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Find out more
Gain in-demand professional skills in detecting, diagnosing and managing eye disorders
Get practical, hands-on clinical training right from your first year
Attend industry partnership classes delivered by industry experts and eye care product manufacturers
Land rewarding roles in optometry retail and private practices which draw attractive salaries
Course Overview
As one of the five senses, sight is vital to practically everything we do. With an ageing population and an increased prevalence of myopia, you could play a part in improving the quality of eye care with our Diploma in Optometry (OPT). Upon graduation, you will be able to help prescribe optical treatments as a registered optometrist. In addition, our broad-based curriculum enables you to explore opportunities in fields other than health services.
Practice-oriented Learning
You will be trained by practising optometrists to diagnose visual problems, prescribe and dispense spectacles and contact lenses, as well as recommend eye treatments.
By working alongside qualified optometrists to diagnose and manage patients at our Optometry Centre, you will gain valuable real-world knowledge. Plus, you get to go on a 16-week internship with an optical retail practice, ophthalmology clinic or eye care product company.
Broad-based Curriculum
Our curriculum covers topics such as biostatistics & research methods, communication in practice, patient management and optometric retail management. It will equip you with the skills you need to manage patients effectively, or even run a retail business.
Off-campus Classes & Industry Workshops
You also get to learn firsthand from industry experts through off-campus classes and internships, right from your first year. Multinational corporations in eye care products will also offer you specialised product training and expose you to the latest eye care products and technology.
Beyond the Classroom
Work alongside qualified optometrists to diagnose and manage patients at the Ngee Ann Optometry Centre (NPOC).
Versatile Career Opportunities
Embark on roles in ophthalmological clinics, retail and research.
Curious about why I chose OPT? Watch this!
What You'll Learn
Year 1
General Anatomy & Physiology
(5 Credit Units)
This module provides students with foundational knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the major human body systems. Students will learn the biochemistry processes in normal human physiology. The interrelationships of the body systems and how they maintain homeostasis are examined.
Geometrical & Physical Optics
(5 Credit Units)
This module provides students with the knowledge of the behaviour of light and its interaction with matters. It also covers the optics of lenses, lens systems and aberrations, as well as photometry and laser.
Introduction to Data Analytics with Excel
(2 Credit Units)
This module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of data analytics concepts and applications. Students will learn fundamental data analytics concepts, how to analyse data using Microsoft Excel and present information to provide insights for an informed decision making.
Ocular Anatomy & Physiology
(5 Credit Units)
This module covers, in detail, the anatomy of the eye and its orbit. The anatomical relationships of the orbital contents including the extra-ocular muscles, orbital nerves, orbital blood vessels and ocular adnexa are described. Physiology and biochemistry of the principal constituents of the eye, including the cornea, crystalline lens, aqueous humour, vitreous humour, retina, ciliary apparatus and tear film are also covered.
English Language Express*
(Credit Units - NA)
English Language Express aims to give you a better grounding in the English Language and to strengthen the written and oral communications skills that you will need in your academic and professional careers. You will be engaged in writing, reading, listening and speaking activities that will develop your ability to speak and write grammatically, coherently and clearly. You will also hone your reading and listening comprehension skills.
Innovation Made Possible^
(3 Credit Units)
* This module is only offered to students who are weaker in the English Language.
^ Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) modules account for 13 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in communication, innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. IS aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace. For more details on Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) electives
Click Here > General Pathology & Diseases
(4 Credit Units)
This module equips students with knowledge of basic pathology which includes cell and tissue damage, genetic diseases, vascular disorders, tumours, inflammations, and infections with emphasis on microbiology. Students will learn common systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia which can cause complications in the eye.
Ocular Health Assessment & Disease Management 1
(5 Credit Units)
This module covers clinical optometric techniques such as slit-lamp bio-microscopy and keratometry in examining the anterior segment of the eyes. Students will learn to detect and manage anterior eye diseases based on assessment and interpretation with these techniques.
Ophthalmic Optics & Dispensing
(4 Credit Units)
This module equips students with knowledge of the types, materials, physical and optical properties of single vision lenses and spectacle frames available in the industry. Students will also be taught basic skills such as hand neutralisation, pupillary distance measurement, focimetry and related measurements in fitting lenses into frames. Principles and processes of lens coating and basic single vision ophthalmic lens glazing will also be covered.
Refraction
(6 Credit Units)
This module focuses on clinical techniques of objective and subjective refraction using trial lenses on trial frame as well as with the phoropter. It also includes the clinical assessment of vision and visual acuity.
Communication Essentials^
(3 Credit Units) Health & Wellness^
(1 Credit Units)
^ Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) modules account for 13 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in communication, innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. IS aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace. For more details on Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) electives
Click Here > Year 2
Contact Lens & Fitting 1
(6 Credit Units)
This module covers the designs, materials, care and maintenance of soft contact lenses that are available in the market. Students will learn the techniques of verification, insertion, removal, and fit assessment of soft contact lenses. This module will also cover the detection, prevention and management of soft contact lens related complications.
Ocular Health Assessment & Disease Management 2
(5 Credit Units)
This module covers the clinical optometric techniques direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy and emphasizes the detection and management of posterior eye diseases, as well as ocular tumours and systemic diseases of the eye. In addition, students will be equipped with knowledge of ocular trauma, enabling them to differentiate between ocular emergencies and non- emergencies for referrals.
Ophthalmic Dispensing & Prescribing
(5 Credit Units)
This module equips students with the knowledge of prescribing and dispensing ophthalmic eyewear. Students will learn about different types of progressive and bifocal lens designs, and advanced refraction procedures to prescribe appropriate ophthalmic eyewear. Students will also learn about the applications and principles of various specialty ophthalmic lenses and frame designs. The techniques of glazing and fitting of ophthalmic lenses, proper ophthalmic dispensing procedures and troubleshooting will be covered in this module.
Visual Perception & Instrumentation
(5 Credit Units)
This module studies the eye and the visual pathway as a system to perceive vision and includes the topics of visual resolution, spatial, motion, depth, and colour perception, contrast sensitivity, visual fields, and entoptic phenomena. It also covers the principles of psychophysical methods in studying the visual system. Students will learn to use various instruments to assess and interpret colour vision, visual fields, and contrast sensitivity.
World Issues: A Singapore Perspective^
(2 Credit Units)
^ Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) modules account for 13 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in communication, innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. IS aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace. For more details on Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) electives
Click Here > Binocular & Paediatric Vision
(5 Credit Units)
This module teaches the fundamental concepts of vision development and binocular vision. It covers the assessment, diagnosis and management of paediatric eye conditions and binocular vision anomalies.
Biostatistics & Research Methods
(4 Credit Units)
This module starts with basic statistics and progress to include probability and statistical inference. Students will also learn the basic processes and principles applied in research, as well as how to conduct literature reviews.
Communication in Optometric Practice
(2 Credit Units)
This module equips students with effective communication skills that include listening and responding, non-verbal communication, rapport building with patients, patient education, as well as interdisciplinary interactions and communications. Students can practice their interpersonal, collaborative, and professional communication skills during attachments and internship.
Contact Lens & Fitting 2
(4 Credit Units)
This module covers the designs, materials and care and maintenance for rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses that are available in the market. Students will learn the techniques of verification, insertion, removal, and fit assessment of RGP contact lenses, and the detection, prevention, and management of RGP contact lens related complications. The effects of optical differences between contact lenses and spectacles will also be covered.
General Clinical Practice 1
(6 Credit Units)
Students will experience hands-on clinical practice in patient examination, case analysis, prescribing and dispensing optical aids.
Year 3
Contact Lens Clinical Practice 1
(6 Credit Units)
This module provides hands-on clinical practice for prescribing contact lens, including preliminary assessment, contact lens fitting, contact lens delivery and aftercare.
General Clinical Practice 2
(6 Credit Units)
Students will experience hands-on clinical practice in patient examination, case analysis, prescribing treatment and dispensing. The module also covers topics related to various refractive surgeries.
4-Month Internship
(16 Credit Units)
Students will intern at establishments with optometric practice, where they get experience in dealing with patients requiring eye examinations and attending to the optometry needs of these patients in a realistic working environment. Students will learn about the operations of an optical shop, a hospital organisation, as well as interact with their supervisor and colleagues.
Contact Lens Clinical Practice 2
(5 Credit Units)
This module continues to provide students with hands-on clinical practice on the fitting of contact lens and contact lens patient management with the introduction of topics like keratoconus, orthokeratology and post-refractive surgery.
General Clinical Practice 3
(6 Credit Units)
This module continues the training of students in the clinical practice of patient examination, case analysis and management. This module will also cover topics on ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography, visual impairment, and the prescribing and management of challenging cases. Students will be introduced to low vision to understand the requirements of referral for low vision assessment and rehabilitation.
Healthcare Career & Professional Preparation (Optometry)
(3 Credit Units)
The module is delivered over three years and prepares students for the optometry course with the end in mind, through guided reflection of their personal characteristics, and producing an overall game plan for their future education and career goals. It also aims to deepen students’ commitment to the optometry and optical industry. Students will be equipped with skills necessary to seek and secure work.
Ophthalmic Pharmacology
(2 Credit Units)
Students will learn the fundamental principles of pharmacology and how these are relevant in the prevention and treatment of eye conditions and diseases.
Optometric Practice Management & Ethics
(2 Credit Units)
This module covers the basic concepts in operations, inventory control, marketing, people and service management, and finance in an optometry retail outlet. Students will learn about sales and marketing, how to develop a business plan, as well as basic accounting. This module also covers the legal and ethical responsibilities of optometrists as well as other eye care professionals during practice.
Project ID: Connecting the Dots^
(4 Credit Units)
^ Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) modules account for 13 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in communication, innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. IS aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace. For more details on Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) electives
Click Here >
Career Options & Further Studies
As an Optometry graduate, you can land rewarding roles in optometry retail and private practices which draw attractive salaries. You can also start your own retail practice and be your own boss. Alternatively, you could also work at ophthalmology clinics, eye care product companies, research centres and hospitals.
You will be able to pursue related degree programmes at universities in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. You also have the option to pursue degrees in arts, social sciences, business administration, communications and new media.
Hear From Our Students And Alumni
Glennys Beh
Diploma in Optometry, Class of 2021
My greatest takeaway from my internship as a student optometrist was the chance to observe the entire process of ortho-k fitting and after-care for young kids. I also had ample opportunities to conduct eye examinations and engage parents in caring for their child’s eyesight. The experience had sharpened my clinical and people skills, preparing me well for a career in optometry.
Goh Kheng Yan
Diploma in Optometry, Class of 2020
Kheng Yan is currently pursuing a degree in Orthoptics at Glasgow Caledonian University.
My four-month internship has given me insights into my future in the industry. I am grateful for good connections that I have made with my colleagues, as well as the opportunities to improve myself through interactions with customers and patients.
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Entry Requirements
FOR STUDENTS WITH O-LEVEL EXAMINATION RESULTS
AGGREGATE TYPE ELR2B2-C
Candidates must have the following GCE 'O' Level examination (or equivalent) results.
Mathematics (Elementary/Additional)
1 - 6
Science
(with Physics, Chemistry or Biology component)
or Biotechnology
or Food & Nutrition
or Human & Social Biology
or Physical Science
1 - 6
You must also fulfil the aggregate computation requirements for the ELR2B2-C Aggregate Type.
ELR2B2-C Aggregate Type List >
Candidates with severe vision deficiency should not apply for the course.
FOR STUDENTS WITH OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
Find out more on entry requirements and admissions exercise periods for qualifications such as N(A)-Level, A-Level, ITE, IP, IB and more.
Click Here >
Application Information
Range of Net ELR2B2 for 2022 JAE
6 to 13
Planned Intake (2022)
44
ADMISSIONS EXERCISE