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Department of Optometry

Optometry Programme Description

Training world class optometrists competent in comprehensive eye care examinations and academic research. Optometrists who are community health-oriented, and ready to address the eye care needs of the teeming population of the SADC region.  

First Optometry Class graduation in 2012

The department of optometry was established in 2008 in response to a great public need for access to eye care and spectacles in Malawi and the region of Southern Africa. Malawi, like many other developing countries, has limited infrastructure, trained personnel, and educational facilities for the training and operating of eye care professionals. Therefore, through collaboration between the Malawi Ministry of Health, Malawi College of Health Sciences, Mzuzu University and a partnership between several international organizations, namely, the Brien Holden Vision Institute, Sight Savers International, and Optometry Giving Sight, a Bachelor’s of Science in Optometry was created and added to the list of available degree programs.

Background

It is estimated that as many as 153 million people across the globe are visually impaired or blind due to uncorrected refractive error, a problem that can easily be treated with a pair of spectacles. This worrying figure is due largely to the lack of human resources providing eye care services primarily in developing countries.
OUR COURSES

Optometry Course Objectives

The end of the course graduates will be able to

  • Perform all tasks of an optometric technician.
  • Provide comprehensive eye care, including full refractive and low vision care, binocular vision assessment and contact lens fitting for both children and adults in both public and private clinic environment
  • Manage and/or refer patients with ocular diseases Read More

Vision

The program shares the vision of World Health Organization and the World Council of Optometry – a global vision of optometry, primary eye care access, and refractive correction for everyone. We look forward to a time when these services are produced by qualified optometrists within the SADC region thus contributing to reduction of burden of blindness worldwide.

Mission

The program shares the vision of World Health Organization and the World Council of Optometry – a global vision of optometry, primary eye care access, and refractive correction for everyone. We look forward to a time when these services provided by qualified optometrists within the SADC region thus contributing to reduction of burden of blindness worldwide.

Internship

Malawian students are required to complete a mandatory placement for one year at a district or central hospital within Malawi.  International students are required to complete one year of internship in their respective countries.

These screenings allow the students and staff to experience, assess and treat the visual needs of Malawian communities as well as provide primary health care services to patients who would not have otherwise had access to eye care services. Read more

Community Outreach

Since the inception of the Optometry Department in 2008, the Department has conducted vision screenings in the following areas:

  • Rafiki Orphange in Mzuzu
  • Mzimba Community Centre
  • Mangochi
  • Enukweni Primary School
  • Chikangawa Primary School
  • Mzuzu Foundation Primary School
  • Kuyanja Secondary School – Nkhata Bay
  • St Augustrine’s Primary School
  • Luwinga Secondary School
  • Mzuzu University Student Shelter – Mzuzu
  • Kwithu Community Based Organisation  – Mzuzu
  • Usisya Community Hall – Usisya
  • Kande to Nkhatbay
  • Kafukule
  • Prison
  • Hewe
  • Mpherembe
  • Mzuzu International Academy

Partners and affiliations

Brien Holden Vision Institute

AFCO

Canadian Vision Care

Sight Savers

Wickenburg Children’s Cultural Organisation