OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA
Pretoria Ooginstituut / Pretoria Eye Institute
Francis Baard Straat 630 Francis Baard Street
Arcadia
Posbus/P.O Box 56184
Arcadia, 0007
Tel: (012) 427-0238 E-mail: diandra@eyeinstitute.co.za
Ophthalmic Assistant Course – Level l & ll
Why you should enrol in a short learning programme for Ophthalmic Assistants?
- The course, Level l & ll, is aimed at producing a well trained, motivated, efficient and confident role player in the care of ophthalmic patients.
- The course is designed to fill a vacuum by providing 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.
Programme outline
The Ophthalmic Assistant course is an approved course moderated through the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa, and presented as means of enhancing quality care in ophthalmic patients, as well as self development. 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 examination 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 by the student and signed off as well as witnessed by an ophthalmologist or senior practice manager.
Level l – Basic Course
Comprises 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 needs 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 I)
3 (THREE) months
Enrolment (Level I)
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 commence on | 1 April 2024 – 30 June 2024 |
| Examination date | 7 July 2024 (Theoretical) Practical within 2 weeks from theory examination (before 21 July 2024) |
| Assignment date | Will be communicated to the student via email. |
Intake 2:
| Registration | 1 May 2024 – 30 June 2024 |
| Course commence on | 1 August 2024 – 31 October 2024 |
| Examination date | 3 November 2024 (Theoretical) Practical within 2 weeks from theory examination (before 17 November 2024) |
| Assignment date | Will be communicated to the student via email. |
Requirements (Level l)
- Work in an ophthalmic practice OR
- Work in an ophthalmic environment under the supervision of an Ophthalmologist who will evaluate your practical skills.
- Access to the internet for communication purposes, tutorial tests and completion of assignments.
Fees 2024 (Level l)
R 2 800.00
The above mentioned fee includes all costs for the course:
- Administration
- Study manual
- Courier costs
- Certificate of Competence (after successful completion of the course)
Level ll – Advanced Course
Comprises of 10 (TEN) study units with a total of 480 recommended study hours.
Study Unit 1 : Common diseases and disorders of the eye
Study Unit 2 : Systemic diseases and ocular manifestations
Study Unit 3 : Acquired immune-deficiency syndrome
Study Unit 4 : Ophthalmic Pharmacology
Study Unit 5 : Ophthalmic Microbiology and infection control
Study Unit 6 : History taking of an ophthalmic patient
Study Unit 7 : Ocular examination
Study Unit 8 : Refractive errors
Study Unit 9 : Surgical assisting in the consulting room and care of instruments
Study Unit 10: Pre- and post-operative management during ocular surgery
Duration of Course (Level II)
6 (SIX) months
Enrolment (Level II)
The programme has 1 (ONE) intake for 2024 and will commence on the following dates:
Intake 1:
| Registration | 1 February 2024 – 30 March 2024 |
| Course commence on | 1 May 2024 – 30 October 2024 |
| Examination date | 3 November 2024 |
| Assignment date | Will be communicated to the student via email. |
Requirements (Level Il)
- Successful completion of Level I
- Work in an ophthalmic practice OR
- Work in an ophthalmic environment under the supervision of an Ophthalmologist who will evaluate your practical skills.
- Access to the internet for communication purposes, tutorial tests and completion of assignments.
Fees 2024 (Level Il)
R 3 000.00
The above mentioned fee includes all costs for the course:
- Administration
- Study manual
- Courier costs
- Certificate of Competence (after successful completion of the course)
- Ophthalmic Assistant badge (only after successfully completing Level ll)
Examination admission (Level l & ll)
Submission of assignment will ensure your registration for the examination and you will be noted as an “active student”.
Calculation of marks (Level l & ll)
The following framework will be used:
| Assignment mark | 20% |
| Practical mark | 30% |
| Theoretical mark | 50% |
| Final mark | 100% |
In order to pass the Ophthalmic Assistant course Level l & ll you must obtain a minimum mark of 50% in the theoretical and practical examination. A re-examination can be written once with a result of 40% – 49%. Should you be unsuccessful in passing the re-examination, you will have to repeat the course with the next enrolment.
Acknowledgement for the completion of the course
- Certificate of Competence (OSSA approved)
Click here to download the registration from (English)
Click here to download the registration from (Afrikaans)
For any further inquiries contact Diandra Pretorius
E-mail: diandra@eyeinstitute.co.za
Tel: (012) 427-0238