Frequently Asked Questions

 Q. What is a Doctor of Optometry (OD)?

A: A Doctor of Optometry is a healthcare professional who specializes in the primary examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of eye diseases and disorders.

 

Q. How long does it take to complete Doctor of Optometry programme?

A: The program typically takes six (6) years to complete.

 

Q. What are the prerequisites for the program?

A: Prerequisites for the program typically include a pass in the WASSCE specifically in elective courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, and math.

 

Q. Can I apply as a General Art student?

A: No. Only students who read General Science in Secondary School can apply.

 

Q. Is there a “Mature Student” category?

A: No. As this is a professional programme you will be expected to meet same minimum admission requirements as all other applicants.

 

Q. Do you accept International Students?

A: Yes. The Doctor of Optometry programme in KNUST is opened to all once the prerequisites for admissions are met.

 

Q. What does the program entail?

A: The program includes classroom instruction, laboratory work, clinical training and research. Students will learn about the anatomy, physiology, and optics of the eye, as well as the diagnosis and management of eye diseases and disorders.

 

Q. What are the certification and licensure requirements for becoming an optometrist?

A: To become a licensed optometrist, you must graduate from an accredited optometry program and pass the Allied Health Professional Council (AHPC) examination. This exam is written after the completion of a mandatory one-year internship after graduation.

 

Q. What are the career opportunities for a Doctor of Optometry?

A: Optometrists can work in private practice, hospitals, and clinics. They may also work in research or academia. Some optometrists specialize in areas such as pediatrics, low vision rehabilitation, or ocular disease, contact lenses, etc.

 

Q. Do you accept transfers from other schools of Optometry?

A: No, we do not accept transfers from other optometry programmes or schools. 

 

Q. I have completed undergraduate studies, will I have an advantage?

A: No. Currently, all applicants who meet the minimum admission requirements will be treated equally and admitted to accordingly.

 

Q. My friend has a relative working at KNUST, is there a chance his application will be considered over mine?

A: No. The Admissions Committee does not, under any circumstances, consider:

• age;
• race;
• family name;
• nepotism;
• religion;
• gender;
• or socioeconomic status in their admission decisions.

 

Q. Will I go through entrance exam and interview?

A: The Department of Optometry and Visual Science currently conducts interview session for only qualified applicants to determine admission.

 

Q. What does it mean when I am not invited for the interview?

A: Unfortunately, applicants who do not receive an invitation to the interview will no longer be considered for admission.

 

Q. If I apply one year and am not admitted, will I have a better chance of being admitted the next year?

A: There is no advantage or disadvantage to applicants based on the number of times you apply to the Doctor of Optometry. Each year there is a separate admissions process through which you are evaluated against the applicants who are applying with you. It is your performance against this batch, and the admission criteria that determines your admissibility.

 

Q. Can I do this programme part-time?

A: No. We do not offer part-time student status into the program. The curriculum to become an Optometrist must be done full time to complete the program.

 

Q. Does the Department run post graduate programmes?

A: Yes. The Department MSc and PhD in Vision Science Programme.