School of Health Care Sciences

Department of Optometry

For decades, Africans have relied on eye care professionals from UL – get your career going

In South Africa, optometry is a primary healthcare profession that is an essential component of the public healthcare system.

School of Health Care Sciences

An optometrist is a primary health care professional whose responsibilities include performing eye examinations on patients to detect visual errors in order to provide clear, comfortable, and effective vision; correcting errors of refraction and related factors by providing spectacles, spectacle lenses, spectacle frames, and the supply and fitting of contact lenses to members of the public; and maintaining the patient’s vision (South African Government Gazette No. 3).

To be considered for admission, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and an APS score of at least 27. The minimum required points for each subject are as follows: English (4), Mathematics (5), Physical Science (5), Life Sciences (5), and other Level 4 subjects, with the exception of Life Orientation.

The Department is well on its way to becoming a premier department within the School of Health Care Sciences. It strives to train and produce eye health practitioners who address community needs through health promotion, curative, supportive, and rehabilitative measures.

Dr Sukati received his undergraduate degree in optometry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in 2008. He was recruited as a resident optometrist, where he was responsible for clinical supervision and lecturing to optometry students. He was also a member of the team that was involved in Ocular Disease Certificate training for optometrists in South Africa.

Core values and services

The core ethical values and standards required of healthcare practitioners include the following:

  • Respect for persons – Healthcare practitioners should respect patients as persons and acknowledge their intrinsic worth, dignity, and sense of value.
  • Best interests or well-being – non-maleficence healthcare practitioners should not harm  – or act against the best interests of – patients, even when the interests of the latter conflict with their self-interest.
  • Best interest or well-being – Beneficence is when healthcare practitioners should act in the best interests of patients even when the interests of the latter conflict with their self-interest.
  • Human rights – Healthcare practitioners should recognise the human rights of all individuals.
  • Autonomy – Healthcare practitioners should honour patients’ right to self-determination or to make their own informed choices and live their lives by their own beliefs, values, and preferences.
  • Integrity – Healthcare practitioners should incorporate these core ethical values and standards as the foundation for their character and practice as responsible healthcare professionals.
  • Truthfulness – Healthcare practitioners should regard truth and truthfulness as the basis of trust in their professional relationships with patients.
  • Confidentiality – Health care practitioners should treat personal or private information as confidential in professional relationships with patients – unless overriding reasons confer a moral or legal right to disclosure.
  • Compassion – Healthcare practitioners should be sensitive to and empathise with their patients’ individual and social needs and seek to create mechanisms for providing comfort and support where appropriate and possible.
  • Tolerance – Healthcare practitioners should respect the rights of people to have different ethical beliefs as these may arise from deeply held personal, religious or cultural convictions.
  • Justice – Healthcare practitioners should treat all
  • Professional competence and self-improvement – Healthcare practitioners should continually endeavour to attain the highest knowledge and skills required within their practice area.
  • Community – Healthcare practitioners should strive to contribute to the betterment of society in accordance with their professional abilities and standing in the community.

Services

The Optometry clinic is a centre of excellence that provides a platform for clinical training for optometry students. It is a centre for eye care that is open to all members of the public. The clinic provides various eye-care services, from general ocular examination to specialized eye care. It is fully equipped with high-tech equipment that enables specialized care.

Capacity:

The clinic has four divisions:-

  • The main clinic is situated at the VH residences (accommodating the activities for the final year students).
  • Specialised clinic situated at the VI residences (accommodating the activities of the final year students).
  • Training centre situated at G-Block (accommodating practical training for the 1st and 2nd-year students).
  • Dispensing laboratory (situated at G-Block supports the clinic and provides facilities for dispensing training).

Opening hours:

  • The Clinic operates from 08h00 to 16h00 during weekdays.
  • Works on appointment sessions.
  • It is not operational on weekends.
Teaching and Learning Methodology

The programme is delivered using multi-faceted methods of delivery that promote student-centred teaching and learning approaches. The following methods are used:

 

  1. Student-centred learning
  2. Blended learning
  3. Experiential learning
  4. Online learning
Optometry Clinic

The optometry clinic provides a platform for clinical training for optometry students and is also open to all members of the public with eye health needs. The clinic provides various eye care services from general ocular examination to specialised eye care such as low vision care, paediatric vision care, binocular vision care, and contact lens fitting. It is fully equipped with high-tech equipment that enables specialized care.

To book for an eye test click this link https://forms.office.com/r/YLsRbbA1tn or visit the VH Optometry clinic and book manually at the reception.

Our clinic schedule is as follows:

Monday (Low vision Clinic) 08h00 – 13h00hrs

Tuesday (Paediatric Clinic) 08h00 – 13h00hrs

Wednesday (Binocular Vision Clinic) 08h00 – 13h00hrs

Thursday (Contact lens Clinic) 08h00 – 13h00hrs

Friday (Ocular Disease & Management Clinic + General Clinic) 08h00 – 13h00hrs

 

 The clinic provides competitive prices in the following:

  1. Spectacles
  2. Contact Lenses and contact lenses solutions
  3. Low Vision Optical devices

NB: Consultation and Follow-up examinations are offered for free

 

Contact Us

Mr Justice Mulungwa
Clinic Coordinator
Tel: 015 268 4032
Email: justice.mulungwa@ul.ac.za

Ms Thoko Chipi
Clinic administrator
Tel: 015 268 2799
Email: thoko.chipi@ul.ac.za

Optometry Undergraduate Studies

Modules & Duration

DURATION OF THE PROGRAMME

The minimum permitted duration for the programme is 4 years and the maximum permitted duration is 6 years. This is in line with the university rules. A student may repeat a module or a year of study only once from which they will be excluded guided by the relevant university rules.

MODULES

LEVEL 1

The aim of level 1 of study is to provide a broad knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and applied scientific principles of geometrical and physical optics, and how they apply to the physical aspects of the human eye (anatomy) and vision (visual optics). Students learn the historical developments of the Optometry profession and the basic ethical principles governing the profession. 

Clinically, students begin to learn optometry procedures with interview and interpersonal skills to get the best patient problem and how to document clearly and correctly. They also learn how to conduct preliminary diagnostic tests and educate the patients/clients about prevention of eye injuries, and promotion of eye care. Finally, they gain clinical experience by acting as patients for third-level students and further participate in vision screening.

 

SUBJECTS

CODES

CREDITS

 

SEMESTER ONE

 

Gross Anatomy :Head & Neck (For BOptom)

MANT011

12

 

 

General Chemistry for Life & Health Sciences

SCHE011

12

 

Introduction to Computers

SINF011

12

 

Introduction to Psychology

HPSY011

12

 

Mathematics for Optometry

MOPM011

8

 

Optometric Theory and Practice

MOPT011

8

 

SEMESTER TWO

 

Organic Chemistry for Life & Health Sciences

SCHE012

12

 

Basic Physics 1B (for Agriculture, Health and Life sciences)

SPHY012

12

 

Cognitive And Health Psychology

HPSY012

12

 

Optometry Theory and Practice

MOPT012

8

 

Optometry Biochemistry and Nutrition

MOPB012

12

 

Visual Optics

MOPV012

8

 

LEVEL 2

The foundational knowledge of Basic Sciences continues covering the medical and optical sciences to the practice of optometry and provides in-depth study and analysis of their applications. Clinically, the second year is the gateway to clinical practice and patient care. Students are exposed to complete optometry diagnostic instruments and learn about different lens materials used in optics and how they influence vision. At the end of the year, students should be able to analyse and formulate an assessment plan, perform a comprehensive eye examination using different instruments and diagnose refrain visual problems and dispense appropriate visual/optical aids.

 They gain clinical practice by shadowing third-level students. They observe and ultimately assist in conducting examinations. They further conduct case studies by following up on the management of the patients that are referred to the campus clinic during their first-year vision screening programme.

SUBJECTS

CODES

CREDITS

SEMESTER ONE

Applied Anatomy and Physiology

MOPA 021

8

Diagnostic Ophthalmic Instruments

MOPB 021

12

Ophthalmic Lenses

MOPC 021

12

Physiology of systems for the Health Sciences I

SPIA021

16

Community Health and Health Policies

MPUA021

12

SEMESTER TWO

Diagnostic Ophthalmic Instruments

MOPA 022

12

Dispensing Optics

MOPB 022

16

Optometry General Pathology

MOPC 022

8

Introductory Medical Microbiology

MMCA022

12

Physiology of systems for the Health Sciences II

SPIA022

16

LEVEL 3

The third level introduces students to specialized optometry procedures and skills in diagnoses and clinical management of various ocular diseases and systemic diseases with ocular manifestations. Clinically students are introduced to primary eye care work under the supervision of a qualified optometrist. They are expected to combine and use knowledge and clinical skills learned and synthesize information obtained from patients to identify assessments/tests critical to the diagnosis of the patient’s eye and visual conditions. They also determine appropriate therapeutic and management options and identify any precautions and/or contradictions. They are also expected to prescribe and dispense suitable visual aids such as spectacles and contact lenses, as well as special telescopic and magnifying devices for the visually impaired. 

MODULES 

SUBJECTS

CODES

CREDITS

SEMESTER ONE

Binocular Vision

MOPA 031

8

Ethics and Jurisprudence

MOPF 031

8

Optometric Pharmacology

MOPH 031

8

Environmental and Occupational Optometry

MOPG 031

8

Contact Lens Practice

MOPB 031

8

Ocular Disease Management

MOPE 031

8

Clinical Practice I

MOPC 031

12

SEMESTER TWO

Ocular Disease Management

MOPE 032

8

Clinical Practice II

MOPD 032

12

Binocular Vision

MOPB 032

8

Contact Lens Practice

MOPC 032

8

Low Vision and Rehabilitation

MOPG 032

8

Paediatric Optometry

MOPF 032

8

Optometry Admin and Practice Management

MOPA 032

8

Research methodology and Biostatistics

MOPH 032

8

LEVEL 4

The fourth level of study is entirely devoted to clinical experiences but there also schedules didactic activities to contribute to the development of the advanced clinical competencies. The aim of the programme is for students to consolidate and advance their clinical skills. The clinical experiences puts emphasis on primary care, ocular diseases, and community outreach. The students rotate through various clinical sites including the Optometry clinic at the campus, Phelophepa train, and various hospital sites located across the province. In addition, the fourth-year students must conduct a vision research project, submit a research report, and present the research findings for approval as a requisite for graduation. The programme demands self-discipline and sense of independence and professionalism.

MODULES

SUBJECTS

CODES

CREDITS

 

Clinical Practice

MOPC 040

44

Clinical Practice

MOPD 040

44

Optometry Postgraduate Studies

The Department of Optometry offers masters (MOptom) and doctoral (DOptom) programmes in the following areas of study, depending on the availability of supervision capacity:

  1. Vision and eye health
  2. Public health optometry
  3. Clinical optometry
Research interests

The Department’s current research focuses on clinical and epidemiological eye conditions, as well as sports vision (the training of visual skills) in relation to sport performance. The Department plans to open a visual science lab in the future to strengthen clinical research.

The niche areas for the Department are:

  • Visual function
  • Ocular epidemiology
  • Systemic diseases and the eye

Postgraduate Research

  • Mapping the incidence, prevalence, and causes of avoidable blindness in communities of Limpopo Province.
  • Non communicable diseases, visual impairment, and blindness (this includes diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and nutritional deficiencies).
  • Blinding childhood conditions and diseases (this includes prematurity).
  • Improving nutrition sits at the core of global development and is central to achieving the SDGs.
  • Social and economic impacts of blinding conditions like cataract, glaucoma, diabetes and age-related macular degeneration.
  • Impaired vision and blindness and the quality of life of key populations including elderly persons.
  • Mental health and well-being of people with impaired vision and blindness.

 

Community Engagement Projects

Over the years, the Optometry Department has diligently served the community by providing public services, such as outreach programmes. The Department is involved in a variety of community engagement projects, including special schools for the blind, geriatric assessments, and eye care awareness projects, all of which are aimed at preventing or early intervention of blindness/visual impairment in schools. Screening and comprehensive assessments are carried out in nearby schools, and children who require further evaluation are referred to the University eye clinic. This is where an in-depth assessment is performed and patients who require visual devices, binocular vision exercises, contact lenses, and other services are assisted. Although only a few research projects have been conducted in the surrounding community, the Department hopes to reach a larger audience by disseminating evidence-based information about visual deficits and other eye-related conditions throughout the Limpopo Province.

Research publications

Recent research publications for the past five years

Sukati, V. N. (2024). Access to basic education: A literature review of challenges facing children living with visual impairment in Sub-Saharan Africa. British Journal of Visual Impairment, 02646196241235284.

Makgaba NT, Mathebula SD. Investigation of the unfused cross cylinder test as an alternative method for the determination of spherical distance end points. Afr Vision Eye Health 2020 79(1) a514.

Mathebula SD. Meibomian gland dysfunction: implication for dry eye disease. SA Ophthalmol J 2020 15(4) 9-13.

Makunyane PS, Mathebula SD. Comparison of amplitude of accommodation in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. SA Ophthalmol J 2021 16(1) 22-26.

Mhaleni VC, Maponya MB, Ramakatsa LND, Mahlakwana L, Mathebula SD. Interpupillary distance measurements for the African population of Polokwane in Limpopo province, South Africa. Afr Vision Eye Health 2021 80(1) a582.

Makunyane PS, Mathebula SD. Ocular manifestations of HIV and AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapy in tertiary hospital in South Africa. Afr Vision Eye Health 2021 80(1) a610

Tsotetsi AL, Mathebula SD. Comparison of phoropter and trial frame-based von Graefe heterophoria measures in non-presbyopic participants. Afr Vision Eye Health 2021 80(1) a645.

Mathebula SD. Review of the commonly used colour vision testing methods. SA Ophthalmol J 2022 17(2) 8-12.

Mathebula SD, Rubin A. Inter-examiner reproducibility for subjective refractions for an ametropic participant. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2022 7 e000954.

Mathebula SD. Latest developments on Meibomian gland dysfunction: diagnosis, treatment and management. Afr Vision Eye Health 2022 81(1) a713.

Metsing TI, Mathebula SD. Comparative analysis of Modified Thorington to the prism cover, von Graefe and Maddox rod tests. Afri Vision Eye Health 2022 81(1) a754.

Letsoalo HL, Mathebula SD. A case of severe endogenous endophthalmitis with orbital cellulitis post COVID-19. Afri Vision Eye Health 2022 81(1) a748.

Mathebula SD, Ntsoana MD. Loss of function of the Meibomian glands among HIV/AIDS individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy. Afri Vision Eye Health 2024 83(1) a866.

Mathebula SD, Mmusi-Landela L. Pathophysiology of dry eye disease and novel therapeutic agents. Afri Vision Eye Health 2024 83(1) a874.

Ramaja JR, Hansraj R. Vision and sports: An overview. Afri Vision Eye Health. 2023; 82(1), a679. https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v82i1.679.

Ramaja JR, Hansraj R. Visualization assessment and training in a group of university football players. Afri Vision Eye Health. 2024; 83(1), a819. https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v83i1.819.

Ramaja JR, Hansraj R. Visual adjustability and position of play in a group of university football (soccer) players. Afri Vision Eye Health. 2024; 83(1), a847. https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v83i1.847.

Lekganyane RM, Siziba N, Mabasa MT, Matlala L, Machipi KE, Maditsi RG, Khohomela T, Ramonyai MG, Segwati CML,

Nkoana PMW. Patterns of refractive errors and visual function in school-going children in South Africa. Afri
Vision and Eye Health. 2024;, 83(1), a845 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v83i1.845

Nkoana PMW, Mashige KP, Moodley VR. Strengthening keratoconus management systems in South African public sector facilities. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2024;83(1), a832. https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v83i1.832

Nkoana PMW. Optopreneurship for a competitive and sustainable optometry practice in South Africa. Afr Vision Eye
Health. 2024;83(1), a868. https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v83i1.86

Nkoana PMW, Mashige PK, Moodley VR. Experiences of keratoconus patients attending public eye care facilities in South Africa. Afr J Prm Health Care Fam Med. 2024;16(1), a3974. https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v16i1.3974

Nkoana PMW, Moodley VR, Mashige KP. Keratoconic patient profile and management at public sector facilities in South Africa. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2023;82(1), a780. https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v82i1.78

Nkoana PMW, Moodley VR, Mashige KP. Self-reported knowledge and skills related to diagnosis and management of keratoconus among public sector optometrists in the Limpopo province, South Africa. Afr J Prm Health Care Fam Med. 2022;14(1), a3668. https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v14i1.3668

Mashala DG. An illustration of ocular toxoplasmosis with consequent lenticular opacities and asteroid hyalosis (https://avehjournal.org/index.php/aveh/article/view/765)

Mashala DG, Nukeri B, Phaka AS, et al. The effect of 1% tropicamide on central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2024;83(1), a862. (https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v83i1.862)

Ngwenya, M.W., Mashala, D.G., Mahlatji, M.R and Mamogobo, P.M. (2024) ‘The Struggle to Be Human in the Rural Context of South Africa: Experiences and Complexities of LGBTIQA+ as They Use Social Media and Adapt to Living with Diverse Sexual Orientation,’ in Mpofu, S and Aiseng, K (ed.) Social Media and Gender in Africa: Discourses on Power and Politics of Everyday Life. United States: Rowman and Littlefield, Chapter 10

Mashala, D.G.; Ntimana, C.B.; Seakamela, K.P.; Mashaba, R.G.; Maimela, E. Sociodemographic Disparities in the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Rural South Africa: An Analysis of Gender, Age, and Marital, Employment, and Educational Status. Obesities 2024, 4, 480–490. https://doi.org/10.3390/ obesities4040038.

Mabaso R.G. A case report of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2021; 80(1): 1-8.

Sithole H.L. Understanding vernal-kerato-conjunctivitis in children. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2020; 79(1), a533. https://doi.org/10.4102/aveh.v79i1.533

Mabaso R.G, Sithole H.L. Scleral topography and its usefulness in the scleral lens fitting. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2021;80(1): 1-7.

Sukati V.N, Mashige K.P, Moodley V.R. Knowledge and practices of teachers about child eye healthcare in the public sector in Swaziland. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2021; 80(1): 1-13.

Sithole H.L. Eye health promotion-oriented policy statements in various national and provincial health policy documents in South Africa. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2021; 80(1), a597. https://doi. org/10.4102/aveh.v80i1.597.

Academic Staff
Initials & Surname Contacts Designation
Dr. V. Sukati

Tel: +2715 268 3737

Email:

velibanti.sukati@ul.ac.za

Head of the Department
Prof SD Mathebula

Tel: +2715 268 3672

Email: solani.mathebula@ul.ac.za

Professor
Mr JR Ramaja

Tel: +2715 268 3547

Email:
joas.ramaja@ul.ac.za

Senior Lecturer
Dr PMW Nkoana

Tel: +2715 268 2954

Email: pheagane.nkoana@ul.ac.za

Senior Lecturer
Mr DG Mashala

Tel: +2715 268 3799

Email: dimakatso.mashala@ul.ac.za

Lecturer
Ms MG Ramonyai

Tel: +2715 268 2219

Email: gloria.ramonyai@ul.ac.za

Lecturer
Ms AL Tsotetsi

Tel: +2715 268 2213

Email:
annah.tsotetsi@ul.ac.za

Senior Lecturer
Ms PG Matlhadisha

Tel: +2715 268 2288

Email:
phuti.matlhadisha@ul.ac.za

Lecturer
Ms CML Segwati

Tel: +2715 268 4615

Email:
lorato.segwati@ul.ac.za

Lecturer
Ms M Khan

Tel:  +2715 268 2262

Email:
mahwash.khan@ul.ac.za

Lecturer
Mrs ER Maribeng

Tel:  +2715 268 4344

Email:
ennie.maribeng@ul.ac.za

Lecturer
Mr B Masethe

Tel: +2715 268 3222

Email: benny.masethe@ul.ac.za

Lecturer
Ms B Londa

Tel: +2715 268 3222

Email: bulelwa.londa@ul.ac.za

Lecturer
Ms N Shabalala

Tel: +2715 268 4032

Email: nonkazimulo.shabalala@ul.ac.za

Clinic Supervisor
Mr M Makombela

Tel: +2715 268 4032

Email: moshe.makombela@ul.ac.za

Clinic Supervisor
Mr J Mulungwa

Tel: +2715 268 4032

Email: justice.mulungwa@ul.ac.za

Clinic Coordinator
Mr KD Masha

Tel: +2715 268 3222

Email: kamogelo.masha@ul.ac.za

Optical Dispenser
Support Staff
Initials & Surname Contacts Designation
Ms ML Makgatho

Tel: +2715 268 3222

Email: lucy.makgatho@ul.ac.za

Secretary
Ms MT Chipi

Tel: +2715 268 2799

Email: thoko.chipi@ul.ac.za

Admin Assistant
Optometry Career Opportunities

The optometry profession provides a wide range of work or employment opportunities. A person in possession of a Bachelor of Optometry degree may either be employed or open a private practice. Some of the most notable opportunities include:

  • Commercial optometry including private businesses and franchises.
  • Academic optometrist employed in university-owned practices and incubators or research institutes.
  • Corporate optometrists employed in public and private hospitals.
  • Social optometry entrepreneurs involved in social enterprises like optometry NGOs and NPOs.
  • Unconventional optometrists employed in the manufacturing and sales industry.
    Dr. V.N Sukati

    Dr. V.N Sukati

    Head of Department, Department of Optometry

    DEPARTMENT CONTACTS

    Head of Department

    Dr. V.N Sukati
    Tel: 015 268 3737
    Email: Velibanti.sukati@ul.ac.za

    Secretary

    Ms. M. Makgatho
    Tel: 015 268 3222
    Email: lucy.makgatho@ul.ac.za

    Administrative Assistant

    Ms. T.M Chipi
    Tel: (+27) 15 268 2799
    Email: Thoko.chipi@ul.ac.za