Purpose of Optometry Programme

To produce Optometrists (Ophthalmic Opticians) who are health care professionals with the knowledge, skill and attitude to provide primary eye care services through eye examination to diagnose defects in vision that include myopia (short sight), hyperopia (long sight), astigmatism and presbyopia and prescribe spectacles or contact lenses, detecting eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma, squint and macular degeneration and referring patients appropriately for further management.  Optometrists are also able to detect ocular signs of systemic conditions such as HIV/AIDS, thyroid problems, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus and refer patients to medical practitioners for medical attention if required.  Optometrists are not trained to treat eye disease but to treat refractive errors by using spectacles or contact lenses.

Career Opportunities available for Optometrists

After graduation, a candidate is required to spend six months practicing under supervision by registered Optometrists before getting an Open Practicing Certificate, from the Pharmacist and Allied Professions Council of Zimbabwe. 

This qualification and experience gained during pre-registration year allows the candidate to register with the Pharmacist Council of Zimbabwe and enables him/her to practice as an Optometrist in Zimbabwe.