BSc. Opthalmic Dispensing (Optician)
About this programme
The ophthalmic dispenser also known as an optician, is a licensed healthcare professional, who has been trained to determine the best optical device(s) that will meet the patient’s visual needs. After completing a B.Sc. Ophthalmic Dispensing course, the students can interpret the prescription, design, fit, and dispense eyeglasses including sunglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids, prosthetic ocular devices, etc. They also monitor various devices to ensure they continue to work properly over time. They work collaboratively with Optometrists and Ophthalmologists. The BSc. in Ophthalmic Dispensing at Klintaps College comprises systematic instruction in all aspects of work in the profession. It includes both theoretical and laboratory training in eyewear dispensing skills, contact lens skills, lens finishing techniques, and lens surfacing, as well as in sales techniques, basic business operations, and communications. Instructions in low vision aids, prosthetics, and more. Objectives of Our Ophthalmic Dispensing Program The objectives of our Dispensing Optician Course are to train Ophthalmic dispensers (Opticians) who can: Examine individuals with vision problems and advise them regarding the respective corrective lenses or spectacles. Operate different types of tools and machines to make lenses, and glasses and fit them into frames as per the patient’s requirement. Guide the trainees of ophthalmic dispensing to learn about the corrective measures and examine the patients effectively. Promote the eyewear products and make the customers familiar with the specialties and features of the vision-correcting products. Perform research and find meaningful information to help patients maintain good eyesight.
Entry requirements
West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) Applicants Applicant must obtain passes (A1- C6) i.e., have an aggregate of 36 or better in six subjects (3 core and 3 electives). The core subjects and minimum grades are: (C4, C5, and C6) or better in Mathematics, English Language, and Integrated Science. The elective subjects should include passes in 3 science subjects, i.e., Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics. Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE) Applicants Applicant must obtain passes (A-D) i.e., have an aggregate of 24 or better in six subjects (3 core and 3 electives). The core subjects and minimum grades are grade D (6) or better in Mathematics, English Language, and Integrated Science. The elective subjects should include passes in 3 science subjects, i.e., Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics. General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level Applicants Candidates should obtain three passes at the GCE Advanced Level or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics, And Biology or Agricultural Science and a pass in General Paper (E or better). The candidates must in addition have 5 credits at the Ordinary Level Examination or equivalent including English Language, Mathematics, and either (I) Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Agricultural Science or (II) General Science and any other subject. Mature Applicants Mature applicants must be at least 25 years old and show proof of age with a birth certificate or any legitimate documentary proof of date of birth. Mature applicants will be taken through an access course and must pass an entrance examination which will be coordinated by the mentoring institution and Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC). All successful applicants shall be admitted to Level 100. Diploma Holders Diploma holders in this category include other paramedics and nurses with State Registered Nurse (SRN), Registered Mental Nurse (RMN), Registered General Nurse (RGN), and Mental Health Nurses (MHN) Certificates. For Diploma in Radiologic Technology or other relevant scientific disciplines, you can be admitted to level 300 depending on the content of your transcript. Higher National Diploma (HND) or Degree Applicants Applicant must have graduated with a good HND certificate (i.e., at least 2nd Class Lower division). In addition, the applicant must have acquired a 2-year post-HND qualification working experience. In addition to the above, institutions under mentorship will follow their Mentor Institutions’ practice with regard to entry levels for HND applicants. Other Diploma qualifications from elsewhere assessed by NAB to be equivalent to HND may similarly be considered for admission. This category of applicants, when successful, may be admitted to Level 200. Advanced Business Certificate Examination (ABCE) Applicants The applicant must have had credit passes in five (5) subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science, or Social Studies in the General Business Certificate Examination (GBCE) or Senior School Certificate Examination (SSSCE) or West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSSCE). This category of applicants, when successful will be admitted into Level 200 of the medical imaging sciences degree programme. International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Applicants should have credit passes in five (5) GCE ‘O’ Level subjects (including English and Mathematics) and three (3) passes in the relevant subjects at the Advanced Level. International Baccalaureate (IB) Applicants should have a minimum of grade 5 at the Higher Level in three (3) subjects relevant to the programme. Applicants should, in addition, have a minimum of grade 4 in English/Literature and Mathematics (SL). Foreign Students Foreign students may be admitted on the basis of a qualification from their home country for which the National Accreditation Board shall determine equivalence. Evidence of proficiency in the English Language will be required in the case of applicants from non-English speaking countries. Other Entry Requirements Applicants with qualifications/certificates other than those already listed above will be referred to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for the determination of equivalences. Upon the recommendation from the Commission, the applicant’s eligibility for admission into Klintaps College of Health and Allied Sciences will be determined.
Career prospects
Our Dispensing Optician program graduates can work in any of the following settings: Academic Institutions – Universities, Polyclinics, Nursing Training Colleges Ghana Health Services – Hospitals, Polyclinics Private Health Institutions CHAG Health Institutions Research Institutions Marketing & Sales Self-employed clinics