Master of Optometry

Purpose

The qualification is for the learners who wish to strengthen their knowledge and competencies and develop advanced research competence as scholars of optometry. The qualification ensures that learners exit the qualification with the required knowledge, skills and competencies of an optometry professional and scientist.

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)

Where applicants to the qualification do not meet the admission requirements as stated above, the Recognition of Prior Learning policy of the institution will be used to consider the applicants for admission to the qualification. The qualification will consider accepting optometry professionals who have been employed full-time in an optometric role at a leadership level but who do not possess an NQF Level 8 optometry qualification, but meet all the exit level requirements and have the competencies to enter into a Masters qualification through assessment via RPL. Such individual, must however have obtained a qualification in optometry at NQF Level 7 as a minimum, and demonstrate aptitude for research and enquiry. RPL will be applied appropriately through rigorous administration, assessment and appeal processes. All RPL will be conducted by RPL trained practitioners. Applicants entering through RPL may be required to take additional modules as deemed required by the institution.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Optometry or equivalent, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF Level 8 totalling 180 Credits.

• Research dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Master a theoretically sophisticated subject matter.
2. Master the skills of critical thinking, problem solving, collection and analysis of information and effective professional written and oral communication.
3. Assess, critically review and apply relevant information, in order to identify research needs.
4. Initiate, undertake and participate in all aspects of the research process.
5. Make sound ethical judgements within the field of specialty and be accountable for all decisions made.
6. Engage in lifelong learning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Conceptualise contemporary philosophical and theoretical issues in a specialised field.
• Develop specialised knowledge in a critical and comparative manner, depending on the particular field of focus within the optometry disciplinary area.
• Utilise computers for assessing, processing and retrieveing data and literature competently.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Plan and write a composite literature review on a topic using relevant and contemporary resources.
• Evaluate critically different viewpoints in order to offer a relevant opinion on a topic.
• Review literature to identify a research problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Plan and write a composite literature review on a topic using relevant and contemporary resources.
• Evaluate critically different viewpoints in order to offer a relevant opinion on a topic.
• Review the literature to identify a research problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify a research problem and pose it in a relevant manner.
• Develop a research proposal and to conduct the research under minimum supervision.
• Utilise literature in evaluation of a research topic, to develop related research question/s, and formulate the aims and objectives required to address the critical research question/s.
• Select the appropriate research design for both qualitative and quantitative research.
• Demonstrate the good understanding of different data collection methods.
• Validate data collection tools.
• Capture, clean, organise, evaluate and analyse research data.
• A working knowledge of basic statistical procedures equired for a particular problem.
• Critically discuss the findings of the study and to be able to compare them with similar studies.
• Plan and demonstrate a presentation (oral or poster) for academic purposes.
• Develop a research report, dissertation, article and abstract on the study undertaken.
• Evaluate the results of a research study and be able to translate them into appropriate and feasible recommendations.
• Apply research principles in optometry activities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Use knowledge critically to make sound ethical judgements without prejudice and to the benefit of mankind and the environment.
• Take accountability for all decisions taken and implemented.
• Be aware of the necessity regarding ethical and professional conduct within the optometry profession and adhere to at all times.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Accumulate knowledge through self-directed work within the discipline.
• Stay abreast of important innovations in the field of optometry by means of continuous education.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is conducted via research dissertation only. Learning and assessment will take place across all Exit Level Outcomes to ensure that the graduate meets all expectations of a National Qualification Framework Level 9 learner, as well as meeting the expectations of a professional of optometry and related sciences with this qualification.