Selecting the correct career is a crucial decision with far-reaching implications.
It is a choice that will shape your future, underscoring the importance of making an informed decision.
Over the next few weeks, The African Reporter will engage with business people, professionals and other role players, focusing on a specific career field every week.
By doing this, we aim to give our younger readers navigating career choices valuable guidance.
This week, we give a platform to the career of an optometrist.
Springs resident Shirley Malaka (55) has been an optometrist for over 35 years. Her passion for eye care resulted in her long career.
“I have had my own practices since 1995 and still love my job. It is an exciting field of work because you tackle different cases and patients daily,” she said.
What is an optometrist?
An optometrist is a healthcare professional/provider specialising in caring, diagnosing, treating and managing disorders and diseases related to the eyes and visual system.
What does an optometrist do?
They do eye examinations to assess vision and eye health and prescribe glasses, contact lenses and medication to correct vision problems.
What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
An optometrist provides primary eye healthcare, glasses, contact lenses, and screens severe eye and vision conditions and defects, but they don’t do surgery.
An ophthalmologist specialises in complex, comprehensive and surgical care of the eyes and vision.
For example, eye conditions like cataracts or glaucoma require surgery, specialised testing or advanced treatments.
Where can I study to become an optometrist?
You can obtain a national diploma in optometry at the:
• Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Or a bachelor’s in optometry (B. Optom) at the:
• University of Johannesburg;
• University of KwaZulu-Natal;
• University of Limpopo;
• University of the Free State.
What high school subjects do I need?
Requirements might differ between institutions.
• Language of teaching and learning at level five;
• Mathematics at level five 60-69%;
• Physical science at level five 60-69%;
• Life Science (biology) at level five 60-69%.
What kinds of eye problems does an optometrist treat?
Optometrists treat and diagnose common health and vision issues, including:
• Short-sightedness (myopia);
• Farsightedness (hyperopia);
• Astigmatism;
• Diplopia (double vision);
• Colour blindness;
• Eye infections and inflammations.
How long does it take to become an optometrist?
A degree can take up to four years. You must register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa to work in this field.
What are an optometrist’s duties and responsibilities?
• Prescribe corrective lenses;
• Detect eye diseases;
• Evaluate vision;
• Consult with patients;
• Do eye examinations;
• Prescribe ocular medications.
An optometrist prescribes, fits and adjusts eye and contact lenses and other vision aids. The optometrist also recommends appropriate patient follow-up and care options, answers questions and advises patients.
Where do optometrists work?
Optometrists can work in:
• Private practices;
• Hospitals;
• Clinics;
• Retail stores;
• Communities.
What are the job’s pros and cons?
The advantages include:
• A high salary;
• Exciting cases;
• Work and life balance.
The disadvantages include:
• A high cost of education;
• Repetitive work;
• Four or more years of studying and licensing requirements;
• Lonely work.
