Entry requirements

· Applicants must have obtained a Diploma in Ophthalmology of this or another university of an approved standard, or have obtained a qualification by written and clinical examination of a standard approved by the University of Zimbabwe.

· Applicants must have completed suitable internship in a Provincial, Central or District hospital and be appropriately registered with the Medical and Dental
Practitioners’ Council of Zimbabwe.

· Applications must be submitted on official application forms provided through the
Institute of Continuing Health Education of the University of Zimbabwe, College of
Health Sciences.

Duration of programme

The duration of the programme which normally commences each January, is a three year fulltime programme. Throughout the programme, candidates normally are employed in the appropriate posts in the departments or hospitals approved by the Higher Degrees by Coursework Committee of the College of Health Sciences for the purpose of this degree.

Structure of the programme

The Programme is divided into two parts; Part II takes place in the first year, Part III in the second and third year.

Part I shall consist of studies in the Diploma in Ophthalmology. (see Regulations for Diploma in Ophthalmology Programme)

Part II of the programme comprises scientific basis of Ophthalmology in greater depth and scope than in the diploma programme and include studies in the following areas:
· Visual anatomy and embryology
· Visual physiology and optics
· Pathology (general surgical and ocular pathology)

Part III of the programme consists of didactic lectures, tutorials and assignments in topics on the principles and practice of clinical ophthalmology. It will include refraction, contact lens practice and low vision aids. There will be an emphasis on geographic and preventive ophthalmology. Students shall rotate in clinical areas approved by the Faculty Higher Degrees by Coursework Committee. Students shall undertake an approved supervised project whose write-up shall constitute a dissertation

During Parts II and III of the programme the following run concurrently:

The candidate shall carry out a research project that shall be submitted in a dissertation of 10000 to 15000 words on a subject which has
been approved by the Department of Ophthalmology.

The candidates go for a rural attachment of at least one month during which period he/she will be supervised by a provincial ophthalmologist.

The candidates are attached to each of the following specialties for at least 2 weeks:

· Neurosurgery
· ENT; (Ear, Nose and Throat)
· Radiology (diagnostic and therapeutic).

During the entire programme the candidates are continuously assessed by the
teaching staff. This shall comprise about 20% (+ 5%) of Parts II and III marks.