Polytechnics Offering Optometry in Nigeria In 2023

Polytechnics offering Optometry in Nigeria – Optometry is a constantly changing area of medicine that calls for specialized education and training in order to practice. Numerous respectable polytechnics in Nigeria offer optometry courses and programs to give students the training and information they need to become licensed optometrists. 

In this post, we’ll look at the polytechnics in Nigeria that offer studies in optometry. We will also look at the entry requirements and the job prospects for these programs’ graduates.

But first, let’s take a look at the Overview of Optometry in Nigeria.

Overview of Optometry in Nigeria

The field of optometry is expanding quickly in Nigeria as the nation’s need for eye care services grows. Optometrists are essential in offering complete eye care to people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They are in charge of doing eye exams, as well as identifying, addressing, and managing eye and visual conditions.

Optometrists in Nigeria must hold a Bachelor of Science in Optometry from an authorized institution in order to be licensed by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board of Nigeria (ODOBN). Optics, ocular anatomy and physiology, contact lenses, and other topics related to optometry are all included in the course material.

In Nigeria, optometrists are in charge of a wide range of tasks, such as writing prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses, identifying and treating eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy, and providing pre-and post-operative care to patients having eye surgery.

With more optometrists adopting cutting-edge diagnostic tools like retinal cameras, visual field analyzers, and optical coherence tomography machines to deliver precise and accurate eye treatment, the field of optometry is expanding technologically in Nigeria as well.

In Nigeria, optometry plays a crucial role in the health of the population by offering complete eye care services. Optometry has a promising future in Nigeria due to the rising demand for eye care services and the usage of cutting-edge technologies.

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List of Polytechnics Offering Optometry in Nigeria

At the moment, the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede is the only Polytechnic offering Optometry in Nigeria.

Overview of Federal Polytechnic, Nekede

One of the top polytechnics in Nigeria is the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede. It is situated in Imo State and has been offering top-notch tertiary education since 1980. The Polytechnic is well known for its top-notch academic offerings, up-to-date infrastructure, and qualified staff.

The Polytechnic offers a range of degrees, from technical education to business and management studies. The National Board for Technical Education has accredited and recognized every course provided throughout the world (NBTE). The Polytechnic also offers top-notch welfare, sports, and library services for students.

The Polytechnic offers its students the greatest learning environment possible and boasts a vibrant and diverse student body. Additionally, it features a library, lecture rooms, and a lab that are all well-equipped for student use.

Students at the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, drama, and other creative pursuits. Additionally, the polytechnic has an active student union that plans numerous activities all year long.

The Federal Polytechnic, Nekede is dedicated to giving its students a high-quality education and is always working to upgrade its infrastructure and offerings. Students can follow their aspirations of becoming the top optometrists in the country.

Admission Requirements for Optometry Admission in Federal Polytechnic, Nekede 

In O-level, candidates must have a minimum of five (5) SSCE English Language credit passes and four (4) credit passes in each of the following subjects: mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and agricultural science, taken in no more than two sittings.

Candidates should choose the following subject combinations for the JAMB UTME: English, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics/Biology. Candidates having Biology and Physics but no Math in the JAMB exam may be admitted. 

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Also, note that only candidates who make it past the 140 cutoff mark will be eligible to sit for the post-UTME examination.

Job Prospects for Students of Optometry

The examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of eye problems and diseases are all aspects of the practice of optometry. Graduates of optometry programs frequently have access to a variety of employment options. 

Occupational opportunities for optometrists frequently include:

1. Independent Practice

Many optometrists establish their own private practices where they treat people’s eye conditions.

2. Retail Optometry

When performing eye exams and dispensing glasses and contact lenses, some optometrists operate in retail venues like optical shops or department stores.

3. Healthcare facilities

Some optometrists work at hospitals, where they give eye care to patients in the emergency room, inpatient wards, or as a member of a general medical team.

4. Research

Some optometrists might participate in optometry-related research.

5. Eye care clinics

In their workplaces, ophthalmologists and optometrists might collaborate.

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6. Industry and Consulting

For businesses that make products for the eyes, some optometrists may counsel and operate in the industry.

7. Academics

Some optometrists might go into education and work as professors in optometry colleges.

It’s important to remember that work possibilities for optometrists may differ based on where they live and the local economy. Due to an aging population and more awareness of eye health, optometrists are generally in high demand.

Benefits of Studying Optometry in a Polytechnic

There are several benefits to studying optometry in a polytechnic:

1. Practical training

Students studying optometry may benefit from polytechnics’ strong emphasis on practical, hands-on training since it gives them the opportunity to practice interacting with patients and using equipment in a real-world environment.

2. More compact class sizes

Compared to universities, polytechnics frequently have smaller class sizes, which enables professors to provide more specialized education.

3. Reduced prices

A polytechnic may charge less for optometry classes than a university does for tuition and other fees.

4. Possibilities for networking

Since polytechnic institutions typically provide more courses that are relevant to the industry, students may have the chance to network with business leaders, which can aid in their ability to get jobs after graduation.

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5. Versatility

Students who have other obligations, such as jobs or families, may benefit from the polytechnic’s flexible scheduling options.

Conclusion

Finally, polytechnics in Nigeria are now providing an optometry program of study. This is a good thing for the nation since it will help alleviate the optometrist shortage and raise the standard of eye care in Nigeria as a whole. 

Graduates of Optometry would be able to offer crucial eye care services to the Nigerian populace with the right training and resources. Additionally, this will boost the country’s economy and give graduates more job prospects. Generally speaking, it is a constructive development that will benefit society.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to study optometry in Nigeria?

In order to study optometry in Nigeria, you must have completed at least five credits in relevant subjects at the senior secondary school level and have obtained the West African Examination Council (WAEC) or National Examination Council (NECO) Certificate.

Are there any prerequisites for admission into optometry in Nigeria?

Yes, students must have a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and English, obtained at the senior secondary school level.

What is the duration of an optometry program in Nigeria?

The duration of an optometry program in Nigeria is four years.

What is the tuition fee for an optometry program in Nigeria?

The tuition fee for an optometry program varies depending on the school and the program. However, most polytechnics offering optometry in Nigeria typically charge between N150,000 and N400,000 for the entire four-year program.

What type of job can I get after graduating from an optometry program in Nigeria?

After graduating from an optometry program in Nigeria, you can get a job in hospitals, private optical clinics, optometry firms, and other related health institutions.

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Is there an internship program for optometrists in Nigeria?

Yes, there are internship programs available for optometrists in Nigeria. These programs are offered by a number of hospitals and optical clinics in Nigeria.

Are there any scholarships available for optometrists in Nigeria?

Yes, there are scholarships available for optometrists in Nigeria. These scholarships are offered by the Nigerian government, non-governmental organizations, and private institutions.

Is there a professional body for optometrists in Nigeria?

Yes, there is a professional body for optometrists in Nigeria, called the Nigerian Optometry Association (NOA).

What is the scope of practice for optometrists in Nigeria?

The scope of practice for optometrists in Nigeria includes providing primary eye care services such as examining the eyes, prescribing corrective lenses, diagnosing and managing eye diseases and providing vision therapy.

Are there any research opportunities available for optometrists in Nigeria?

Yes, there are research opportunities available for optometrists in Nigeria. These include research projects conducted by the Nigerian Optometry Association (NOA) and other private and government institutions.

References

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