A career in this field will offer you the perfect balance between working with people, and modern scientific technology. As an Optician, you will interpret and dispense prescriptions for ophthalmic devices in order to correct defects of vision. The work also entails eye health promotion, as well as laboratory quality management.
YOU WILL LIKE THIS IF
YOU WILL STUDY AT
YOU WILL STUDY FOR
You have strong analytical and communication skills, enjoy working with and helping people, have high accuracy and attention to detail, are curious towards ever changing optical technologies, and are able to work under pressure
District Six Campus
Three years, full-time
WHAT YOU NEED
Minimum Admission Requirements
National Senior Certificate (Umalusi, Grade 12) with a Bachelors pass:
• English Home Language or First Additional Language (4)
• Mathematics (4); or Mathematical Literacy (5)
• Physical Sciences (4)
• Life Sciences (4)
The department utilises an Admission Point Score (APS) as selection criteria once your minimum admission requirements are satisfied. You therefore have to score a minimum of 32 on the APS; however, due to limited placements, candidates with higher APS scores will receive placement preference and those with lower scores will be wait-listed. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
DISCLAIMER
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Information is subject to change, based on approval and accreditation of HEQSF aligned qualifications during 2024/2025. Admission requirements may therefore differ between the existing qualification and the HEQSF aligned qualification. Please consult the CPUT website or Faculty for updated information. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this brochure; however the University reserves the right at any time, if circumstances require, to make changes to any of the published details.
YOUR SUBJECTS
First year
• Ophthalmic Lenses & Dispensing 1
• Geometric & Physical Optics 1
• Human Anatomy & Physiology 1
• Chemistry 1
• Physics 1
• Maths & Statistics 1
• Professional Communications 1
• Principles of Psychology
Third year
• Advanced Dispensing Optics 3
• Ophthalmic Lenses 3
• Low Vision Dispensing 3
• Ophthalmic Instrumentation & Technology 3
Second year
• Occupational & Environmental Dispensing 2
• Ophthalmic Lenses & Dispensing 2
• Physiological Optics 2
• Contact Lenses & Ocular Prosthetics 2
• Practice Management 2
• Ocular Anatomy & Physiology 2
• Ethics in Healthcare Research 2
• Research Methods & Statistics 2
• General & Ocular Pathology 3
• Public Health 3
• Practice Management & Ethics 3
• Research Project 3
Your on-the-job training
This includes work-directed theoretical learning, problembased case studies and project-based industry and community learning. The department will ensure that clinical and technical training opportunities are available on a number of platforms, including clinics, labs and the Phelophepa Healthcare train.
Workplace-based learning takes place throughout the three years of the course, and both departmental and external training opportunities will be available for student practical and clinical training. You will be required to compile a 120-patient case portfolio, and pass a final qualifying examination before meeting the professional board requirements.
YOUR FUTURE SELF Future
studies
The department is in the process of developing additional courses; a number of postgraduate diplomas exist in the faculty, institution and other Universities which could enhance the academic path of our BHSc: Opticianry graduates.
Future industries
Opticians may work in the private or public health care sector, or else work in the wholesale industry in optical laboratories
Future career
With this qualification, you will register with the HPCSA and may open your own dispensing practice. Work independently, or as part of a team of professionals, including optometrists and ophthalmologists.
Graduate Opticians are equipped to render professional ophthalmic services in private and public health sectors. You may manage and administer human, financial, technical and other resources to ensure optimal delivery of eye and vision care products/ services.
Opportunities are available locally and abroad, with recognition of the professional qualification in a number of countries including the SADC community, Trinidad and Tobago, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Canada, and certain states in the USA. creating futures
HOW TO APPLY
Please note: All students are required to apply online, except for qualifications that do not cater for online applications.
ONLINE APPLICATIONS
Do you qualify to apply online?
ONLINE APPLICATIONS ARE FREE
Choose your qualification by consulting this brochure or the CPUT website
Gather your documents (i.e. certified copies less than three months old)
View or download the online application guides available on our website at www.cput.ac.za/study/apply under Step 4: Online application for information on how to apply online
Complete your application online by visiting www.cput.ac.za/study/apply and following the steps
Follow-up by getting your admission status and downloading your admission letter via the online application tracking system by visiting www.cput.ac.za/study/track
MANUAL APPLICATIONS
Do you qualify to apply manually?
NOTE ANY ADDITIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Please note: No manual posted or over the counter applications will be accepted for any course, other than the listed qualifications that do not cater for online applications.
Please note: The Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences annually receives a high volume of applications, and placement in the programmes is limited. As a result, the Faculty prioritises first-choice applications, and therefore recommends that applicants use their second- and thirdchoice application options at alternate faculties within CPUT.
