Interested in Training as an Ocularist?
Introduction
OASA is proud to announce; that In terms of Section 23 of the Policy and Criteria for
Recognising a Professional Body and Registering a Professional Designation for the
Purposes of the National Qualifications Framework Act, Act 67 of 2008.
OASA has been recognised through SAQA as the Professional Body, mandated to
manage the affairs of Ocularistry, for a second five-year term ending October 2022.
At the same time, the designation of an Ocularist was registered on the National
Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Designation ID: 463
Designation Title: Ocularist
Designation Status: Registered
Professional Body Name: OASA
Professional Body ID: 838
Professional Body Status: Registered
Statutory/Non-Statutory: Non-statutory
Page 1. Introduction
Page 2. Contents
Page 3. Programme Overview
i. What is the OASA Professional Designation Programme?
ii. Admission Requirements
iii. Admission Criteria
iv. Recognition of Prior Learning
Page 5. Programme Outline
Page 7. Online Assessment
i. How does it work
ii. Benefits of the OASA Assessment
Page 8. The OASA Online Assessment
Page 9. The Application Process
CONTENTS
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PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
ADMISSION TO THE OASA PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION PROGRAMME
When a Professional Designation is awarded to an individual by a SAQA-accredited Professional Body, assigned to
govern a particular occupational sector, it means that the individual has met all the criteria (completed a learning
programme, written a board examination, etc.) to perform a particular occupation and is ‘licenced’ by the
professional body to practice a particular profession.
The OASA Professional Designate Programme is designed to allow candidates to develop the necessary skills,
proficiencies, and knowledge to meet the professional requirements of the Ocularist Profession (SAQA ID 436).
Upon the successful completion of this programme, and the associated board examinations, you may apply to the
OASA board to confer upon you the designation of Ocularist.
What is the OASA Professional Designation Programme?
Students who wish to register for the OASA Professional Designate Programme are assumed to have:
A foundational knowledge and understanding of mathematics equivalent to NQF Level 4;
A foundational knowledge and understanding of biology equivalent to NQF Level 4;
A foundational knowledge and understanding of science equivalent to NQF Level 4;
Basic information-gathering, analysis and presentation skills equivalent to NQF Level 4;
The capacity to learn from written material in the technical language of mathematics, science and biology;
The ability to communicate what they have learned reliably, accurately, and comprehensively in the required
medium of instruction (currently English or Afrikaans);
The ability to begin to take responsibility for their own learning and its progress within a well-structured and
managed learning environment;
The ability to evaluate their own performance
Please Note: All Subjects referenced above must be passed with a score of 75% or higher.
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PROGRAMME OVERVIEW (CONT)Admissions Criteria
In addition to the above, students are required to evidence of the following in order to be considered for
admission:
Successful completion of a the Online Assessment (TAMI), performed by an OASA-approved vendor
Successful completion of colour vision assessment performed by a registered Optometrist
Student who wishes to gain admission through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) should take note of the
following options:
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)
Prior accredited learning of a student at the FET or HET level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units
or modules should be recognised if evidence can be produced that shows that the student has achieved, at a
satisfactory level, the outcomes and associated assessment criteria specified for OASA Designate programme and, if
appropriate, allow the recognition of prior learning for the achievement of the qualification in part. RPL will also be
applied to confirm ‘Advanced Standing’ and Credit Accumulated Transfer (CAT).
An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system but who can demonstrate (through the production of
substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a
combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior learning for the achievement of the
qualification in part. An applicant who, after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential but is in need of
further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning programmes prior to admission or to
parallel programmes after admission.
Formal prior learning
Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning
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PROGRAMME OUTLINE
YEAR 1
5
How is the programme structured?Please consult the OASA Programme Guide for a comprehensive breakdown of
module content.
Fundamentals
Anatomy and Physiology 1A and/or 1B
Theoretical Principles of Ocularist Practice
Complications, Diseases and Infection Control
Materials 1A and/or B
Clinical PracticeWork Integrated Learning I
Core
General Business Management
YEAR 2
Fundamentals Computer and Digital Literacy
Core
Anatomy and Physiology 1A and/or 1B
Theoretical Principles of Ocularist Practice
Complications, Diseases and Infection Control
Materials 1A/B/C
Clinical PracticeWork Integrated Learning II
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
YEAR 3
6
Fundamentals
Anatomy and Physiology 2A and/or 2B
Theoretical Principles of Ocularist Practice 2A
and/or 2B
Complications, Diseases and Infection Control
Materials 1A and/or B
Colour Theory for Ocularist Practice 1A and/or 1B
Patient Evaluation and Care 1A
Clinical PracticeWork Integrated Learning III
Core
Business Communication
Administration Management Certificate
YEAR 4
Fundamentals Finance for Non-financial Managers
Healthcare Management Certificate
Orientation for Ocularist Practitioners
CoreAnatomy and Physiology 2A and/or 2B
Theoretical Principles of Ocularist Practice 2A
and/or 2B
Complications, Diseases and Infection Control
Materials 1A/B/C
Colour Theory for Ocularist Practice 1A and/or 1B
Patient Evaluation and Care 1B
Clinical PracticeWork Integrated Learning IV
Please consult the OASA Programme Guide for a comprehensive breakdown of
module content.
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
YEAR 5
7
Fundamentals
Core
Work Integrated Learning V
OASA Orientation Programme
Workshop and Research Project: Technological Developments Influencing Practice
Clinical Practice
Patient Care and Evaluation 1C
Please consult the OASA Programme Guide for a comprehensive breakdown of
module content.
THE OASA ONLINE ASSESSMENT
HOW DOES IT WORK
The Ocularist Association of South Africa goes beyond the usual
aptitude tests, and looks at an individual’s full potential. The TAMI
solution identifies suitably qualified candidates for those who are just
starting their journey as future Ocularists – or for those who are
considering a change in direction.
OASA utilises AI driven technology to scientifically and automatically
match an individuals skill set to the Ocularist career path and takes
into account the ‘softer’ skills – like personal interests and ‘grit’.
Unlike standard tests, TAMI widens its calibrations in order to narrow
the career focus.
An online questionnaire is completed, lasting between 90 and 120
minutes.
An individual profile is generated, covering skills, competencies, ‘task
interest’, and performance potential. These are matched with viable
career options – and the necessary training required for success is
suggested.
SCIENTIFICALLY MATCH AN APPLICANT TO
THE OCULARIST CAREER PATH
The TAMI technology offered by the Ocularist Association of South
Africa is designed for those requiring subject choice guidance, as well
as those nearing the end of their schooling who need specific input
on extra tuition, further studies, and career options.
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GET IN TOUCH
VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CONTACT US TODAY FOR MORE
INFORMATION
www.studentexperience.co.za
Guided selection: Based on each individual’s profile report, a field of focus
should become clear. Areas where extra tuition is required, will also be
identified.
Suggested secondary and tertiary studies: Each report also tracks the
courses and knowledge required for ultimate career success.
Utilise a truly scientific resource: Match an applicants’ preferences,
competencies, and life goals with the Ocularist career path.
Eliminate unconscious bias: An algorithm can’t play favourites, or insist on
a presupposed career path – so there are no false positives. Just great
science!
BENEFITS OF THE OASA ASSESSMENT
WHY CHOOSE THE OASA ASSESSMENT?
www.oasa.org.za
Telephone: 081 392 8976 • Email: [email protected]
The OASA Online Assessment identifies the best career opportunities with a
95% accuracy rate. The assessment also identifies areas for improvement
inclusive of numeracy and literacy skills and provides a wealth of information
pertaining to career suitability and recommended career paths.
The TAMI Career Guidance solution offered by Student Experience
Management is based on objective, validated research from top global
institutions compiled over the last 60 years, integrating fields as diverse as
fields of psychology, neuroscience, ethnology, cultural anthropology,
sociology and economics, organisational theory and organisational
behaviour amongst others.
This assessment provides an indication of a variety of career opportunities
ideally suited to your individual strengths and competencies and can thus
be used in any formal recruitment process and future job applications to
give you the competitive edge! This valuable profile matches your career
aptitude and ability to perform with more than 20 suitable career sectors
and can be added to your curriculum vitae in the future.
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APPLICATION PROCESS
STEP 1
The Education and Training Committee has been focused on developing a curriculum and supporting training
courses since 2013, which will be implemented from early 2018.
Click the assessment link on the OASA Website, book and pay for your
online assessment through the OASA accredited Service provider, Student
Experience.
You will receive your personal assessment report within 24 hours.
STEP 2
If the results of your online assessment are positive, then contact any
registered Optometrist and arrange a Colour Vision Assessment.
STEP 3Visit www.oasa.org.za and complete an application for training.
At this time you will have the option to submit the following documents:
· Personal Online Assesment Results
· Colour Vision Assessment Certificate from your Optometrist
· All the supporting documents listed on the application form
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2
3
10
GET IN TOUCH
VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CONTACT US TODAY FOR MORE
INFORMATION
www.studentexperience.co.za
Providing that all requirements in Step Three are met, and the results are acceptable, then
a member of the PR team will contact you to set up a panel interview with members of the
OASA board.
During the Panel Interview, should you wish to apply for academic credit of any study
material you have already undergone which is part of the Ocularist training programme,
you can offer a written submission supported by copies of the relevant qualifications.
STEP 4
STEP 5After a successful interview with the Panel and securing a position with a Senior Ocularist,
you will be given the opportunity to join OASA as a member, in the category of Student
Member.
This membership of OASA is necessary for your registration through Student
Experience to begin your five-year training programme.
www.oasa.org.za
Telephone: 081 392 8976 • Email: [email protected]
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11
21 Kroton Street • Roodepoort • 1709 (From 01-01-2016)
PO Box 1266 • Olivedale 2158
Registration No: 2005/031380/08
www.oasa.org.za
Telephone: 081 392 8976 • Email: [email protected]