UCSI University

Overview of Bachelor Of Optometry Hons in UCSI University Malaysia

Optometry is a primary healthcare profession, dedicated to the improvement and preservation of eyesight. Optometric training includes the diagnosis and management of ocular disease, the dispensing of spectacles and contact lenses, and the management of people with special needs (children and those with low vision). Optometrists examine the eyes not only for vision problems, but for early detection of eye diseases and other abnormal systemic conditions. They also test patients for vision depth, colour perception, contrast sensitivity, and the ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. The tests performed in UCSI are comprehensive eye examinations of the internal and external eye structures that utilise accurate instruments. This enables accurate analysis of a patient’s test results that will be further utilised to develop his/her treatment plan to ensure proper eye care management. As such, the ocular management may include any of the following: prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy, managing the problems of slow learners, medications, and appropriate referral of patients when necessary.

This four-year full-time undergraduate programme provides avenues for students to have proper training in managing various eye conditions. Major emphasis is placed on understanding and managing clinical conditions related to the eye in a practical setting and courses are in-depth, challenging, and designed to significantly advance optometric clinical skills in all fields of vision care.

Advantages

Optometrists are high-income earners and have tremendous potential for growth, job security and satisfaction. A career in optometry is virtually stress-free and is not physically demanding. During clinical trainings, students at UCSI learn in a simulated optometric environment, practising on each other before moving on to real patients, under the supervision of experienced lecturers. This training provides procedural experiences in case history taking, performing eye examinations, employing diagnostic techniques, and applying the necessary communication skills to discuss treatment plans and options with patients.

Not all graduate studies are scientific theories; many are very practice-oriented. Students in their final year will be able to manage a practice and work with children and the elderly with a clear knowledge of healthcare laws and policies, ethics, and economics that are applicable to the field of optometry.

Qualified professional optometrists in our School will supervise students in various practical clinic sessions, including community service. It's a good way to gain valuable exposure to the eye health needs of the public. This way, students are trained to understand the unique problems and needs of patients in different stages of life, particularly patients in nursing homes. From these experiences, the clinician will be able to manage inner city neighbourhood clinics, inmates, and institutionalised and low-income patients that otherwise wouldn’t have access to the vision care they need.

The qualified optometrist is a primary health care professional, who examines, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye, through their clinical education, training and experience. Having been trained to have broad geographical view in patient handling, optometrists are capable to provide effective primary eye and vision care services to children and the general public.

Entry Requirement of Bachelor Of Optometry Hons in UCSI University Malaysia

Qualification

Academic Requirements

Foundation in Science Health

Minimum CGPA 2.50 including 3 Science subjects or Mathematics and
*Additional requirements

STPM (science stream)

Minimum CGPA 2.50 and
*Additional requirements

A-levels (science stream)

Minimum C in Biology, Chemistry, Physics / Maths
CGPA 2.5 and
*Additional requirements

UEC

Minimum CGPA 2.50 or B5 in 3 Science subjects and B6 in other 2 subjects and
*Additional requirements

National Matriculation (Science Stream)

Minimum CGPA 2.50 and
*Additional requirements

Australian Year 12 / New South Wales High School Certificate Programme HSC UNSW / SACE / AUSMAT

Minimum score 14 (60% ATAR/ TER) including 3 Science subjects or Mathematics and
*Additional requirements

Canadian Pre-University (CPU)

CGPA 2.50 or 60% including 3 Science subjects or Mathematics and
*Additional requirements

Diploma (science-related)

Minimum CGPA 2.50 and
*Additional requirements

Bachelor’s Degree (science-related)

Minimum CGPA 2.50 and
*Additional requirements

*Additional requirements - Pass SPM (or equivalent) examinations with minimum 3 credits including 2 of the below:

• Biology
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Chemistry
• English

And Pass English

ENTRY INTO FOUNDATION YEAR

Qualification

Academic Requirements

SPM

Minimum 5 Credits, including Mathematics and 2 Science subjects

O-levels

Minimum 5 Credits, including Mathematics and 2 Science subjects

Note / Legend:

Discretion is given to the Head of School to deal with applicants who have results borderline to the Academic Requirements.

SPM Credit – 'A+' to 'C'
O-Level – 'A' to 'C'
UEC Credit – 'A1' to 'B6'

STPM principal – 'A' to 'C'
'A' Levels principal – 'A' to 'E'

English Language Requirements

• A distinction (A+, A or A-) in the English Language subject at SPM/UEC level; or MUET Band 5; or a score of 196 (computer-based) / 525 (writing-based) / 69-70 (internet-based) in TOEFL; or Band 5.5 in IELTS.
• In the event that the English Language Requirements are not met, student may be required to undertake additional English module(s) prior to or concurrently with the undergraduate programme, based on the University’s decision.

International students holding equivalent academic qualifications but which are not conducted in English, are required to sit for the English Placement Test, which may result in the taking of the English for Tertiary Education (1 to 10 months). Students who intend to pursue the above undergraduate programme directly, are advised to fulfil the above English requirements prior to commencing their studies at the University.

Career Opportunities of Bachelor Of Optometry Hons in UCSI University Malaysia

Upon completion of the UCSI optometry programme, graduates will be able to register as optometrists with the Malaysian Optical Council (MOC)*, under the Optical Act 1991. Nonetheless, job opportunities in optometry abound in Malaysia. Optometry is a lucrative profession and the prospect is excellent. The demand for optometric services is expected to remain high with the ever increasing visual demands in the modern computer-based workplaces, and the increasing life span of the global aging population.

Other unique opportunities

• Chain of franchised superstores (Retail Optical Stores)
• Independent Private Practice
• Partnership or Group Practice
• Community Health Centres
• Home Maintenance Organisations (HMOs)
• Hospitals (Private and Public)
• Manufacturers of Ophthalmic Products
• Insurance Companies and Industrial Safety Programmes (Consultants)
• Academia
• Research
• World Health Organisation and other related organisations

*Only applicable for Malaysian citizens.

Courses Offered of Bachelor Of Optometry Hons in UCSI University Malaysia

Year 1 (Semester 1)

• Biochemistry & Cell Biology for Optometry
• Human Anatomy & Neuroscience
• Human Physiology
• Optics for Optometry

Year 1 (Semester 2)

• Optometric Instrumentation
• Microbiology for Optometry
• Ocular Anatomy & Physiology
• Visual Science I

Year 2 (Semester 1)

• Optometric Practice I
• Ophthalmic Optics and Dispensing I
• Introduction to Biostatistics
• Visual Science II
• General and Ocular Pharmacology I

Year 2 (Semester 2)

• Optometric Practice II
• Binocular Vision I
• Ophthalmic Optics and Dispensing II
• Visual Science III
• General and Ocular Pharmacology II
• Psychology for Optometry

Year 3 (Semester 1)

• Optometric Practice III
• Contact Lens Practice I
• Ophthalmic Optics and Dispensing III
• Introduction to General and Ocular Pathology for Optometry
• Low Vision
• English Communication Skill for Optometry
• Binocular Vision II

Year 3 (Semester 2)

• Primary Care Clinic I
• Contact Lens Practice II
• Environmental and Community Optometry
• Ocular Disease for Optometry
• Specialty Care Practice A and B
• Industrial Placement I

Year 4 (Semester 1)

• Primary Care Clinic II
• Ophthalmic Optics and Dispensing IV
• Research Methods & Statistics (R&D)
• Entrepreneurship and Ethics
• Public Health Optometry
• Specialty Care Clinic AI
• Specialty Care Clinic BI

Year 4 (Semester 2)

• Primary Care Clinic III
• Problem-based Clinical Case Study
• Optometry Research Project (R&D)
• Specialty Care Clinic AII
• Specialty Care Clinic BII
• Industrial Placement II

General Courses (MPU) are compulsory for all students.

U1

– For Malaysian students:

1. Ethnic Relations
2. Islamic Civilisation and Asian Civilisation

– For foreign students:

1. Malaysian Studies
2. Communication in Bahasa Melayu 3