Members of the Health Professions Council of South Africa, led by Yurisa Naidoo, Chairperson of the Board of Optometry and Dispensing Opticians (right), inspect optometry clinic equipment during their visit to evaluate the UL Optometry programme. Photos: Reuben Maake
By Reuben Maake – reuben.maake@ul.a.za
The University of Limpopo (UL) is dedicated to providing high-quality and relevant healthcare academic programmes through mandatory accreditation reviews every five years
This process ensures that UL’s academic programmes remain aligned with the evolving demands of the healthcare landscape.
This year, the Bachelor of Optometry programme in the Faculty of Health Sciences underwent its required Accreditation Review by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The review team, led by Yurisa Naidoo, Chairperson of the Board of Optometry and Dispensing Opticians within the HPCSA, visited UL to evaluate the programme’s effectiveness in addressing current eye care challenges, its teaching methodologies, and its overall relevance to the needs of the South African population.
During the review, the delegation toured facilities utilised by students, including the University’s library, the Student Health and Wellness Centre, hospitals where students undergo their practical training, lecture halls, and the optometry clinic. These facilities are integral to the programme, providing students with hands-on experience in both academic and community-based settings.
Dr Velibanti Sukati, Head of the Department of Optometry at UL, emphasised the importance of the accreditation process, noting that the University first began offering the optometry programme in the 1970s. “This review is vital for ensuring we maintain the high standards of education and training. We are optimistic that we will receive another five years of accreditation, and we welcome constructive feedback on areas where we can improve,” Dr Sukati said.
University representatives taking the Health Professions Council of South Africa into confidence during the council’s visit to evaluate the optometry programme.
The Optometry Clinic plays a central role in the programme’s success, offering eye care services to the local community. Dr Sukati highlighted the diverse services provided, such as low vision services on Mondays, pediatric clinic ( for children) on Tuesdays, binocular vision and contact lens assistance on Wednesdays, and general public eye care on Fridays. Additionally, the clinic collaborates with the University’s Reakgona Disability Centre, further strengthening its commitment to accessible healthcare.
Dr Sukati also lauded the collaboration with local hospitals, which offer students exposure to the professional environment and enhance their clinical skills. “We are confident our students receive top-notch training, both through the curriculum and practical experience. The state-of-the-art equipment we use in the clinic ensures our students are prepared for the realities of the workplace,” he added.
A significant part of the review process included interviews with students, postgraduates, and alumni from the optometry programme, providing insights into the impact of the training and its alignment with industry needs.
Professor Mamare Bopape, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, reflected on the programme’s long-standing contribution to South Africa’s eye care sector. “Since its inception in the 1970s, UL’s optometry programme has had a profound impact, particularly in rural communities. Our graduates can be found in nearly every township, ensuring that quality eye care is accessible across the country. The programme’s continued accreditation is vital for sustaining this legacy,” she said.
