Optometric education at Westville: past, present and future

Abstract

This article presents historical information, current activities and future plans with regards to optometric education at the Department of Optometry, Westville campus of the University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal (UKZN) in Durban. The Department, established in 1979 under the political dispensation of apartheid was intended to cater to the needs of Indian students but now admits students of all races. Also, it has been developing in every aspect of optometric education, staffing and facilities. The undergraduate optometric curriculum at the Department has expanded tremendously over the years and there are now master and doctoral programmes. The number of full-time academic staff has increased from four in 1980 to eleven in 2009. The undergraduate student enrolment has increased from twelve in 1980 to one hundred and sixty in 2009. Research activities and publication output have increased over the years. Community engagement activities have been expanded to meet the needs of the community. Also, physical and training facilities have improved over the years to meet the increasing number of students. The content of this article will be of interest to alumni, current and future students and staff of the Department as well as other stakeholders in the optometric profession and education.(S Afr Optom 2010 69(1) 14-20)

Recruitment and retention strategies for public sector optometrists in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

“…This study found that mainly black people (73%) and Indian people (37%) comprised the sample. Historically, the School of Optometry at UKZN, has been training mainly black and Indian optometrists since the programme's inception in 1980 35 ; thus, a larger representation of these population groups is expected. Most conspicuous is the lack of white and mixed-race optometrists in public service in KZN.…”

Clinical characteristics and causes of vision impairment in a paediatric population in a university-based low vision clinic

“…The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), which is located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is one of four higher education institutions that provide optometry education and training in South Africa. As part of the facilities and aligned to the community engagement and teaching and learning agendas of UKZN, the university-based eye clinic aims to provide affordable eye care services to the public, especially previously disadvantaged communities, throughout the academic year (Mashige, 2010). The clinic serves as a referral centre for patients from KwaZulu-Natal and surrounding areas.…”