The course, Level l & ll, is aimed at producing well trained, motivated, efficient and confident role players in the care of ophthalmic patients. The course is also designed to provide training for ancillary ophthalmic personnel.
Level l will introduce relatively inexperienced personnel to the basic concepts of an ophthalmic practice, while Level ll will enhance your prior knowledge and practical skills in taking care of an ophthalmic patient.
The Ophthalmic Assistant course is an approved course moderated through the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa (OSSA), and presented as means of enhancing quality care in ophthalmic patients. Pretoria Eye Institute plays a crucial role in the administration of the course which includes the development and dispatching of the study material, the co-ordination and evaluation of the assignments and Final Assessment papers.
It is a distant short learning programme with a theoretical and practical component. The theory entails notes which you will have to work through as well as a compulsory assignment to be handed in on a specific required date - with no postponement. The practical section of this course entails the application of your knowledge and skills. A required list of practical skills will be provided, which must be completed and signed off by you the student as well as witnessed by an ophthalmologist or senior practice manager.
LEVEL 1 (BASIC COURSE) |
Consist of 9(nine) study units with a total of 240 recommended study hours |
|---|---|
| Study Unit 1 | Terminologies used in Ophthalmology The Ophthalmic multi-disciplinary team |
| Study Unit 2 | Anatomy and physiology of the eye |
| Study Unit 3 | Mechanisms of eye diseases and injuries |
| Study Unit 4 | Preliminary eye examination |
| Study Unit 5 | Ocular emergencies and special need patients |
| Study Unit 6 | Low Vision |
| Study Unit 7 | Ethics in Ophthalmology |
| Study Unit 8 | Office and consulting room efficiency |
| Study Unit 9 | Care and maintenance of ophthalmic equipment and instruments |
| Duration of Course (Level 1) | 3 (THREE) months |
| Enrolment (Level 1) The programme has 2 (TWO) intakes for 2024 and will commence on the following dates: |
Intake 1: Registration:1 January 2024 - 28 February 2024 Course duration:1 April 2024 - 30 June 2024 Final Assessment:5 July 2024 Assignment: Date will be communicated to the student via email. Intake 2: Registration:1 May 2024 - 30 June 2024 Course duration:1 August 2024 - 31 October 2024 Final assessment:1 November 2024 Assignment: Date will be communicated to the student via email. |
| Requirements (Level 1) | - Work in an ophthalmic practice OR - Work in an ophthalmic environment under the supervision of an Ophthalmologist who will evaluate your practical skills. - Internet access for communication purposes, tutorial letters and completion of assignments. |
| Fees 2024 (Level 1) | R4 270.00 incl VAT Fees include the following: - Administration - Study guide of course - Courier costs (Only applicable for students within South African borders. Students outside South African borders will be for their own account) - Certificate of Competence(after successful completion of the course) |
LEVEL 2 (ADVANCED COURSE) |
Comprises of 9 (NINE) study units with a total of 480 recommended study hours. |
|---|---|
| Study Unit 1 | Ophthalmic Pharmacology |
| Study Unit 2 | Microbiology |
| Study Unit 3 | History taking of the ophthalmic patient |
| Study Unit 4 | Preliminary examination of the eye. |
| Study Unit 5 | Refractive errors |
| Study Unit 6 | Common eye disorders |
| Study Unit 7 | Systemic diseases and ocular manifestations |
| Study Unit 8 | Assistance with minor surgical procedures in the consulting rooms |
| Study Unit 9 | The ophthalmic patient |
| Duration of Course(Level 2) | 6 (SIX) months |
| Enrolment (Level 2) The programme will only have 1 (ONE) intake for 2024 and will commence on the following date: |
Registration: 1 February 2024 - 31 March 2024 Course duration: 1 May 2024 - 31 October 2024 Final Assessment:1 November 2024 Assignment: Date will be communicated to the student via email. |
| Requirements (Level 2) | - Successful completion of Level 1 - Work in an ophthalmic practice OR - Work in an ophthalmic environment under the supervision of an Ophthalmologist who will evaluate your practical skills. - Internet access for communication purposes, tutorial letters and completion of assignments. |
| Fees 2024 (Level 2) | R4 630.00 incl VAT Fees include the following: - Administration - Study guide of course - Courier costs (Only applicable for students within South African borders. Students outside South African borders will be for their own account) - Certificate of Competence(after successful completion of the course) - Ophthalmic Assistant badge (only after successfully completing Level 2) |
| Assessment One(I) Assignment Formal assessment (Theoretical and Practical skills) in the comfort of your practice under the supervision of your ophthalmologist/practice manager |
Calculation of marks (Level 1 & 2) the following framework will be used: Assignment mark: 100% Practical mark: 100% Theoretical mark: 100% In order to pass the Ophthalmic Assistant course Level 1 and 2 you must obtain a minimum mark of 50% in both the theoretical and practical final assessment. A Supplementary Assessment can be written once with a result of 40% - 49%. Should you be unsuccessful in passing the supplementary assessment, you will have to repeat the course with the next enrolment. |
| Language |
- English |
| Acknowledgement for the completion of the course: |
Certificate of Competence (OSSA approved) |
| How to register for this course: | Complete the online registration form and submit
Send proof of payment to the following: training@eyeinstitute.co.za For more information contact: Soekie Wybenga Contact details: 012 427 0178 or training@eyeinstitute.co.za |
Contact Details - Course Administrators |
|
|---|---|
| Soekie Wybenga Administrative Officer Training Department Tel no: 012 427 0178 |
Augusta Pretorius Course Co-ordinator Training Department Tel no: 012 427 0207 |
| E-mail address: training@eyeinstitute.co.za | |
| Banking Details Bank: Standard Bank Branch: 012345 Account: OVSA/ OSSA Business account Type: Cheque account Account no: 012791962 Reference: Name of student & OA1 or OA2 |