The department of Optometry, Madonna University, Elele, currently offers a six-year degree programme leading to the award of Doctor of Optometry (O.D). It was established in 2004 in the Faculty of Health sciences. The department is poised to sustain the motto of the university, which is Decency in Morals and Education'.
The programme is designed to expose the student to a variety of specialty areas in optometry in which, they could subsequently apply for admission and sit for exams into the Nigerian College of Optometrists for four-year duration of residency for the award of the Fellow of the Nigerian College of Optometrists (FNCO), as consultants in the specified areas. Also, the graduate could apply and be admitted into any post graduate programme in optometry, the visual sciences or any programme in the sciences, health sciences, etc.
The department is in the process of mounting a postgraduate programme in visual science, which is set to kick off very soon. Also, the department is geared towards short certificate courses targeted at major blinding diseases so as to contribute to the eradication of blindness in Nigeria specifically and worldwide. These certificate programmes due to demand by O.Ds, are set to kick off this session 2012/2013 session
PHILOSOPHY: The philosophy of the optometry programme encompasses teaching, research, development and service to mankind with dignity. The programme is positioned to harness the rapid advances in technology for the production of skilled expertise in eye care delivery systems both locally and internationally; to promote sustainably, the development of any society through our enduring services. Also, to strategize on multilateral and innovative techniques on how to mitigate the common problems of blindness worldwide.
OBJECTIVES : blow are the summaries of the main objective of the optometry programme of Madonna university:
(1) To train Doctors of Optometry (O.Ds) who have acquired adequate knowledge, expertise and ethical orientation to practice the profession of Optometry in any part of our today's global village.
(2) To produce Optometrists who can offer comprehensive eye care services anywhere and as enshrined in CAP 09 of 2004 in the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria so as to enable them play the role of primary eye care provider.
(3) To train Doctors of Optometry (O.Ds) who would initiate research and apply same for further development of the profession for the benefit of mankind.
(4) To provide the template of knowledge and skills for the various areas of specialization in optometry.
(5) To produce Optometrists knowledgeable in the relationship between the Optometric profession and other contextually related issues such as the environment, economy, society etc. for peace, harmony and sustainable development.
(6) To produce Optometrists versed in managerial acumen to prepare them for leadership positions in the health care delivery system.
RESEARCH: There are presently several areas of dynamic and absolutely relevant researches being undertaken by the department. Staff and students are involved in research in ocular health, community health optometry, and the visual sciences. Also, the department is involved in inter disciplinary research endeavors. The department is currently geared up for research into blinding diseases in contemporary Nigerian Society, Specifically, Glaucoma, Cataract, Blinding Diseases Due To Malnutrition and Macular Degenerations.
CAREER PROSPECTS
DOCTORS OF OPTOMETRY CAN PRACTICE THE PROFESSION OF OPTOMETRY IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS
(a) Teaching / lecturing in universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, etc.
(b) Join the medical corps of armed forces, police, immigration, custom services, federal road safety commission etc.
(c) Work as research fellows in research institutes, universities, commissions, etc.
(d) Work in eye clinics in both private and public organizations.
(e) Work as consultants in oil companies, ministries, parastatals, departments, etc
(f) Work as an environmental vision consultants in the workplace, sports or space.
(g) Work as Public Health practitioners.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
(a) University Matriculation Examination (UME)
Candidates seeking admission into the O.D. (Doctor of Optometry) degree programme must have: A good score in the prescribed University Matriculation Examination (UME) for admission into the first year of the 6 – year programme. The candidate must have a credit pass in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. In either case, the student must satisfy the university matriculation requirements, with credits at WASC, GCE, or NECO, O' level in the relevant subjects;At Only One Sitting For Each Examination Board Category.
(b) Direct Entry:
(i) Passes in 2 of the relevant subjects at advanced level of the General Certificate of Education (G.C.E) or its equivalent for direct entry admission into the second year (200 level) of the programme. The relevant subjects are Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
(ii) A Bachelors Degree (BSc) in any basic sciences, medical science or health sciences from a recognized university with a minimum of second class lower division.
(iii) A HND in any relevant science programme (merit) from a recognized institution. Also for direct entry admission into the department, all of the above categories must begin at 200 level. They must also pass the general study courses done at 100 level. Merit in Higher Diploma in Dispensing Opticianry is acceptable.
It is important to note that in addition to any of the above mentioned direct entry requirements; such candidates must fulfill the UME entry requirements.
UNIVERSITY TRANSFERS:
(a) Inter University Transfers:
Below are criteria which must be fulfilled before inter university transfers could be considered. Candidates are instructed to read carefully these criteria.
(1) Any Candidate seeking transfer from another university to the department of Optometry, Madonna University, must satisfy the departmental admission requirements as stipulated in the section titled "ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS"
(2) To be qualified, the transfer candidate must be transferring from Optometry itself coming from another Optometry programme.
(3) The transfers must be between 100 and 200 levels. For 300 level transfers, it is at the maximum at 300 level for also, only Optometry Students. Transfers from 400 level and above are not allowed. Such category of students must have passed all 100 and 200 level courses at his / her former school.
(4) Courses not passed and courses not registered for in the former university must be retaken. Also some courses not in the former university brochure and taken in the new University must be passed.
(5) More so, a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.50 must be achieved before transfer.
(6) Reason for transfer must not be due to any type of misconduct.
(b) Intra –University Transfer
Students of this category are usually bonafide students of Madonna University seeking to the transfer into the Optometry programme.
These students must satisfy the requirements as stated in the category of students for inter University transfer.
Additionally, for both categories (a) and (b) there must be a letter of release from the Head of Department, and the Dean, for intra- university transfers, and for inter university transfers, from the registrar.
It is important to note that whatever the department / faculty the candidate is transferring from, an accumulative grade point average of 3.50 must be achieved by the candidate.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The department of optometry, Madonna University runs a six-year unclassified Doctor of Optometry degree programme.
The programme is geared towards preparing the Doctor of Optometry graduate for the numerous areas of specialization in the profession of Optometry, which are;
1. Environmental and Public Health Optometry
2. Ocular Health sciences
3. Vision Science
4. Low vision and Rehabilitative Optometry.
5. Orthoptics
6. Primary Care Optometry.
7. Pediatric optometry
8. Cornea and contact lens care
In the first two years, students in the programme take courses in the basic health sciences so as to prepare them for the core optometry courses in subsequent stages of their professional training.
In the three years following, they concentrate on courses in the various specialty areas of optometry including research methodologies. At the fifth year, students are involved in industrial training and articulated outreach programmes.
The final year prepares them for professional practice and postgraduate training. Lectures, laboratory practicals and clinics are taught by the core staff and adjunct lecturers who are sourced both locally and internationally. When the student have fulfilled all requirements for graduation he /she is seen to be an optometrist on being registered as an Optometrist by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria during the oath taking ceremony for the graduate. This qualifies the Optometrist for a one-year internship programme being organized by the board.
THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR AND THE SEMESTER SYSTEM OF THE DEPARTMENT
The university operates a two semester (first and second semesters) academic year. A semester lasts about eighteen (18) weeks, out of which fifteen (15) weeks are devoted to lectures, practicals, clinical and tutorials, etc.
REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE AWARD OF O.D. DEGREE:
To qualify for the O.D. (Doctor of optometry) degree in optometry, the student must pass all courses including GST courses – it is important to note that all courses are core courses.
On completion, graduates must undergo one-year internship training after registering with the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board of Nigeria during an oath taking ceremony. Completion of the internship programme is the prequalification for NYSC where applicable.
THE COURSE CREDIT SYSTEM
The courses are structured on credit unit system. One (1) credit unit is equivalent to one hour lecture per week for 15 (fifteen) weeks or three hours of practicals per week for 15 (fifteen weeks). A tutorial is equivalent to a lecture period.
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