Welcome to the Department of Optometry
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Optometry is an independent healthcare profession that is regulated in Nigeria by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria with Optometrists providing primary healthcare services to mankind in the field of vision science and eye care. There are many speciality areas for Optometrists willing to complete an optional residency program after graduation. These speciality areas include Ocular Health, Contact Lenses, Low Vision and Rehabilitative Optometry, Primary Care Optometry, Pediatric/Geriatric Optometry, Public Health Optometry and Orthoptics.

The Department of Optometry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri came into existence in 2002 as one of five departments in the School of Health Technology, created with a vision to use the latest technology to produce highly skilled Optometrists that will provide comprehensive eye and vision care services to the public in a bid to manage visual defects and prevent blindness.

Career Opportunity

Career opportunities are available in Private Practice, Public Service, Armed Forces and Police, International Organizations/NGOs, Research and Educational Institutions.

Philosophy

To facilitate the enhancement and development of eye and vision care through exemplary leadership in training, practice and research.

Mission

To produce a total Optometrist that is resourceful, knowledgeable and skilful in the creation and use of technologies for the amelioration of visual defects.

Vision

The vision of this Department is to employ the latest cutting-edge technology in the training of highly skilled, knowledgeable and research-oriented Optometrists that will be of great service to mankind.

Objectives

The objectives of this programme include:-
  • To produce Doctors of Optometry with sound knowledge of the profession, its ethics and codes of conduct.
  • To produce Optometrists who will provide the much-needed manpower in the eye care profession.
  • To produce Optometrists that will meet internationally recognized standards and undertake training towards post-graduate specialization.
  • To train and cultivate in them the ability to teach, conduct research and make advances in the profession for the benefit of mankind.
Duration of Study
Optometry is a 6–Year programme leading to the award of the Doctor of Optometry, OD, degree.

Staff List

S/NoNameRankPhonee-mail
1Dr E.C. EsenwahReader8033939593esenwah-eye@yahoo.com
2Dr N. C. IkoroReader80332253256egoikoro@yahoo.co.uk
3Dr A. U. MegwasSenior Lecturer8037081497tonymegwas@yahoo.com
4Dr M. E. OkorieLecturer 18066109614optpmdockorie@yahoo.com
5Dr I. NwawumeLecturer 18035084802irephonic@yahoo.com
6Dr E. I. Daniel-NwosuLecturer 18035661026edithedfuto@gmail.com
7Dr Y. C. AzuamahLecturer 18034933590youngazuamah@yahoo.com
8Dr G. I. NwakammaLecturer 18033402022nwakammagerry@yahoo.com
9Dr G. I. UgwokeAsst. Lecturer8068198133genevieveugwoke@yahoo.com
10Dr U. A. JuddyAsst. Lecturer7030146946ukponojuddy@yahoo.com
11Dr C. N. IbeAsst. Lecturer8038968980clairejidexibe@gmail.com
NON TEACHING STAFF
S/NoNameRankPhonee-mail
1Mrs A. C. NnadozieSnr. Asst. Registrar8030467003nnadozieangeline@yahoo.com
2Mrs N. C. MenahaSnr. Executive Officer706623172ngoblis@gmail.com
3Ms A.K. OparaPrincipal Processor 18167676841
4Mr S. N. AmadiChief Clerical Supervisor8065040173
5Mrs C.A. NnodiPrincipal Clerical Officer

 

Undergraduate Courses

100 Level Courses

1st Semester

CourseCodeUnit  
BIOLOGY FOR AGRICULTURE AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE IBIO 101/103
GENERAL CHEMISTRY ICHM 101
ENGINEERING DRAWINGENG 103
INTRODUCTION TO FRENCHFRN 101
INTRODUCTION TO IGBO GRAMMARIGB 101
ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS IMTH 101
GENERAL PHYSICS IPHY 101

2nd Semester

CourseCodeUnit
BIOLOGY FOR AGRICULTURE AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE IIBIO 102/104
GENERAL CHEMISTRY IICHM 102
WORKSHOP PRACTICE IIENG 102
ENGINEERING DRAWING IIENG 104
FRENCH LANGUAGE IIFRN 102
SOCIAL SCIENCE IGST 108
SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETYGST 110
IGBO LANGUAGE IIIGB 102
ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS IIMTH 102
GENERAL PHYSICS IIPHY 102

200 Level Courses

Ist Semester

2nd Semester

 

300 Level Courses

1st Semester

2nd Semester

 

400 Level Courses

Ist Semester

2nd Semester

 

500 Level Courses

Ist Semester

2nd Semester

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree Programmes In The Department Of Optometry, School Of Health Technology, Federal University Of Technology, Owerri Was Approved At The 29th Meeting Of The Curriculum Committee Of Senate Held On Thursday, November 18, 2021 At The Senate/Council Chamber

Introduction

Optometry is an independent healthcare profession that is autonomous, educated and regulated.  Optometry provides a wide range of healthcare services that include comprehensive eye and vision care; refraction and dispensing; detection/diagnosis and management of diseases in the eye; and rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system. Optometry covers a variety of areas and specialties which include Clinical Optometry; Vision Science; Ocular Health; Low Vision and Rehabilitative Optometry; Pediatric Optometry; Public Health Optometry; Cornea/Contact lens; Orthoptics; and Primary Care Optometry.

Proposed Programme

Ph.D. Optometry with the following options:

1) Clinical Optometry
2) Vision Science
3) Ocular Health

Philosophy

The Ph.D. Optometry programme with options in Clinical Optometry, Vision Science and Ocular Health of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, are designed to provide specialized training in certain disciplines that make up Optometry. Any of these programmes prepare the student to pursue the various career options available in the field of Optometry and Vision Science, namely, Teaching, Research and Consulting, in such areas as Ocular Health; Public Health Optometry; Low Vision and Rehabilitative Optometry; Contact Lens; and Orthoptics. These programmes also target Optometrists and Scientists wishing to update their knowledge or acquire new skills in these specialized skills.

Objectives

1) To train Optometrists in specialized areas to meet the high demand for Eye and Vision care.
2) To enhance the academic and clinical competencies of Optometrists and other Scientists wishing to train in these specialized areas.
3) To equip Optometrists and other Scientists for top management positions in Academic; Research; Health institutions; etc.
4) To promote advancement in Optometry and Vision Science.

Admission Requirements

A candidate choosing to gain admission into the Ph.D. Optometry Programme with options in Clinical Optometry, Vision Science and Ocular Health must possess the following:
1) A Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree from any recognized University within or outside Nigeria with a CGPA of 2.5 and above on a 4.0 scale or 3.5 and above on a 5.0 scale for the options in Clinical Optometry, Vision Science and Ocular Health respectively.
2) Completion of one year internship programme.
3) All candidates must have at least five credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry at ‘O’ level.
4) Meet other admission requirements of the Post-graduate School of Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Duration of Programme

1) Full -Time: A minimum of 4 semesters and a maximum of 8 semesters.
2) Part – Time: A minimum of 6 semesters and a maximum of 12 semesters.

*L – Lecture, T – Tutorial, P – Practical

Course Outline

Ph.D. CLINICAL OPTOMETRY – HARMATTAN SEMESTER

S/NoCodeCourse TitleLTPUnits
1OPT 901Advances in Binocular Vision1023
2OPT 903Pediatric Optometry1023
3OPT 905Advanced Contact lens1023
4OPT 907Advanced Glaucoma1023
5OPT 909Advances in Ophthalmic Examination1023

RAIN SEMESTER

S/NoCodeCourse TitleLTPUnits
1OPT 918Dissertation0066

OPT 901: Advances in Binocular Vision

Advances in sensory and motor mechanisms in binocular vision. Research on the neurological basis for binocular vision. Advances in the clinical management of binocular vision anomalies including strabismus, amblyopia, heterophorias, suppression, eccentric fixation, anomalous retinal correspondence.

OPT 902: Primary Eye Care

The student is to spend not less than 8 hours a week examining patients and gaining experience in clinical practice. Principles of operation of basic Optometry instruments: Phoropter, Retinoscope, Ophthalmoscope, Slit-lamp Biomicroscope, Keratometer, Tonometer, Visual Acuity instruments etc. Clinical management of basic ocular pathologies.

OPT 903: Pediatric Optometry

Further studies in congenital disorders, refractive errors among infants and common ocular problems in infancy and childhood.

OPT 904: Geriatric Optometry

Vision among the aged. Oculovisual problems of elderly patients. Cataract, Presbyopia, Age-related macular degeneration. Further studies on other geriatric ocular problems.

OPT 905: Advanced Contact lens

Further studies in fitting defects and complications in contact lens wear. Clinical application of contact lens in the management of refractive errors, presbyopia, keratoconus, aphakia. Special uses of contact lenses.

OPT 906: Principles of Prescribing and Therapeutics

The student is expected to have an in-depth knowledge of ophthalmic drugs, their indications, contraindications, dosage, adverse effects. The student is trained on the safe prescribing habits of ophthalmic drugs. Prescribing guidelines for infants, children and elderly patients.

OPT 907: Advanced Glaucoma

A piece of detailed knowledge in the various classifications of glaucoma. Visual field assessment, diagnostic procedures and management.

OPT 908: Research Methods and Applied Data Analysis

Basic knowledge in proposal writing, health statistics, formulation of a research problem, research design, clinical trials, measurement of variables, data analysis using higher statistical softwares – SPSS, EPI INFO.

OPT 909: Advances in Ophthalmic Examination

Further studies in ocular examination procedures – a detailed case history, visual acuity, external examination, contrast sensitivity, color vision, visual field, ocular motility, ophthalmoscopy, retinoscopy, tonometry etc.

OPT 910: Seminar

Students are to present a seminar in an approved topic in Clinical Optometry.

OPT 918: Dissertation

Students are to carry out a scientific research in an approved topic relating to Clinical Optometry. Students will face an oral defense before a panel including an external examiner.

Ph.D. VISION SCIENCE – HARMATTAN SEMESTER
 
S/NoCodeCourse TitleLTPUnits
1OPT 901Advances in Binocular Vision1023
2OPT 911Fundamentals of Vision Science1023
3OPT 913Advanced Optics and Dioptrics of the Eye1023
4OPT 915Advanced Color Vision and Visual Sensitivity1023
5OPT 917Neurophysiology and Perceptual Development1013
TOTAL15
 
RAIN SEMESTER
 
S/NoCodeCourse TitleLTPUnits
S/NoCodeCourse TitleLTPUnits
1OPT 908Research Methods and Applied Data Analysis1113
2OPT 910Seminar0033
3OPT 912Advanced Retinal Imaging1023
4OPT 914Perceptual And Spatial Organization of Vision1023
5OPT 916Advanced Quantitative Methods for Vision Research1113
TOTAL15

OPT 901: Advances in Binocular Vision

Advances in sensory and motor mechanisms in binocular vision. Research on neurological basis for binocular vision. Advances in the clinical management of binocular vision anomalies including strabismus, amblyopia, heterophorias, suppression, eccentric fixation, anomalous retinal correspondence.

OPT 908: Research Methods and Applied Data Analysis

Basic knowledge in proposal writing, health statistics, formulation of a research problem, research design, clinical trials, measurement of variables, data analysis using higher statistical softwares – SPSS, EPI INFO.

OPT 910: Seminar

Students are to present a seminar in an approved topic in Vision Science.

OPT 911: Fundamentals of Vision Science

A comprehensive insight on vision science; visual cognition, visual illusions, eye movements, saccades, eye tracking, visual crowding, visual masking, spatial vision.

OPT 912: Advanced Retinal Imaging

Recent advances in the methods used in imaging the human retina. Types of illumination and delivery methods, optical techniques for detection, interaction of light and tissues, systems integration, and selection of imaging modalities based on scientific goals.

OPT 913: Advanced Optics and Dioptrics of the eye

Basic principles of classic and modern geometric and physical optics with emphasis on dioptrics of the human eye. Schematic eye, aberrations and entoptic phenomena.

OPT 914: Perceptual and Spatial Organization of Vision

Classical perceptual psychology, computational modeling and neuroscience, perception of color grouping, odal and amodal completion, object recognition, visual attention, visual memory, visual imagery and visual awareness. Human spatial vision and spatial localization. Vision analogues and models of visual processing of spatial information. Perception: visual direction, egocentric and oculocentric localization.

OPT 915: Advanced Color Vision and Visual Sensitivity

Advances in sensory aspects of light and color vision. Mechanisms of normal and defective color vision. Specification, discrimination, psychophysics, and neurophysiology of color processing.

OPT 916: Advanced Quantitative Methods for Vision Research

Further studies in the sensory nerve code, representation of nerve messages by orthogonal functions, sampling theorem, linear filters, Fourier analysis in one and two dimensions, analysis of directional data, stochastic processes, and signal detection theory.

OPT 917: Neurophysiology and Perceptual Development

Further studies of receptive fields, their characteristics and associated visual functions. Development of visual pathways and studies of abnormal visual exposure. Development of nervous and perceptual systems. Innate and environmental factors in development of central visual pathways.

OPT 918: Dissertation

Students are to carry out a scientific research in an approved topic relating to Vision Science. Students will face an oral defense before a panel including an external examiner.

Ph.D. OCULAR HEALTH – HARMATTAN SEMESTER
 
S/NoCodeCourse TitleLTPUnits
1OPT 919Diseases of Anterior Segment1023
2OPT 921Advanced Ocular Emergencies1023
3OPT 923Advanced Ocular Biochemistry and Physiology1023
4OPT 925Advanced Ocular Neuropathology1023
5OPT 927Community Eye Health1023
TOTAL15
 
RAIN SEMESTER
 
S/NoCodeCourse TitleLTPUnits
1OPT 908Research Methods and Applied Data Analysis1113
2OPT 910Seminar0033
3OPT 920Diseases of Posterior Segment1023
4OPT 922Advanced Ocular Tumors1023
5OPT 924Advances in Environmental and Occupational Vision1023
TOTAL15
S/NoCodeCourse TitleLTPUnits
1OPT 918Dissertation0066
 
 

OPT 908: Research Methods and Applied Data Analysis

Basic knowledge in proposal writing, health statistics, formulation of a research problem, research design, clinical trials, measurement of variables, data analysis using higher statistical softwares – SPSS, EPI INFO.

OPT 910: Seminar

Students are to present a seminar in an approved topic in Ocular Health

OPT 918: Dissertation

Students are to carry out a scientific research in an approved topic relating to Ocular Health. Students will face an oral defense before a panel including an external examiner.

OPT 919: Diseases of Anterior Segment

More advanced studies on the diseases of the lid, cornea, conjunctiva, sclera, lens, iris, ciliary body.

OPT 920: Diseases of Posterior Segment

More advanced studies on the diseases of the choroid, orbit, retina, optic nerve. Retinal manifestations of systemic diseases. Diagnostic procedures and management of retinal diseases.

OPT 921: Ocular Emergencies

Ocular problems of both anterior and posterior segment of the eye that constitute emergency situations and their management.

OPT 922: Advanced Ocular Tumors

Further studies on tumors of the ocular system; clinical presentations, pathophysiology, etiology and management.

OPT 923: Advanced Ocular Biochemistry and Physiology

Photochemistry of the structures of the eye. Basic concept of cellular biochemistry with emphasis on visual system: tears intraocular fluid etc. Further studies on the physiology of the structures of the eye: lids, cornea, sclera, iris, choroid, lacrimal apparatus, lens, retina. Process of vision and visual pathway.

OPT 924: Advances in Environmental and Occupational Vision

Further studies on Industrial and occupational demands on vision. Vision ergonomics and protective equipment at home, work recreation and transportation. Vision problems in sports, under water. Ocular hazards, radiation and illumination.

OPT 925: Advanced Ocular Neuropathology

Further studies on the central control mechanisms and neurology of the oculo-rotary muscles. Neuropathology and assessment of visual field anomalies.

OPT 927: Community Eye Health

Community and school-based vision screening, community eye camp, outreach clinics to manage eye diseases in endemic areas in various communities.

Academic Staff List

S/NNAMERANKQUALIFICATIONAREA OF SPECIALTY  
1Prof. I.N.S. DozieProfessor (F/T)B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.Medical Microbiology
2Prof. O.U. AmaechiProfessor (Adjunct)OD, M.Sc., Ph.D., FNCO.Optometry/ Contact Lens
3Prof. C.C. NzottaProfessor (Adjunct)B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., FNCO.Vision Science
4Prof. E.C. EsenwahProfessor (F/T)B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., OD, FNCO.Optometry/ Ocular Health/ Environmental Vision
5Prof. N.C. IkoroProfessor (F/T)B.Sc., OD, M.Sc., Ph.D., PGDM.Optometry/ Rehabilitative Optometry & Low Vision/ Pharmacology
6Prof. J. EkezieProfessor (F/T)B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.Human and Ocular Anatomy
7Dr. S.C. IwujiReader (F/T)HND., B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.Physiology/ Pharmacology
8Dr. A.U. MegwasSenior Lecturer (F/T)ND, B.Sc., OD, M.Sc., Ph.D., FNCO.Optometry/ Pharmacology/ Rehabilitative Optometry and Low Vision
9Dr. P.C. OnyebuaguSenior LecturerB.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.Human and Ocular Physiology
10Dr. Y.C. AzuamahSenior Lecturer (F/T)OD, M.Sc., Ph.D., FNCO.Optometry/ Ocular Health/ Environmental Health
11Dr. C. OkerekeSenior Lecturer (F/T)OD, M.Sc., Ph.D.Optometry/ Environmental Health

Ready to get started with Postgraduate Programme in Optometry

Click here

 

Dr. Young Christian Azuamah

Ag. Head of Department, Optometry.

SENIOR LECTURER

O.D., M.Sc., PhD, FNCO

CONTACT INFORMATION     

C/O Engr. C.O Azuamah

No. 10 New Cross Street Ugwu Orji, Owerri, Imo State

08034933590, 08037091094

young.azuamah@futo.edu.ng

 

youngazuamah@yahoo.com