Introduction 

With an ageing population and rising myopia prevalence and its severity, it has been projected that more than 80 per cent of Singapore's adult population could be myopic within two to three decades. More and more, qualified optometrists are in demand to prevent and correct refractive errors, as well as detect, diagnose and manage eye disorders.

The new Diploma in Optometry will train you to become a professional optometrist. You will learn how to examine eyes, test sight, give advice on visual problems, prescribe and dispense spectacles and contact lenses, and recommend other treatments or visual aids. You will also benefit from a strong emphasis on hands-on optometry practice, such as refraction and clinical practice, and industrial attachments. Medical doctors will also be on hand to teach you how to diagnose eye ailments.

Our Diploma in Optometry also includes modules in psychology to help you better understand and communicate with customers, and in evidence-based research.

Career Prospects 

If seeing is believing, there are now about 800 optical shops and 100 ophthalmologists in Singapore. The average salary of a fresh Optometry graduate working in an optometry retail outlet ranges from $3,000 to $3,500 per month. With the current crunch in qualified optometrists that is not predicted to ease until 2020, jobs prospects in this sector are excellent.

With a Diploma in Optometry, you will be able to perform refraction, prescribe optical appliances and contact lenses, and detect abnormalities in the visual system through the use of various optical equipment. Your future employers include optometry retail outlets, ophthalmological clinics, and eye care-related companies or hospitals.

Further Studies 

Graduates can seek for admission to relevant degree programmes offered by overseas universities such as:

• University of Manchester, UK
• Cardiff University, UK
• City University London, UK
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, HK
• University of Melbourne, Australia
• University of New South Wales, Australia

•	Strong emphasis on hands-on optometry practice
•	Rigorous training in evidence-based research through work attachments with ophthalmology clinics, optometry retail practices, and eye care product manufacturers
•	Unique modules such as Paediatric Vision, Geriatric Vision, and Low Vision
•	Endorsed by the Optometrists and Opticians Board

Contact Us

For more information, please contact:
Dr Thomas Sim 
School of Health Sciences
Blk 81, Level 7
Tel: 6460 7373
Fax : 6465 2248
Email: swt2@np.edu.sg

Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Toll free: 1800-4607333 (admission to full-time courses)
Tel: 6466 6555
Fax: 6468 3207
Website: www.np.edu.sg
Email: JoinNP@np.edu.sg