I totally plagiarised one of my old PowerPoint slides from a previous talk I did a few month back. So this is going to be dry... very dry.......
WHAT IS AN OPTOMETRIST?
Previously known as ophthalmic opticians, Optometrist are trained professionals who examine eyes, detect eye disease and problems, test sight, give advice on visual problems, and prescribe and dispense spectacles or contact lenses. They also recommend other treatments or visual aids where appropriate. Optometrist is trained to recognise eye diseases and referring such cases as necessary.
Optometrist study at university for at least three years. Once qualified, they have the opportunity to develop their interest in specialist aspects of practice such as contact lenses, eye treatment, low vision, children's vision and sport vision.
All Optometrist practicing in Malaysia must be registered with the Malaysian Optical Council, the profession's regulatory body, and listed in the Optometrist Register (Second Schedule). When choosing an optometrist, look out for the letters BSc or BSC(Hons) Optometry after his or her name. It means the optometrist is a fully qualified professional.
OTHER EYE PROFESSIONALS
DISPENSING OPTICIANS (OPTICIANS)
Dispensing opticians advise on, fit and supply spectacle frame and lenses after taking account of each client lifestyle and vocational needs. In Malaysia they are allowed to test the eyes for the purpose of dispensing prescription glasses.
In Malaysia, most Dispensing Optician study at Axismatic Professional Institute after finishing their SPM. The course last for a year and a half in which they will obtain the Fellow of British Dispensing Optician (FBDO) on completion. They are however, not allowed to prescribe or dispense contact lenses unless they further their studies and obtain recognition by the Malaysian Optical Council to prescribe contact lenses. They are not trained to detect eye disease.
All Dispensing Opticians practicing in Malaysia must be registered with the Malaysian Optical Council, the profession's regulatory body, and listed in the Opticians Register (First Schedule).
OPHTHALMOLOGIST
Ophthalmologist specialize in eye disease, treatment and surgery. Medically qualified, they mainly work in eye hospitals, private practice and hospital eye departments.
ORTHOPTISTS
Orthoptists generally work with ophthalmologist in hospitals and in the community. They are concerned with eye problems relating to eye movements and the inability of the eyes to work together. Examples of this problems are squint (strabismus), lazy eyes (amblyopia) and double vision (diplopia).
Hope i didn't bore you to death!
130 comments:
what makes u think to be in the field related to eye.. when u selected your profession years ago? any special story?
Not much story into it really. It runs in the family. My dad is an optician by practice, my mom's father was an optician as well.
So me taking up this carreer path was pretty natural.
Nevertheless during my undergraduate life, it dawned on me that there is more to it then just a business. We as optometrist do have a social obligation to serve our patients as well. Problem is, there is not many of us around in private practice and most DO treat it just as a business.
Hopefully things will change as more optoms flood the market.
hi! chee how! i am interested in optometry, can i know know where you graduated and where you are working?how much you earn as an optometrist?
Thanks
Hi kakashi
I graduated from Bradford University. Currently having my own practice in Perak.
How much you earn as an optometrist really do vary. If you are working for someone then it could range from 1.5k to 5k depending on your experience, your location and the company you are with. If your self employed then sky would be the limit :)
hey there. I stumbled upon your post by chance. :D i'm currently doing a combined degree with my masters in orthoptics in Sydney Uni... Do you know what separates these two professions? I've been told that in certain countries orthoptists cannot prescribe glasses. haha... what's the case in Malaysia?
-penny C-
Stupigo,
In Malaysia, Orthoptis cannot
prescribe glasses.
Your field of work involves Binocular Vision abnormalities ie Squints, diplopia (double vision) etc. So your more or less stuck in an Eye Hospital or private Eye Clinics if you plan to work in Malaysia and most countries. I was not aware that Orthoptis can prescribe prescription glasses in other parts of the world. I may be wrong. Would be grateful if you can enlighten me on that matter.
Optometrist on the other hand gives out prescription, dispense glasses as well as diagnose ocular abnormalities. Some work in hospitals and some like me work in private.
I do see a huge demand for your field here. There is not many orthoptist in Malaysia. They are mainly in KL and Penang. Like my state of Perak, there is only one and she is based in KL and comes over to Ipoh on a weekly basis.
Hope this helps and good luck on your studies.
Thanks Chee hoe... :) you must really enjoy your job. Well, I've been told that in Australia, Orthoptists are allowed to prescribe glasses. Apparently this wasn't the case a few years ago... hmmm, my dilemma... To stay here or return to Malaysia once I've graduated. Thanks heaps anyway. :)
I would recommend that you work there for a few years before you decide coming back. By then you will have enough know how to be of real value and you should be able to demand a high price when you come back.
If you got any questions, do not hesitate to ask. In fact, I may be the one asking you about BV problems... lol.
Hi! It's so great to have stumbled upon your post! XD I have some questions are waiting to be decoded! Besides the job aspects of an optometrist that you have mentioned, is optometrist required to prescribe medication and perform simple surgical procedures? On the other hand, if i choose to specialize in certain field of optometry, how many year more do i need to spend on study after graduating as an optometrist? Thx ya~~
Hi joanne,
An optometrist's role depends on where he/she practices. In UK for example, optoms are given prescriber status and are allowed to prescribe a list of drugs. However in Malaysia, optoms are not allowed to do so due to constraints in the Drug Act. We are slowly trying to change this.
On your question regarding specialization, you can do that for your masters/PHD and the duration vary on each subject matter.
I presume you are thinking of taking up Optometry as a career?
Feel free to ask any questions, I shall try to answer them if i can.
Exactly!! I'm currently in Form 6 and plan to study optometry in UK. However, I'm still in the stage of choosing which university to go. Can you give me some advice on that matter? Thx a lot ^^
Joanne,
You coming from a family that is in the optical business I am guessing? :)
I graduated from Bradford University. It has a decent Optometry program but life may be a bit dull if you compared to other more happening cities with university offering this course.
The more traditional university that I am sure you have heard would be City University which used to be a top choice since its linked with Moorefields and also Cardiff University.
Don't pick Glasgow since its a 4 years course there.
You might also want to consider UMIST.
Ultimately, whichever uni you will be studying. You would still need to take your pre-reg in UK if you plan to work there and once you are qualified, where you graduated won't really matter if you ask me.
If you do plan to come back to Malaysia though, be prepared to be a bit depressed cause 50% if not more of what you studied would be more or less down the drain with how optometry is practiced here (assuming your working in private practice).
Actually it's my uncle who suggests me to take up this course. And i think the future of an optometrist in Malaysia is actually not bad as there are still space for improvement.^^ Moreover it's a business and yet science related. Usually, people who take courses like biochem, biotech or engineering are the employees most of the time. As for optometrists, they can be the employee as well as the employer. (am i thinking too far away from reality haa..) Besides the uni that you have mentioned, what do you think about Anglia Ruskin University, Aston University(Birmingham), Bradford College(associate college of leeds Metropolitan University), The University of Manchester and lastly, University of Ulster? Thx again~
University of Manchester = UMIST
East Anglia started their Optometry program 6-7 years back if i am not mistaken so I am not too sure how good they are.
Aston, not familiar but they have had the Optometry program for a while.
I am not too sure why you brought up Bradford College since they don't offer Optometry course but only the Dispensing Optician course.
I do agree that there is a lot of room for improvement for this field but legislation is still very lagging behind. Hopefully this will change as more optometrist graduate and our number starts to pick up.
As for optometrist being the boss of themselves, well most optom that study overseas have a family background involving the industry. That is the main reason why most optom coming back run their own practice :P I doubt many would even think of studying optometry overseas and spend so much money on a job that would pay much less then an engineer if they are an employee back here in Malaysia... lol
Thx for your opinion!! You indeed have helped me a lot. For now, at least I have an idea for which university to choose~ ^^
Your Welcome,
To be honest, If your sure that you will end up practicing in Malaysia, the why not study locally?
Study oversea and study locally is very different. If i study oversea, I'll have the opportunity to experience something new!!^^ I believe you did learn something which are lacking here, right? However, from the point of view of the finance and how much you'll earn when you come back here, it'll not be a wise choice to study abroad. Anyway, after considering the factors, I'll apply for the place in university first~~
Studying overseas is always a good experience but the if you do choose this path, make sure you get pre-reg experience there as well. It would be a waste to just study there and come back freshly graduated.
UKM have had a big surge of intake for chinese students in recent years. You may well be able to get yourself into the course if you work hard enough.
Good luck.
Thx for your advise!!^^ You are really helpful! I'm very lucky to have stumbled upon your blog^^
Your Welcome :)
If you got anymore questions in the future, you can always ask here.
Hi,
i am interested in studying optometry locally in Malaysia. Where can i do that?
Locally, there is a few uni's that now offer this course.
Local U include - UKM, UITM, UIA
Private U - Twintech, Tun Hussein Onn
Hi!
UKM is the best is it for local U?
My optician say that he earns 3000+ per month- is this real?
My optician say, after graduate as Optometrist, you can continue study and become OPHTHALMOLOGIST.( i thought must be doctor then only can specialize and become ophthalmologist)
I didn't take physic in form 6-just bio,math and chem. will my ambition to become optometrist gone? but i got take physic in spm.
thanks!
another thing, my optician charge me 280 for Hoya lens with power 325 and 275. Is it too expensive? Is it worth? I have never prescribe such an expensive specs.
rm600 -hoya lens and frame( try change)
I can't really tell you if UKM is the best but it was the only local you that offered the course up to a few years back.
As for entry requirements, i think its best for you to go to UKM's website and search under allied health. I am not too familiar with the requirements myself since I did not do Optometry in Malaysia.
As for your Optician, I don't think he knows what he is talking about. You cannot do Ophthalmology after doing Optometry. You need to be a Medical Doctor first.
Regarding the cost of your lens, it would depend what type of Hoya lens dispensed and the coating that he gave you. So I won't comment on that since I don't really know the full details.
I'm choosing between Medicine and Optometry. I would probably go to Twintech for degree (awarded by Glasgow Clasedonian Uni) and pursue Masters in Australia after that.
However, I'm unsure what the future holds I will get if I graduate with Masters in Optometry. I mean, I heard that optometrists' work scope is very limited in Malaysia, while its completely a different story altogether in Australia. I don't know whether its really worth doing this course.
Besides, is Twintech really an ideal place to study in? I mean...I definitely can't compare it to Taylor's (I'm studying there now) but at least it has to be competitive enough for me to advance to Masters in Aus.
If I do medicine, I might eventually specialize in Opthamology.
I'm really unsure which one to pursue. Finance is a slight problem at the moment. I hope you would offer some advice. Thank you :)
Starryangel,
Optometrist job scope in Malaysia is truly limited. I would say that we are about 10 yrs back compared to optometrist in UK. Not because we don't have the expertise but we are bounded by legislature and public awareness.
Monetary returns from the job vary but if you will most definitely need to have your own outlet to make any decent money. Then you have to juggle the dilemma of being retail orientated or service orientated.
You also have to content with telling people who you are as many can't even distinguish between an Optician, Optometrist and to a certain extent ophthalmologist.
If you are thinking of working in Malaysia then I honestly do not see how a Master's Degree would help. There won't be much monetary reward except for self satisfaction. If you plan to pursue your career as an Optometrist in Australia then by all means do it there.
As for medicine, well I don't think I should dwell into that since you should be well aware of the long journey of this path :)
Chee Hoe,
I was looking through the LIST OF REGISTRABLE QUALIFICATION FOR OPTOMETRIST on the amoptom.org and found out that Anglia Ruskin Uni is not in the list. If I will to graduate in Anglia do you think I am qualifed to reg. in Malaysia.Surely I can reg in UK.I am thinking of going to Bradford or Aston as my next choice.I hope you can help me decide.And is it true that you need to have the perfect grades (eg A,A,B)reqirements set by the uni in UK as I am paying the fees by self.Thks
East Anglia Uni is pretty new in Optometry in UK (probably set circa 2001 ish). Not too sure about it being recognize in Malaysia or not.
I graduated from Bradford. If your looking at a relatively cheap place to stay and do your degree, then Bradford would be pretty ok.
As for requirements, A,A, B for A-levels is about right. However, I think some uni may settle for A,B,B. Those were requirements during the old days. Not too sure about now though. You can get more information from the UCAS handbook.
If you do plan to study in the UK and still come back to Msia, I strongly suggest you complete your Pre-Reg year too. Its a very good learning curve.
HI,
Found ur blog while surfing.
Can i ask a question abt the dispenser Optician?
Why can i get the course?
If i am planning to start a business to open optical (i mean selling spec) shop, what shd i do? i mean do i need any license or certificate?
Thanks....
Man, I wish I could have gotten education in Malaysia. The programs in the United States are 4 years. Clear View Eye Care
Anon,
You can try Axismatic for the DO course and i do think you need to be certified by MOA as an optician before you can open up an optical outlet.
CV Eyecare,
Real impressive website you got there. Is that your personal private practice?
hi,what i want to know is is axizmatics a good institute to study optic course and then further study to Cardiff, UK like what the institute offer and go for optometry? and optometrist can work at where?
Chee Hoe, how kind of you to share your knowledge and experience! I'm really grateful :)
This post was more than a year ago, I hope you don't mind me commenting on it still and asking more questions...
May i assume that the role of optometrists in Malaysia is still the same after a year? Or are they improvements in the legislations?Honestly i'm not too keen on the business aspect, yet as you mentioned, many treat it just as
a business. I do not come from a family in the optical business. I've completed a-levels and recently changed my mind about pursuing dentistry, and so was considering other options.. Optometry appealed to me as eyes and vision are so important. However, somehow it seems the biggest part of the job is to perform eye-checks? Do you ever feel that the day-to-day talks are very much routined?
I would consider studying overseas. How is the job scope different there? Besides having own practice, are there other good options? I've researched that in the UK it's a 3-year degree while for Australia they've made some changes so to qualify, a 2-year Masters program is required after a BSc - a total of 5 years..Seems pretty serious. Do you think this shows something?
Thank you so much for taking time to read all this! I do hope you'll reply.. Thanks again in advance!
hey! i did optometry in bradford uni, graduated in yr 2000, glad to know of another alumni in malaysia..
btw u did ur pre-reg in UK?
hey. Im currently studying optometry myself.. and am really enjoying it! Im really scared for my slit lamp assessment next week though.. not too sure how to do the van herrick technique.. can you sort of help me on that? Btw im in the 2nd year!
u are malaysian who study at UK?
Im malaysian..I wan to take this course..but I found that not much college have this course in malaysia..izit only Axismatic Professional Institute can take this caourse beside goverment uni?
If I wan take further study, where should I go as u say Glasgow Caledonian University spend longer time?
Hello,my name is Georgina Teh,I am really keen in optometry course , may i know if there is any place we can get information about the lab fee,tuition fee and miscellaneous fee for this course in Twintech,or do u have any information about it? I had been browsing through many websites about it but to no avail , but i really want to start this course as soon as possible,I will be really happy if u can help me oput with this..Thank you very much! by the way, i just took STPM last year.By the way,this is my e-mail add, georginateh_cheers@hotmail.com
nw im waitin my spm result...can i knw whats the different between optometrist n optician?wich uni or college in malaysia that offer these courses?and how long is the duration of these course?lastly,wich one u tink is better?optometrist or optician?thanks for ur reply~i wil realy appreciate it~=]
Hi Chee Hoe,
I'm thinking of investing in an optical business. But I am not an optician, can I still open up my very first optical outlet? Or do I need to have any optician or optometrist as my business partner?
Please advise, or if you have any recommendation. Thanks. =)
Best regards,
Kit
I've been absent blogging for sometime due to life commitments. Sorry for not being able to answer most of your question during this time.
Kit, if you decide to open an optical business, you will need to hire a registered optician or optometrist to be in your shop.
I finished my STPM, and wish to take up optometry. I have friend(in Twintech) in the dilemma situation now.Would u advise me to go to THONEH..Or any suggestion...I wish to do my optometry in locally..THX
I have heard of the Twintech issue.
I think Thoneh would be a safe bet since it won't have problem with accreditation. Most of the Dr's from Hussein Onn are teaching there if i am not mistaken.
chee hoe,
how long is the duration for dispensing optician course in axismatic?after graduated,it is consider diploma holder?
i really looking forward for ur reply~hope to knw as soon as possible...truly thank you~
hye, i juz google about optometry and i found your blog. i just finished my matriculation programme and thinking of to continue my study in degree in optometry. in your opinion, is it optometry is a good course? and if i take optometry course, is job opportunity for this course is limited in malaysia? what will i be if i take this course and for your information, i dont want to open a business. just want to work in hospital or whatsoever but not business. please help me. thank you.
I don't think optician course in axismatic is considered as diploma. If it is, they would have advertised it as diploma in ophthalmic dispensing. But i am not 100% sure.
Adillah, job opportunity for optometrist in Malaysia is usually confined to eye clinics, hospitals and private practice (optical shops). Optometry is interesting if you have the freedom to practice what you learn. This mainly would be in the confinement of a hospital clinic be in private or government. Either that or you have the financial ability to own your own practice and dictate the clinical services that you want to offer your patients.
Hope this helps and sorry for the late reply.
hye, Prakash here. I really appreciate ur kindness of sharin so much of info bout optometry in tis blog... thumbs up, bro...
btw, i'm studyin optometry( degree) as well in Tun Hussein Onn Natioanal Eye Hospital. just steped into 3rd year.
Actually, wanna ask u bout d Masters Prog. Is there any scholarship available to cover d tuition fees. may i hv more details on tis matter?
1 more thing, wat do u think bout d future of Optometrist in MALAYSIA, as i goin to graduate soon, 2 years more... lol...
thanks, bro....
Hi prakash,
I am not really familiar with scholarships as regards to the masters program for optometry. I think the best person to talk to would be your lecturer at THONEH since they too offer masters program there.
As regards to optometrist as a profession, I would say its pretty subjective. If you plan to work with the big boys in the optical industry then i would say whatever you learnt as far as pathology is concerned would be wasted down the drain. However, monetary rewards would be better. If you work in the hospital then most of your clinical studies will be playing a big part in your working life.
That being said, with more tertiary institutions now offering optometry degree, i am optimistic that the industry would be more professional in years to come (although i see this only happening in another 6-10 yrs). At the moment though, retail optometry is too commercialized that profit comes at the forefront at the sake of professionalism (as you can see in the case of the Focus Point fiasco recently in the papers). Or alternatively you could find a middle ground by the way of opening up your own business and custom make it to your own needs and level of professionalism.
Hope this helps.
Hi!!
I just goggled something about Optometrists in Malaysia then I came across your blog.
I'm now a final year student in UK, doing Optometry. I just got a job offer as pre-reg optometrist with Boots Opticians. I am not so sure if to take up that job as I will be bound to some two years contract. I'm in a dilemma whether to take it or not. If I take up the job, I would not be able to go back to Malaysia anytime within that two years.
Do you think it's recommended to do a pre-reg here and is it useful if I will eventually practice in Malaysia?? I already know that practicing in Malaysia will be basically based on refraction whereas in UK we're more of like a diagnostic person of diseases.
Also do u know the procedure of application if I want to work in local hospitals??
Thanks!!
(may email me at abong10@caledonian.ac.uk)
Hi Anna,
I would strongly recommend that you take up the pre-reg opportunity. Its a really good experience since you will be under an experienced optom and learning all you can from him/her. Rest assured, what you learn in Uni is very much different in practice and having someone to ask and learn during your pre-reg year is very helpful. Even if you do plan to come back to Malaysia, your pre-reg experience will distinguish you apart from other optometrist in Malaysia sinc Optom working in UK are more into diagnosis and primary care compared to Malaysian counterpart (in private practice).
As for local hospitals. Try getting in touch with your pre-reg tutor. He should have contact with your local eye clinic. Normally its just a simple letter or meeting up with the head of department of the eye clinic and requesting that you shadow in their clinics. They get pre-reg all the time and will already have idea on what to do with you when they accept you. Its a requirement for your pre-reg program (at least one day a week).
I am sure Boots has a program as with all the other chains like D&A, VE and the like for pre-reg. So no need to plan ahead if you ask me.
But thats from my experience from 2001 so things may change now.
hi, i am waiting for my spm result, erm i want to ask u about ur opinion if i can straight away study optometry oversea after spm ? Or is it really necessary for me to take a level and foundation?
can i know what is the total cost for me to study at the university of bradford, uk (in ringgit malaysia)....and where i can study for a-level or foundation tat can lead me to the optometry courses at the uni of bradford (duration:3years)....not necessary in malaysia, did taylor's college offered a-level accepted by the uni of bradford,uk?
You need A-Level to enter any university in UK for their degree program. I am pretty sure any college that does A-Level program will be accepted in UK.
I am not too sure about the cost now but a rough estimate would be around 100k per annum including living cost.
hi, i would like to ask if i am graduated from axismatic, and i would like to further my studies to become an optometrist, but i do not want to go for overseas, is there any institute our there available for me to get my degree?
Dear Xiao Yan,
I think you should inquire from private local university regarding their admission for axismatic students. The university and colleges that you can try is SEGI, THONEH and MSU. I was told that some of them will accept but under certain requirements.
As for public university, i don't think they take in students from axismatic.
sorry, I still have a question to ask. If lets say I go into private university college to get a degree, do I have a shorter duration of study time compared to ppl who takes (eg. A-lvl, SAM,...)
Xiao Yan,
I think you will have to start from yr 1 if i am not mistaken but its best to ask the college/university to make sure.
I initially planned to study optometry, but unfortunately I scored A,B,D for my recent A-level exam. (I am going to re-sit the Physics paper in May this year) I like to seek for your advice if I should take up Opthalmic Dispensing BSc in Glasgow Caledonian University or BSc Hons Opthalmic Dispensing with Management Level 6 in Bradford College (awarding body:Leeds Metropolitan University)
I also wish to know the jobs opportunity for Ophthalmic Dispensing in Malaysia. Thx & await your reply soonest.
Hi Bridgette,
I think its good if you read up one of my post regarding optometrist and dispensing optician. I was fortunate to actually graduate in both the fields but I still strongly suggest you go straight to optometry. Here is the link
http://adrianhoo.blogspot.com/2011/01/malaysia-today-optometry-now.html
Thanks for your reply and advice for Optometry. Since I can't meet the UK entry requirement, I'll then go for local university. Which university will you recommend, THONECH, SEGI or any others? I've contacted SEGI, they can accept my A-level ABD result (my SPM science subjects result = A ABBB). My plan is to operate an optical business after graduate.
Hi Bridgette,
I am not sure about Segi since they just set up their Optometry program. I heard some of their teaching staff came from Twintech. As for THONEH, they are the only institution that is linked to a full fledged eye hospital so I would say that as far as clinical expertise is concern, THONEH may be the best.
Other private university that offer optometry include TWINTECH and MSU. Twintech had problems with accreditation recently so I think you need to closely enquirer about the latest status if you are interested in it. MSU i am not very sure.
However, I am not an expert in local institutions offering optometry in Malaysia so do not take my word for it. Its always best to check with the uni direct.
Thx for your advises, I'll contact THONEH for further information.
Dear Chee Hoe,
I've contacted THONEH, they can accept my A level result. I learn that they only started their Optometry course 3 yrs, their 1st batch graduates are still not out yet. They said their degree is recognized world wide & also accepted by UK General optical council. Please adv. Thanks.
Hi bridgette,
I think when they said recognize by UK, you should double check if the degree will allow you to do PQE in UK or you are recognized to do Masters later on in UK if you want to. Anyway, if you want to practice in Malaysia, its really irrelevant.
As to which university to choose, I really am not sure to be honest since I am not too familiar with local optometry course. However, the premise that Thoneh is linked to Tun Hussein Onn Eye Hospital should present as good clinical practice for you.
hi.!
well. im interested in optometry. as i might going to nz for study this course. but i've to study foundation year. what should i do for it? confused on the course that im going to study..
Hi Joseph,
I am not too sure with the requirements for NZ but i am sure you will need core science subjects such as biology, physics, math or chemistry.
I would say you will need a bit of each as you progress in the degree.
ok. thanks!!!
anyw. study Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences?
Dear Chee Hoe,
Thanks very much for yr information, will double check with them. By the way, can I know the full term for PQE, thx
hello chee hoe....david here....
me just graduated upon spm...i will be continue my foundation study at segi...btw...after foundation...i m confusing either choosing continue bsc in optometry at segi or THONEH...which is better...?
Hi David,
I think you should refer to my previous comments as i have already gave my thoughts on SEGI and THONEH
Hi! I m Eric having sm question wan ask 2 u.
I m graduated STPM.I hv interested 2 optometry course, bt my result very poor, nt qualified 2 enter any degree course in uni. In SPM, d result nt much well also, taken 10 subject, just gt 9 credit. I m dnnt plan 4 resit STPM.
Can u suggest wat i can doing nw 2 achieve wat i wanted.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Hi Eric,
To be honest, I think its best for you to retake your STPM due to the demand of the course itself. I am not sure about the current courses in Malaysia but when I was taking up the course, many drop out in the first year.
However, if you do plan to take out optometry and don't plan to resit STPM, then the most likely course would be to try your luck taking up Opthalmic Dispensing and try to enrol on an optometry course upon completion. But do take into consideration that there is no guarantee that you will be accepted into optometry course via this route.
Good luck.
Thx
Can i know where can taking up Opthalmic Dispensing?
Opthalmic Dispensing, its a course?
Its locally or oversea?
can u introduce?
Dear Eric,
You can try enquiring from Axismatic if you think you want to study the course locally.
It can also be studied overseas with a prospect of joining up the Optometry course in the same university (subject to your examination results).
Read through my current blog. It explains whats the job description of an opthalmic dispenser.
Thx again...
I will considering on tat route.
Chee Hoe,
Hi there, I'm currently a Optom. student studying in Msia. One question I have for you is, if I graduate here, is it possible for me to practice in the UK. I'm planning to do my masters in UK does it help?
hello there:) thank you 4 this entry. it helps me a lot.
btw, i'm quite confused about the course that i'll take. i'd been offered to do foundation in optometry at msu and will further my study at UK. does this course allows me to do eye surgery?
Ben Joon,
I am not very sure about this, but if things were the same as it was when i left, there is a possibility that you will still need to do your Pre-Reg in UK before you can practice there as a full fledge Optometrist.
Aria,
Optometrist do not do surgery. You need to be an Opthalmologist to do that.
hye hai..thank God i came across ur blog...
i'm jasmin
i planned 2 do optometry in m'sia..i already tried ask THONEH..between i also applied for MSU...
i took stpm last year...now i'm in dilemma to choose whether THONEH or MSU??
can u give advice??
hi, your blog gave me lots of information regarding optometry, it helps in considering optometry as my future undergraduate course.
However, I've been told that an optometrist usually worked for 12 hours a day in a retail shop. Is that true? Or may be working hours differ in different retail shops?
I would be delighted and thankful if you could reply my comment. Thanks! :D
-wendy-
Retail working hours depends on the location that you are working for. It can vary from 8hrs to even 12 hrs, 5 to 6 working days a week.
hi!i wanna ask is the job prospect of optician in malaysia wide nowadays?i m now taking FBDO programme in Axismatics but i heard many people said that it is better for me to do optometrist in stead of optician because malaysia have too many optician already.They ask me to study form 6 and then do my degree in ukm.I scare i have done the wrong decision.
Hi osh,
I would say now is not the right time to study optician. As you know, once you graduate, you not get your cl certain unless you are able to obtain a oink form which is pretty hard right now. With the amount of local university offering optometry course, you will be even more hard pressed competing with them. Try thinking 10 years ahead. This is inevitable.
My advice would be to stick to your FBDO course if you have already started midway and try to get into an Optometry course with your FBDO. This is assuming you are interested to become an optometrist.
Hello Chee Hoe,I'm Jun frm penang,before that I'm done my HSC in INTI COLLEGE PENANG and nw I'm going to SEGI for my Optometry course Sept Intake.However,actually what my mind playing around is I'm wish to get into UK Uni kinda like Uni of Manchester , Anglia Ruskin Uni,Cardiff Uni,Aston or GCU cuz I'm feel that UK degree is actually better than local degree.In fact,I'm like UK life and seriously plan to work over there after fnsh my degree.N nw I'm plan to study Segi maybe 1st Sem then twin to UK uni eventhough 2012 intake ,I'm dun mind.But 1 thing is izz possible to get into UK uni since what I'm done be4 is New South Wales High School Certificate kinda like Australian Marticulation ,n 1st Sem result can help me get into there since same course n their policy is diff.Btw,which Uni is better ?Last of all,how u get into BradFord?Using ur A level result to apply or?N I'm kinda affraid cuz what I'm done is nt A level.Need A-lvl result like A,B,B or A,A,B to get into there?
Hi Jun,
I am not too sure about Australian Matriculation, I did my A-Levels when i applied to Bradford. Back then you can get into Optometry with just ABB but i think its higher now.
If you are now in UK, I would suggest you go to the British Council to enquire for the entry requirements. That would be more accurate.
As for the best Uni, I think its a matter of preference. I would say UMIST, City, Bradford and Cardiff could be a good choice.
Regards
optometrist and optician in malaysia are regulated professions that predominantly deals with vision care. their standard of practice might be different but their legal obligation shall be similar. discuss about this ,what is your think ??
waiting for your reply ..and thanks
Neenee88,
Hmm... this is a tricky question since I personally think that standard of practice differentiate different level of legal obligations for both the professions. Of course both profession has the same obligation which is to provide the best service according to their relative professional scope.
Now if you look at both profession's job scope, an optometrist provide eye health screening as well as dispense glasses and contact lenses. An Optician on the other hand are only equipt to dispense glasses and for some contact lenses too. So strictly speaking, Optometrist would have legal obligation on diagnostic mismanagement as well as the standard obligation on prescriptions and dispense. So eventhough there is an overlap of job scope which makes it seem like both profession share a similar legal responsibility, optometrist in fact should have an even larger scope of liabilities due to their more indepth job scope.
In UK, Optometrist holds the liability of the whole optical outlet (in private practice) similar to a pharmacist. So any mistake on the Opticians part actually effects the Optometrist.
However in Malaysia, we have yet to have this legal implementation. So I guess whatever i said earlier is not really applicable. But if you think about it, if a patient suffering from proliferatice diabetic retinopathy comes and see an optometrist and he/she misses it then isn't the Optometrist liable for malpractice? An Optom is definately equipt to diagnose this disease. However an Optician on the other hand would not in my opinion be liable since he is not trained to screen eye diseases. Nevertheless, if an Optom or Optician prescribes a wrong prescription resulting in a mishap of a patient of them then both should be liable. This 2 example is what i meant earlier regarding different legal obligation for both profession.
A bit of a mind boggling answer I am sure but I hope i didn't confuse you too much :P
Hi Chee Hoe, I plan to take up Optometry @ THONEH early 2012, I've just completed Australian Metriculation recently. I'm also looking into taking up specialisation in orthoptic practice after my optometry degree. What do you think ?
Sally,
If you are interesting in orthoptics why not take the Degree directly? However, I don't think you can take degree in orthoptics in Malaysia.
Thanks for replying Chee Hoe =) Can I work as optometrist cum orthoptist in Malaysia ? I was thinking of able to cover more services. I'll only further my education in orthoptic @ Melbourne after the local optometry degree (to save cost). Can you suggest any other course I can further after optometry so I can have better career prospects (in Malaysia / Singapore)?
Sally,
I am not sure how would the job prospect be for a person qualified in both optometry and orthoptics. I think you may be the first in the country! However, if you do plan to persue this course of action, I would say that it would be more logical to see yourself in a hospital based environment.
Ya, sounds ridiculous to pursue both =D I thought since it's inter-related, why not? I've read about specialization like neuro optometry/ paediatrics optometry/ orthoptic practice, that's why this idea came up. Btw, which has better prospect in our country (optometry or orthoptic)? In terms of securing a job & income. Honestly I'm really confuse, spending the next few years doing it. Appreciate your comments !
Sally,
I think both are equally good in term of prospect, however I would say Orthoptics would definately be a good prospect since there is simply so little of them around. In the coming 5 years, I see us churning a lot of Optometrist yearly since local Universities are offering Optometry as part of their Health Science resume. As always, as more optometrist graduate, there will be a probability that pay may suffer. I do not see this happening on the latter.
Thanks Chee Hoe, appreciate your valuable comments =D
hello i want to ask some things about optometry. i just finished australian matriculation and wanna do optometry in local. I heard from a doctor tat optometrist job has high demand in Malaysia? is tat true?
Shaminitha,
At the moment Optometry is definately in demand. However, you will find that availability for a hospital setting may be much more scarce in the years to come. That being said, i think for the next 3-5 years, there is bound to be a job for optometrist in retail outlets.
Hi Chee Hoe,
For an Optom, what is the scope of work in hospital and retail business in Malaysia? Can he start an eye clinic? just like a general practise doctor? How about involvement in laser sight correction? tks
wa
The scope for Optometrist is pretty huge when compared with working at the Hospital and in business.
In the Hospital, an Optom covers the full spectrum of primary eye care under an Opthalmologist.
As for business, it all depends on how equiped the business is. However Optom are still bounded by the Drug Act and hence we are shackled with the inability to use most diagnostic drugs usually available to our UK counterparts. However, we are still able to do most part of primary eye care if we are willing to invest in non invasive diagnostic tools.
As for Laser eye correction, Optom normally deals with Pre and Post Lasik treatment only.
Hi. I am having FBDO at axismatics now.. what should i do if i want to study optometry for further studies?
as u mentioned pre-reg in uk. wad's it about? must take pre-reg? if i finish optometry in uk, can i find a job in Singapore? Thx.. looking forward for ur reply. thx
hi! im rachael i get to knw yr blog from google! im currently deciding my degree course,if i take optometry now,can i have a chance to work in hospital in 4 years later,if i study in NIO,can i have a chance to work in tun hussein onn hospital? and normally what is the job scope of optometrist in hospital?
hope u reply soon! thanks!
If you plan to take up Optometry in UK and practice in UK then you need to do your Pre-Registration. Its a professional examination that you take after you graduate. During your Pre-Reg year, you will be working under a registered optometrist and then sit for the pre-registration examination. You are only a qualified Optometrist in UK once you pass the pre-reg exams. However, you do not need to sit for your pre-reg if you plan to work in Malaysia or Singapore.
Hi Rachel,
Your question is pretty tricky. We will be churning out quite a number of optometrist this coming few years. I have heard from some fresh grads that it is becoming difficult to land a hospital job in government hospitals but for the moment i think there is still many private opthalmologist that is hiring optometrist.
An optometrist working in hospital covers pre and post operative care as well as diagnostic and refractive responsibility.
Thanks. So i can continue to study optometry in uk once i graduate FBDO in axismatics? btw. is it good to take pre-reg? how long for pre-reg?
Hi Chee How, Can I repost your article on optometry on my website www.segamat.com?
I want to put it in the Jobs & Careers section. I will also attribute the article fully to you and provide a direct link back.
Thanks.
erm,after 4 years will this job post in clinical field become very competitive? if i work on retail outlet,wats actually the job scope for optometrist?
Dear Anon,
Pre-Reg is good to pick up clinical skills. Its normally a full year.
Betterman,
Do go ahead :)
Rachel,
It all depends on the set up of the retail outlet. Some outlet only wants an optometrist to be present so he/she can sell contact lens legitimately and all you do there is mostly sales. However, there is retail outlets (normally optometrist themselves) that invest in diagnostic equipment and offer most optometric services.
hi Chee Hoe, im going to pursue my study in optometry. I want to ask, can i continue to master in ophthalmologist after i finish my degree?
To take up Opthalmology, you need to take up medicine and not Optometry
Hi ! May I know what is the different of optometrist, ophthalmologist, orthoptists? Is that the only different of them is optometrist can give surgery to patient ? Is the role of optometrist only in detecting the problem or the disease ? Optometrist will refer to ophthalmologist or orthoptists if required? A patient will must see a optometrist before they meet the ophthalmologist ? Can ophthalmologist detect the problem themselves and give the treatment or surgery to them directly ? I would like to confirm that optometrist is always has it post in professional. I am always confuse why not the patient go to see ophthalmologist directly instead have to see optometrist first.
Hi,
Browse through my post and also the comments here. I am sure you will understand the difference between the 3 after reading it.
As for your last question, an optometrist is the first line of defence as far as the eyes are concerned. They are equipt with the knowledge to screen and detect eye diseases. Of course a person can go directly to see an opthalmologist when they have an eye problem, however, not all will have symptoms and it is the optometrist duty to detect this problem if any during their routine eye examination and refer it on to an opthalmologist for further investigation/treatment. In the UK, one cannot see an opthalmologist (public hospital) before they see an optometrist. Even in hospitals in Malaysia, Optometrist does a lot of pre and post operative work in the eye department.
Hi,
Browse through my post and also the comments here. I am sure you will understand the difference between the 3 after reading it.
As for your last question, an optometrist is the first line of defence as far as the eyes are concerned. They are equipt with the knowledge to screen and detect eye diseases. Of course a person can go directly to see an opthalmologist when they have an eye problem, however, not all will have symptoms and it is the optometrist duty to detect this problem if any during their routine eye examination and refer it on to an opthalmologist for further investigation/treatment. In the UK, one cannot see an opthalmologist (public hospital) before they see an optometrist. Even in hospitals in Malaysia, Optometrist does a lot of pre and post operative work in the eye department.
hey there, stumbled on your blog and its really interesting. I'm gonna go for Optometry at a local university soon in september, so gotta a question or two to ask.
Where does an Optometrist usually work eh?
hi, i m veil,stpm leavers, I m gonna study optometry in segi tis month. BTW after doing survey and comparing, i found out that orthoptic have larger job prospect as it cn do surgery....
SO,can i master in orthoptic after finish degree of optometry?
is it optometrist an assistant of opthalmologist? hence we can only work under opthalmologist in eye hospital bt not independently?
Orthoptic and Optometry is technically 2 different profession. I do not think you can do masters in Orthoptics after doing your Optometry bachelor. You may however apply for waiver in some subjects if you plan to do a double degree with regards to Orthoptics. But you need to double check this cause I may be wrong.
Are you sure Orthoptist can do surgery? From what I know, they do not do surgery. However it is true that Orthoptist will have bigger prospect in Malaysia now simply because there are not much of them around now. This is due to the fact that as far as I know, all Orthoptist are qualified overseas.
Optometrist are primary carers any if you work in a hospital setting, you will be working under an ophthalmologist. We can also work independently providing prescription eye glazes as well as primary health care to our patients. There is no stopping us from providing screening & diagnostic services to patients who sees us. At the end of the day, when you work on your own, you Ned to determine what services you want to give and what kind of optometrist you want to be.
I would definitely wish you uphold the optometrist spirit of service above self :)
hi..now you have another option other than FBDO. You can do Diploma in Opticianry as well. Kolej IIUA is offering this course.
After FBDO can study bachelor of optometry Hons in local university?
Hei Chee Hoe, i'm 2012's SPM Leaver and i'm interested in learning Optometry. It was scholarship given by the government and if I excel in my foundation, i will send overseas to UK for 3 years to do my Bachelor of Optometry. I would to ask you few ques :-
1. Is Optometry-related jobs is hot in the market nowadays ?
2. Is Optometry is some kind of doctor? With the degree alone, i'm i qualified to work in doctor profession ?
Thanks !
Hello there Chee Hoe! I love the article the way its written and this can really help me a lot with my research. Thanks a lot :)
Regards,
jj
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Optometrist is really very important to us, Your story and information can inspire a lot of people including me.
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A lot of people still don't understand what is optometrist and or how much would be that salary of the optometrist...
Thanks, optician salary
hi,i'm actually interested in optometry,but the problem is i'm not really good in physic since in my secondary school,it is this course is too much on physic? thanks :)
hi!
i'm an optometry student in local Uni. I'm still in my first year of study & still a long way to go. Actually i'm a lil bit curious on job opportunity that offers to us as an optometry. Is there is many chances to get this job as when i graduate soon?
Nice post. Keep sharing.
Thank you, such a informative post, but what makes you choose to be Optometrist, besides other field?? mind to share with us in more details?
Be frankly said, I always make confused between Optometrist, Ophthalmologist, and Optician...
Hahaha..... Optometrist, Ophthalmologist, and Optician, 3 "Ops"
Previously known as ophthalmic opticians, optometrists are primary health care specialists trained to examine the eyes to detect defects in vision, signs of injury, ocular diseases or abnormality and problems with general health
Great column is write about the eyes.
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