Growing demand for optometrists
“MOST Malaysians view a visit to an optical store as purely retail. This is a misconception because the public is unaware the individual who conducts the eye test must be registered with the Ministry of Health. There is a difference between an optician and optometrist. By virtue of their education and training optometrists play a significant role in the overall eye and vision health of patients, besides prescribing and dispensing optical aids,” explained Prof Azrin Esmady Ariffin.
Prof Azrin is currently SEGi University Kota Damansara (SUKD) Faculty of Optometry and Vision Sciences dean while simultaneously holding the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs).
He has over 30 years of experience in educating optometrists in Malaysia. Prof Azrin holds a Bachelor of Optometry from University of New South Wales, Australia and a PhD in Optometry from City University of London.
Prof Azrin reiterated that contemporary optometry has gone well beyond spectacles and contact lenses.
Under the Optical Act 1991, “optometrist” is a protected title and an individual is required to have a recognised optometric qualification to be registered as an optometrist in Malaysia. The recognised qualifications include at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Optometry from a university.
Prof Azrin elaborated how a visit to the optometrist is more than just a sight test, “It comprises vision testing, clinical refraction and assessment of the efficient use of both eyes within an over-reaching assessment of eye health. After completing a full eye examination, then only spectacles or contact lenses are prescribed and dispensed. An optometrist will take into consideration the effects such devices may have on efficient functioning of the two eyes.”
An optometrist must also be well trained in other areas including ocular and vision sciences, optics, biomedical science, clinical and functional eye health, primary eye diseases, optical appliances and public health.
Bachelor’s degree in Optometry
The first step towards a successful career as an optometrist is to earn a recognised Bachelor’s Degree in Optometry.
The Faculty of Optometry and Vision Sciences at SUKD offers a four-year Bachelor of Optometry (Hons) programme delivered by a team of highly experienced academic staff that range from optometrists with hospital and private practice to senior academicians committed to educating and training future optometrists in Malaysia.
Clinical training is conducted at internal clinics on campus, as well as affiliated external clinical sites. The faculty also boasts an external optometric practice within a hospital setting, named SEGi EyeCare, for the training of fourth-year optometric interns located at Tropicana Medical Centre and manned by SEGi’s own staff optometrists.
The programme has received full accreditation from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and Malaysian Optical Council (MOC). Graduates are automatically eligible for registration as an optometrist with the MOC upon graduation. SEGi is one of the seven optometry schools from Malaysia listed in the World Council Optometry (WCO).
In 2015, the faculty recorded an impressive 98.3% of its optometry alumni in employment while in 2016, up to 97% of its optometry graduates also successfully sought employment.
The clinical system under the umbrella of SEGi EyeCare comprises general optometric and specialty clinics and an optical dispensary for effective teaching and learning.
Take your first step into SUKD from May 25 onwards and you will have all your questions answered after a campus tour and informative session by counsellors.
Schedule a visit and speak to the registered counsellors to find out how you can redeem rebates up to RM9,500 as well as other financial assistance such as PTPTN education loans and scholarships for young talent.
■ For details, call SEGi University Kota Damansara (03-6145 1777 or 011-1210 6389) or visit https://www.segi.edu.my/