But just before then, I will start by defining what optometry is just incase you are not so sure.

Optometry is a healthcare profession for everyone interested in working in a medical field and specifically in examining, diagnosing and treating of visual disorders and eye diseases.

In this article, we will look at diploma in optometry entry requirements, intakes, fee and any other helpful information.

Keep reading……

Diploma in optometry in Kenya

Minimum entry requirements:

• KCSE mean grade of C plain

Cluster Subjects requirements:

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

Course duration:

• 3 years

Skills Required to be Optometrists

1. Very good visual abilities for visualizing and reading information from papers, films, slides, video and computer displays.
2. You should be able to communicate effectively, efficiently and sensitively with and other health workers.
3. Be a good decision-maker who is able to evaluate the results of a variety of optical tests and decide on the best course of treatment for your patient.
4. Have effective interpersonal relationships with patients, peers and instructors.
5. Have good speaking skills to be able to clearly explain eye-care instructions to your patients, as well as answer patients’ questions.
6. Be committed to ongoing learning and professional development to stay up-to-date with the latest research, techniques, and treatments.
7. Have high level of attention to detail to accurately diagnose and monitor eye conditions.
8. You must have excellent clinical skills to perform thorough eye examinations, diagnose vision and eye health problems, and prescribe corrective lenses or other treatments.

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Role of Optometrists

Optometrists typically do the following:

1. Examining patient eyes to assess visual acuity, refractive errors and other potential eye problems.
2. Prescribing corrective eyeglasses and contact lenses based on the results of your eye examinations
3. Diagnosing and manage various eye conditions and diseases, such as conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, and more.
4. Recommending and providing visual aids for individuals with low vision, adaptive devices, and strategies to enhance their daily lives.
5. Specialize in pediatric eye care, conducting screenings and examinations to detect and address vision issues in children.
6. Fitting and prescribing contact lenses, and also ensuring proper fit, comfort, and vision correction. Referring patient whose eye need special care to specialists for surgery or extra checkups.
7. Raising public awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations and maintaining good eye health.
8. Participating in community outreach programs by providing free low-cost eye screenings and education in underserved areas to improve access to eye care services.

What jobs can I do as an optometrist?

• You can work as a Clinical Optometrist
• Also, you can work in a hospital as a clinic as a contact Lens Specialist
• Become a Low Vision Specialist
• Work as a Pediatric Optometrist
• Work in the sport field as a sports Vision Specialist
• Become an occupational Optometrist
• You can also become an educator/Researcher
• Work as a consultant Optometrist
• Become a Public Health Optometrist
• Work in a hospital as a hospital-based Optometrist
• Be a Refractive Surgery Coordinator

Some of the institutions offering in diploma in optometry in Kenya

• Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC)-Nairobi
• Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
• Technical University of Kenya (TUK
• Moi University

Intakes

Diploma in optometry has different intakes depending on the institution.

That being so, I would advise you to visit the website of your institution of choice as long as it offers this course and confirm when they usually have their intakes.

For instance, at KMTC the course has its intakes on September in the following branches.

Side note: After pursuing your diploma in optometry, it is advisable to upgrade to the degree since the degree has more opportunities and batter pay as well.

KMTC campuses offering diploma in optometry

• Nairobi
• Bomet
• Bondo
• Bungoma
• Busia
• Chuka
• Chwele
• Eldoret
• Embu
• Garissa
• Gatundu
• Homabay
• Imenti
• Isiolo
• Iten
• Kabarnet
• Kakamega
• Kangundo
• Kapenguria
• Kapkatet
• Kaptumo
• Karen
• Karuri
• Kilifi
• Kisii
• Kisumu
• Kitale
• Kitui
• Kombewa
• Kuria
• Kwale
• Lake Victoria
• Lamu
• Lodwar
• Loitoktok
• Lugari
• Machakos
• Makindu
• Makueni
• Mandera
• Manza
• Mathare
• Mbooni
• Meru
• Migori
• Molo
• Mombasa
• Mosoriot
• Msambweni
• Mwingi
• Murang’a
• Nairobi
• Nakuru
• Nyamira
• Nyandarua
• Nyahururu
• Nyamache
• Nyeri
• Othaya
• Port Reitz
• Rachuonyo
• Rera
• Siaya
• Sigowet
• Tana River
• Taveta
• Thika
• Ugenya
• Voi
• Vihiga
• Wajir
• Webuye

Fees

If you have decided to enroll in diploma in optometry in Kenya, then it is worth knowing that tuition fee ranges between Kshs. 70,000- Kshs. 80000 depending on the college or university.

Other optometry courses in Kenya

Degree in optometry in Kenya

Minimum entry requirements:

• KCSE mean grade of C+ plus

Cluster Subjects requirements:

• C+ plus in biology or biological science
• C+ plus in mathematics
• C+ plus in physics/physical science
• C+ plus in English

Or,

• A certificate in diploma in optometry from an institution recognized by senate.

Course duration:

• 4 years

Where you can take a degree in optometry in Kenya

• Kaimosi Friends University
• Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology
• Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)

Intakes

In the above listed institutions, the intakes are in September each year.

However, if you have any other institution in mind, please contact the institution to be sure when they usually have their intakes.

Fee

Tuition fee is 70,000 to 75,000 per semester but remember this will depend on the institution you will join.

Final words

In conclusion, pursuing a Diploma in Optometry in Kenya offers a promising and rewarding career path in the field of eye care and vision health.

In fact, this comprehensive program equips you with all the necessary knowledge and practical skills to excel in the field of eye care.

Remember, as the demand for optometric services continues to grow, more opportunities will continue to come up if you have a strong foundation in vision assessment, corrective techniques, and ocular health management.

Good luck as you apply!

ALSO READ:

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

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