage with a specialisation within a particular field of optometry through an original contribution that advances the frontiers of knowledge. In so doing, the learner will lead research and will be able to engage with a variety of audiences to advance the speciality and contribute to advances in society.

Rationale

In order to advance the National Development plan for health care, new solutions that are effective, of quality and of reasonable costs need to be developed to ensure the upliftment of health, particularly for eye health and vision, within all communities within South Africa, its surrounds and further afield. Research knowledge and skills are important to advance the field of Optometry, and its sub-disciplines, in order to provide solutions to common and complex problems relating to eye health and vision and to provide for a cadre of leaders in the Optometry field locally, nationally and at an international level.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to access the qualification where the admission requirements do not relate directly to the disciplinary area, but where a multi-disciplinary approach can be applied. Appropriate assessment tasks and tools are designed to assess individual learners against the admission requirements on a case-by-case basis, with detailed records maintained.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master's Degree in Optometry, Level 9.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

• Thesis (Optometry), 360 Credits.

1. Plan, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research with scholarly integrity.
2. Make a contribution through original research in an Optometry discipline that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work, which merits national or international refereed publication.
3. Conduct critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas applicable to Optometry.
4. Communicate with peers, the larger scholarly community and with society in general, about own areas of expertise.
5. Promote, within academic and professional contexts, technological, social or cultural advancement in a knowledge-based society.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Research question or hypothesis is relevant and structured in alignment with the research conducted.
• Literature review contains appropriate depth, is relevant and contemporary, and is contextualised to support the research.
• Research design and methodology used is appropriate to answer the research question.
• Sample size and methods for research, where applicable is appropriate.
• Research design, methodology and the critique and reflection thereof are sufficient to provide an accurate analysis, interpretation, and substantiation of results.
• Ethical considerations have been applied to all aspects of the research, interpretation and the writing of the report, including plagiarism.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• A high level of research capability making a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of the discipline and field of Optometry.
• Research is relevant to the field of Optometry.
• The work is of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication.
• A Learner is able to supervise and evaluate the research of others in the area of Optometry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Applies a broad and specialised knowledge of the field of Optometry and associated areas to address complex practical and theoretic problems in creative and innovative ways.
• Critique of new knowledge and emerging trends within the discipline of Optometry is relevant.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Discuss ideas and interests in an articulated manner, using appropriate discourse to a variety of audiences.
• Present results and findings to the larger scholarly community in oral or written formats.
• Participate in debates and arguments within the Optometry sector for the advancement of the discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Argue concepts and ideas logically, based on evidence and factual information in Optometry, to contribute towards the social well-being of the community and Nation at large.
• Play a national and international advocacy role in sustainable development of the Optometry Health Science sector.

Integrated Assessment

Learning and assessment are integrated throughout this qualification due to the outcomes being a research thesis. The thesis is assessed in accordance with the exit level outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes integrated assessment which assesses the learners' ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are represented by the exit-level outcomes of the qualification. Evaluation of learner performance to demonstrate applied competence; and criterion-referenced assessment, is clearly explained to and understood by the learners.