The OASA Professional Designate Programme (OPDP)

Ocularist Training

Interested in Training as an Ocularist?

Introduction

OASA is proud to announce; that In terms of Section 23 of the Policy and Criteria for

Recognising a Professional Body and Registering a Professional Designation for the

Purposes of the National Qualifications Framework Act, Act 67 of 2008.

OASA has been recognised through SAQA as the Professional Body, mandated to

manage the affairs of Ocularistry, for a second five-year term ending October 2022.

At the same time, the designation of an Ocularist was registered on the National

Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Designation ID: 463

Designation Title: Ocularist

Designation Status: Registered

Professional Body Name: OASA

Professional Body ID: 838

Professional Body Status: Registered

Statutory/Non-Statutory: Non-statutory

Page 1.  Introduction

Page 2.  Contents

Page 3.  Programme Overview

                i.  What is the OASA Professional Designation Programme?

               ii.  Admission Requirements

              iii.  Admission Criteria

               iv. Recognition of Prior Learning

Page 5.  Programme Outline

Page 7.  Online Assessment

              i.   How does it work

             ii.   Benefits of the OASA Assessment

Page 8.   The OASA Online Assessment

Page 9.   The Application Process

CONTENTS

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PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

ADMISSION TO THE OASA PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION PROGRAMME

When a Professional Designation is awarded to an individual by a SAQA-accredited Professional Body, assigned to

govern a particular occupational sector, it means that the individual has met all the criteria (completed a learning

programme, written a board examination, etc.) to perform a particular occupation and is ‘licenced’ by the

professional body to practice a particular profession.

The OASA Professional Designate Programme is designed to allow candidates to develop the necessary skills,

proficiencies, and knowledge to meet the professional requirements of the Ocularist Profession (SAQA ID 436).

Upon the successful completion of this programme, and the associated board examinations, you may apply to the

OASA board to confer upon you the designation of Ocularist.

What is the OASA Professional Designation Programme?

Students who wish to register for the OASA Professional Designate Programme are assumed to have:

A foundational knowledge and understanding of mathematics equivalent to NQF Level 4;

A foundational knowledge and understanding of biology equivalent to NQF Level 4;

A foundational knowledge and understanding of science equivalent to NQF Level 4;

Basic information-gathering, analysis and presentation skills equivalent to NQF Level 4;

The capacity to learn from written material in the technical language of mathematics, science and biology;

The ability to communicate what they have learned reliably, accurately, and comprehensively in the required

medium of instruction (currently English or Afrikaans);

The ability to begin to take responsibility for their own learning and its progress within a well-structured and

managed learning environment;

The ability to evaluate their own performance 

Please Note: All Subjects referenced above must be passed with a score of 75% or higher.

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PROGRAMME OVERVIEW (CONT)Admissions Criteria

In addition to the above, students are required to evidence of the following in order to be considered for

admission:

Successful completion of a the Online Assessment (TAMI), performed by an OASA-approved vendor

Successful completion of colour vision assessment performed by a registered Optometrist

Student who wishes to gain admission through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) should take note of the

following options:

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)

Prior accredited learning of a student at the FET or HET level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units

or modules should be recognised if evidence can be produced that shows that the student has achieved, at a

satisfactory level, the outcomes and associated assessment criteria specified for OASA Designate programme and, if

appropriate, allow the recognition of prior learning for the achievement of the qualification in part. RPL will also be

applied to confirm ‘Advanced Standing’ and Credit Accumulated Transfer (CAT).  

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system but who can demonstrate (through the production of

substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a

combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior learning for the achievement of the

qualification in part. An applicant who, after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential but is in need of

further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning programmes prior to admission or to

parallel programmes after admission.

Formal prior learning

Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning

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PROGRAMME  OUTLINE

YEAR 1

5

How is the programme structured?Please consult the OASA Programme Guide for a comprehensive breakdown of

module content.

Fundamentals

Anatomy and Physiology 1A and/or 1B

Theoretical Principles of Ocularist Practice

Complications, Diseases and Infection Control

Materials 1A and/or B

Clinical PracticeWork Integrated Learning I

Core

General Business Management

YEAR 2

Fundamentals Computer and Digital Literacy

Core

Anatomy and Physiology 1A and/or 1B

Theoretical Principles of Ocularist Practice

Complications, Diseases and Infection Control

Materials 1A/B/C

Clinical PracticeWork Integrated Learning II

PROGRAMME  OUTLINE

YEAR 3

6

Fundamentals

Anatomy and Physiology 2A and/or 2B

Theoretical Principles of Ocularist Practice 2A

and/or 2B

Complications, Diseases and Infection Control

Materials 1A and/or B

Colour Theory for Ocularist Practice 1A and/or 1B

Patient Evaluation and Care 1A

Clinical PracticeWork Integrated Learning III

Core

Business Communication

Administration Management Certificate

YEAR 4

Fundamentals Finance for Non-financial Managers

Healthcare Management Certificate

Orientation for Ocularist Practitioners

CoreAnatomy and Physiology 2A and/or 2B

Theoretical Principles of Ocularist Practice 2A  

 and/or 2B

Complications, Diseases and Infection Control

Materials 1A/B/C

Colour Theory for Ocularist Practice 1A and/or 1B

Patient Evaluation and Care 1B

Clinical PracticeWork Integrated Learning IV

Please consult the OASA Programme Guide for a comprehensive breakdown of

module content.

PROGRAMME  OUTLINE

YEAR 5

7

Fundamentals

Core

Work Integrated Learning V

OASA Orientation Programme

Workshop and Research Project: Technological Developments Influencing Practice

Clinical Practice

Patient Care and Evaluation 1C

Please consult the OASA Programme Guide for a comprehensive breakdown of

module content.

THE OASA ONLINE ASSESSMENT

HOW DOES IT WORK

The Ocularist Association of South Africa goes beyond the usual

aptitude tests, and looks at an individual’s full potential. The TAMI

solution identifies suitably qualified candidates for those who are just

starting their journey as future Ocularists – or for those who are

considering a change in direction.

OASA utilises AI driven technology to scientifically and automatically

match an individuals skill set to the Ocularist career path and takes

into account the ‘softer’ skills – like personal interests and ‘grit’.

Unlike standard tests, TAMI widens its calibrations in order to narrow

the career focus.

An online questionnaire is completed, lasting between 90 and 120

minutes.

An individual profile is generated, covering skills, competencies, ‘task

interest’, and performance potential. These are matched with viable

career options – and the necessary training required for success is

suggested.

SCIENTIFICALLY MATCH AN APPLICANT TO

THE OCULARIST CAREER PATH

The TAMI technology offered by the Ocularist Association of South

Africa is designed for those requiring subject choice guidance, as well

as those nearing the end of their schooling who need specific input

on extra tuition, further studies, and career options.

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GET IN TOUCH

VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CONTACT US TODAY FOR MORE

INFORMATION

www.studentexperience.co.za

Guided selection: Based on each individual’s profile report, a field of focus

should become clear. Areas where extra tuition is required, will also be

identified.

Suggested secondary and tertiary studies: Each report also tracks the

courses and knowledge required for ultimate career success.

Utilise a truly scientific resource: Match an applicants’ preferences,

competencies, and life goals with the Ocularist career path.

Eliminate unconscious bias: An algorithm can’t play favourites, or insist on

a presupposed career path – so there are no false positives. Just great

science!

BENEFITS OF THE OASA ASSESSMENT

WHY CHOOSE THE OASA ASSESSMENT?

www.oasa.org.za

 Telephone: 081 392 8976 • Email: info@oasa.org.za

The OASA Online Assessment identifies the best career opportunities with a

95% accuracy rate. The assessment also identifies areas for improvement

inclusive of numeracy and literacy skills and provides a wealth of information

pertaining to career suitability and recommended career paths. 

The TAMI Career Guidance solution offered by Student Experience

Management is based on objective, validated research from top global

institutions compiled over the last 60 years, integrating fields as diverse as

fields of psychology, neuroscience, ethnology, cultural anthropology,

sociology and economics, organisational theory and organisational

behaviour amongst others. 

This assessment provides an indication of a variety of career opportunities

ideally suited to your individual strengths and competencies and can thus

be used in any formal recruitment process and future job applications to

give you the competitive edge! This valuable profile matches your career

aptitude and ability to perform with more than 20 suitable career sectors

and can be added to your curriculum vitae in the future.

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APPLICATION PROCESS

STEP 1

The Education and Training Committee has been focused on developing a curriculum and supporting training

courses since 2013, which will be implemented from early 2018.

Click the assessment link on the OASA Website, book and pay for your

online assessment through the OASA accredited Service provider, Student

Experience.

You will receive your personal assessment report within 24 hours.

STEP 2

If the results of your online assessment are positive, then contact any

registered Optometrist and arrange a Colour Vision Assessment.

STEP 3Visit www.oasa.org.za and complete an application for training.

At this time you will have the option to submit the following documents:

·         Personal Online Assesment Results

·         Colour Vision Assessment Certificate from your Optometrist

·         All the supporting documents listed on the application form

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10

GET IN TOUCH

VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CONTACT US TODAY FOR MORE

INFORMATION

www.studentexperience.co.za

Providing that all requirements in Step Three are met, and the results are acceptable, then

a member of the PR team will contact you to set up a panel interview with members of the

OASA board.

During the Panel Interview, should you wish to apply for academic credit of any study

material you have already undergone which is part of the Ocularist training programme,

you can offer a written submission supported by copies of the relevant qualifications.

STEP 4

STEP 5After a successful interview with the Panel and securing a position with a Senior Ocularist,

you will be given the opportunity to join OASA as a member, in the category of Student

Member. 

This membership of OASA is necessary for your registration through Student

Experience to begin your five-year training programme.

www.oasa.org.za

 Telephone: 081 392 8976 • Email: info@oasa.org.za

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21 Kroton Street • Roodepoort • 1709 (From 01-01-2016)

PO Box 1266 • Olivedale 2158

Registration No: 2005/031380/08

www.oasa.org.za

 Telephone: 081 392 8976 • Email: info@oasa.org.za