Bachelor of Optometry
Examine vision and eye health, prescribe optical corrections and refer patients whose needs require other eye-care professionals.
R44 100 to R61 340 first-year fees
* From Medicine, the closest field we research.
From Medicine, the closest field we research.
Score out of 5. Tap a country for steps and visas.
From Medicine, the closest field we research.
Physical examination and procedures, patient trust, and a licence with personal liability. AI assists diagnosis and paperwork rather than replacing the doctor.
Hands-on In-person care Licensed & accountable
Tap a name for the official page. My Matric Map can check the ones marked “NSC/IEB check” against your results. Compare study costs
University of Johannesburg · 2027 intake NSC/IEB check in My Map
First-year tuition (2026): R44 100 to R60 960
2027 published example: English level 5, Mathematics level 5, Physical Sciences level 5, Life Sciences level 5; APS 34.
Academic selection and available places apply; meeting minimums does not guarantee admission.
University of KwaZulu-Natal · 2027 intake NSC/IEB check in My Map
First-year tuition (2026): R51 312
UKZN 2027: APS 33 (Life Orientation excluded) with English, Life Orientation, Mathematics, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences all at level 4. 4 years at Westville.
Only first to third CAO choices are considered, and no late applications are considered (closing date 30 September 2026). Meeting the minimums does not guarantee a place: UKZN selects by academic ranking from APS 48 down until the places are filled. Compulsory clinical placements, some outside Durban, are at the student's own cost for travel, accommodation and living.
University of the Free State · 2027 intake NSC/IEB check in My Map
First-year tuition (2026): R61 340
UFS 2027 example: AP 33, English level 5 (60%), Mathematics level 4 (50%), Life Sciences level 5 (60%) and Physical Sciences level 5 (60%). Selection programme; 4 years (Bloemfontein).
Selection programme (prospectus: 'Subject to selection: Yes'); it must be your first choice. Applications for 2027 closed on 31 May 2026. The current School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences selection policy (written for the 2026 intake) ranks applicants on a selection mark out of 118 (100 academic, up to 18 non-academic); a maximum of five (5) international students are considered; no fixed number of places is published (numbers follow the UFS enrolment plan).
Optometrists and ophthalmologists have different training. Ophthalmology is a medical specialisation after a medical degree.
Career and study guide. Separate salary, AI and country-recognition comparisons have not yet been researched for this field.
General information, not immigration or legal advice. Researched 2026-10-10.
