Certificate in optometry in Kenya [All you need to know]

Last updated on February 28th, 2024 at 04:36 pm

This article has all the information you might be looking for concerning certificate in optometry in Kenya read it to the end.

Perhaps you didn’t manage to get a grade that could admit you to a diploma or even degree Programme in optometry, then the only option you have is starting from certificate level.

Well, we got you in this article where we will look at entry requirements, what jobs you can do after taking this course, where the course is offered and much more.

However, it is worth noting that getting a job with only a certificate level can be challenging and a well paying job for that matter.

Simply, upgrading from certificate to diploma with your certificate as the entry requirement will create more jobs opportunities.

Continue reading….

Certificate in optometry in Kenya [All you need to know]

Just before we look at the topics we have listed above on certificate in optometry, we will start by defining what optometry is.

So, what is optometry all about?

Well, this is a course that focuses on the study of eye anatomy, visual disorders, and the various techniques used in optometry.

Moving on, lets now look at the qualifications to enroll for this course below.

Minimum entry requirements for certificate in Low Vision and Paediatric optometry

• KCSE C-minus

Cluster Subjects requirements

• C-minus in either English or Kiswahili
• C-minus in Mathematics
• D +plus in in Biology/ Biological Sciences, and Physics/Physical Sciences

Course duration:

• 1 year

Certificate in Optometry Fee

Currently, this course is offered by Masinde Muliro university of science and technology and the tuition fee is Kshs. 50,000 per semester.

Regardless, if you take this course in any other college or university, kindly contact the institution on details like duration and fee.

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Now proceed reading below..

What Certificate in Optometry Syllabus includes

Here, are some of the topics cover when you pursue a certificate in optometry.

• Introduction to Optometry
• Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye
• Optics
• Ocular Diseases and Conditions
• Binocular Vision and Vision Therapy
• Pharmacology
• Low Vision and Geriatric Optometry
• Pediatric Optometry (Optometric care for older adults and Low vision assessment and aids)
• Diagnostic Techniques
• Clinical Skills
• Ocular Emergencies
• Practice Management and Communication
• Legal and Ethical Considerations:
• Professional Development

Career Opportunities

When you take this course in the certificate level, you can work as:

• Optometric Assistant or Technician
• Optician-Helping patients select and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists.
• Ophthalmic Technician -Assisting ophthalmologists in performing eye exams, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures.
• Vision Therapy Assistant
• Optometric Receptionist or Office Manager
• Sales Representative for Optical Companies
• Eyewear Stylist
• Optometric Technician in Research or Clinical Studies -Where your work will be data collection, and research projects related to eye health and vision.
• Healthcare Sales and Marketing
• Optometry Assistant in Public Health or Nonprofits
• Telemedicine or Remote Consultation Services

Challenges facing optometry in Kenya

• Shortage of Optometrists since Kenya has been facing a shortage of qualified optometrists
• Uneven Distribution of Services where the care services are often concentrated in urban centers and major cities-In short, rural areas and remote regions have limited access to eye care facilities and optometric services.
• Lack of Awareness because people are not aware of the importance of regular eye examinations and optometric care.
• Limited Infrastructure and Equipment since some of the eye care facilities in Kenya lack the necessary equipment and modern technologies required for comprehensive eye examinations and accurate diagnoses.
• Lack of finance whereby people lack money for eyecare or even treatment services.
• Inadequate Government Support since the government give inadequate support
• Limited Professional Development Opportunities
• Lack of Integration into Healthcare Systems
• Lack of access to modern equipment and technology

Hospitals in Kenyan offering optometry services

• Omega opticians limited-Located along Moktar Daddah Street in Nairobi.
• Jambo eye care limited – Westland along ring road commercial Centre office
• Trendy opticians- Dubois Road off Accra Road at Flora house 1st-floor
• The family eye clinic- Upper Hill
• Eye style opticians- Westland along Mpaka Road

Wrapping up

That is all we have for Certificate in optometry in Kenya.

However, if you are keen enough, you will notice that this course is not offered by many institutions in Kenya.

In fact, the only certified institution offering this course is Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega branch.

Lastly it is worth noting that upgrading from certificate to diploma will create for you more jobs opportunities.

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