Apply To Optometry Courses With Uni Enrol
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What Is Optometry?
Optometry is a healthcare specialisation that examines, diagnoses, and treats disorders of the visual system. It encompasses knowledge of eye anatomy and physiology, optics, and pharmacology in managing various eye ailments.
Optometrists are responsible not only for keeping eyes healthy through prescribing corrective eyewear, conducting eye disease diagnoses, and vision therapy, but also by helping to detect signs of systemic conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure, that are evident in the eyes.
Why It Matters To The World?
- Millions of people are affected by preventable blindness from untreated conditions such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Optometrists assist in early detection and enable appropriate treatment.
- Excessive screen time in this digital era causes conditions such as computer vision syndrome (CVS), dry eyes, and eyestrain. Optometrists are responsible for educating individuals and suggesting solutions such as blue light-blocking glasses.
- With a growing aging population, conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and presbyopia become more prevalent. Optometrists help senior citizens stay independent and maintain their quality of life.
Let Dr. EyeGuy tell you why Optometry is a great vocation!
Optometry Course Pathways & Entry Requirements
There is only one pathway towards an Optometry qualification.
Pathway: SPM/O-Levels ➔ Pre-University/Foundation ➔ Optometry Degree
As an SPM / O-Level leaver, the entry requirement is 5 credits including Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics and at least one Science Subject to enter Pre-U or Foundation, if you want to study Optometry.
A Pre-University course or Foundation in Science typically takes 1 to 2 years to complete and will qualify you to enter into a Degree in Optometry.
You will find that most Optometry Degrees offered will take 3 to 4 years to complete depending on the institution offering. The additional year gives you more in-depth exposure and industry attachments in the field.
Here are the general requirements to enter with qualifications from popular pre-university courses or a foundation course:
| Qualifications | General Requirements |
| A-Level | 2D |
| AUSMAT/SACE | ATAR 75 |
| CIMP | 70% |
| STPM | 2C |
| UEC | 5C |
| Foundation | CGPA 2.50 |
Note: Actual minimum requirements will differ between different universities. Generally, these qualifications also require you to have taken at least 2 subjects in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and/or Mathematics/AddMaths and achieved the minimum results.
In total, this pathway generally takes 4 to 5 years to complete.
Accreditations For Optometry In Malaysia
Graduates need to register with the Malaysia Optical Council (MOC) to practise as optometrists in Malaysia.
The MOC oversees the practice of optometry and opticianry in Malaysia and accredits optometry/opticianry schools to ensure their graduates are qualified for practice in Malaysia.
Registered optometrists and opticians need to apply for an Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) to practice in Malaysia, which must be displayed at their workplace.
What You Learn In An Optometry Course
Here are some key subjects typically covered in an Optometry Course based on the syllabus of several universities:
- Anatomy
- Binocular Vision & Ocular Motility
- Clinical Refraction
- Contact Lens
- Dispensing Optics
- Ocular Biochemistry
- Ocular Pharmacology
- Geometrical Optics
- Lighting & the Eye
- Low Vision Aids & Visual Rehabilitation
- Nutrition
- Ocular Diseases
- Ocular Pathology & Microbiology
- Ocular Physiology
- Ophthalmic & Optical Instrumentation
- Ophthalmic Lens & Dispensing Optics
- Optometric Instruments
- Optometric Optics
- Physical Optics
- Physiology
- Public Health & Community Optometry
- Visual Optics
How Can Uni Enrol Help?
Uni Enrol’s experienced counsellors help you compare the pros and cons of studying an Optometry Course at different universities and different locations.
Why Should I Study Optometry?
Here are 3 reasons to consider studying Optometry:
- Variety of Career Opportunities – Optometry offers a wide range of career paths, from clinical practice to research and academia. Graduates can work in private practices, hospitals, or the optical industry, providing flexibility and variety in their professional lives.
- Personal Satisfaction – Helping patients improve their vision and quality of life. Optometrists often see immediate results from their work and make a tangible difference in someone’s life.
- Medical Research and Innovation – Optometry plays its role in advancing research in fields such as myopia control, vision correction using lasers, and artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics. All these enhance treatment possibilities and increase eye care access and efficacy globally.
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RIASEC Compatibility To An Optometry Course
The John Holland Theory of Career Choice states that in choosing a career, people will choose one similar to their personality to ensure job satisfaction, job performance, and career success. The test generates 6 different personality types:
- Realistic (R)
- Investigative (I)
- Artistic (A)
- Social (S)
- Enterprising (E)
- Conventional (C)
With the RIASEC Test, as it can sometimes be known, the 6 personalities can generate up to 720 combination possibilities to provide career compatibility. You can try the test yourself here.
To succeed in an Optometry career, students should possess the following Top 3 RIASEC traits:
SOCIAL
- Optometrists interact closely with patients, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills to provide effective care and support.
INVESTIGATIVE
- The profession involves diagnosing and managing eye conditions, which requires analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret diagnostic results and develop treatment plans.
REALISTIC
- Optometrists use various instruments and equipment, necessitating practical skills and attention to detail in clinical settings. Hands-on experience is essential.
Career Opportunities For Optometry
| Areas of Opportunity | Types of Roles |
| Clinical Optometry Careers | Optometrist Pediatric Optometrist Geriatric Optometrist Low Vision Specialist Contact Lens Specialist |
| Medical & Surgical Support Roles | Ophthalmic Assistant Ophthalmic Technician |
| Research & Academia | Vision Science Researcher Optometry Professor/Lecturer Clinical Research Associate |
| Optical Industry & Business | Optical Sales Consultant Optical Lab Technician Product Development Specialist Optometry Practice Owner |
| Hospital & Public Health Optometry | Hospital Optometrist Public Health Optometrist |
| Specialized & Advanced Careers | Neuro-Optometrist Sports Vision Specialist Ocular Prosthetist |
Top Universities In Malaysia For Optometry Courses
Here are our recommendations of top universities in Malaysia to study an Optometry Course. Or check out more options here.
SEE OTHER COURSE GUIDES
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