Optometry is a prestigious and highly regarded field, especially among science students, offering numerous opportunities for those considering the profession. Admission into Optometry programs can be competitive, underscoring the importance of a clear understanding of the entry requirements.
The course is accessible to both O’Level and Direct Entry students. O’Level applicants need to provide their WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results, while Direct Entry candidates can apply with qualifications such as a National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or a Bachelor’s degree. Exploring Optometry promises a pathway to a fulfilling and impactful career in the field of eye care.
What is Optometry?
Optometry is a healthcare profession that focuses on taking care of the eyes. Optometrists, who are eye care specialists, help with things like checking your vision, prescribing glasses or contact lenses, and ensuring the overall health of the eyes. They play a vital role in maintaining good eyesight and addressing eye-related issues.
Why Should I Study Optometry as a Course?
Studying Optometry is valuable to any Nigerian student as it provides expertise in eye health, diverse career opportunities, the chance to help others, and addresses the growing demand for eye care professionals in our technology-driven era.
Now that you know, you should not be on the fence any longer provided that your passion is to become an Optometrist.
Note: Please be aware that the requirements listed below may vary in some schools. In such cases, referring to the PDF version of the JAMB Brochure for accurate information is recommended.
O’Level Requirements to Study Optometry
Faculty of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences
To study Optometry in Nigeria, you need five SSCE credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Faculty of Science
To pursue a degree in Optometry at a university in Nigeria, you must meet the O’Level requirement, which entails obtaining five (5) SSCE credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Direct Entry Requirements to Study Optometry
Faculty of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences
- ‘A’ level passes in Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Zoology
- National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in relevant programmes with either an upper or lower credit respectively.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with a minimum of Lower Credit.
Faculty of Science
- Two (2) ‘A’ level passes in Chemistry and any one (1) of Biology, Zoology or Physics.
- ND distinction from a recognized Polytechnic or College of Technology in Science Laboratory Technology (SLT).
- HND distinction from a recognized Polytechnic or College
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with a minimum of Lower Credit.
Jamb Subject Combination for Optometry
Faculty of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences
- English
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Faculty of Science
- English
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Universities that Offer Optometry
Faculty of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences
- ABSU: Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State
- BAYERO: Bayero University Kano, Kano State
- FUTO: Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State
- ILORIN: University of Ilorin, Kwara State
- IMSU: Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State
- MADONNA: Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State
Faculty of Science
- BENIN: University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Optometry a Science course?
Yes, Optometry is basically a Science course. In most Nigerian Universities, it falls under the Faculty of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences and the Faculty of Science
Can Commercial or Arts Students Study Optometry?
No, Commercial or Art Students will not be able to study Optometry due to the requirements in relevant science subjects. Nevertheless, students aspiring to pursue the course, regardless of whether they come from a commercial or arts background, should review the university’s unique entry criteria to which they intend to apply to. Some institutions may stipulate specific subject requirements for admission, and candidates may meet these criteria in the special consideration tab.
What Jobs can I apply for after studying Optometry?
Upon completing a degree in Optometry, you can explore a variety of career paths, including roles such as Optometrist, Optometric Physician, Contact Lens Specialist, Low Vision Specialist, Orthoptist, Ocularist, Public Health Optometrist, Research Scientist in Vision Science, Lecturer/Professor in Optometry, Hospital Optometrist, Industry Consultant, Vision Therapist, Sports Vision Specialist, Pediatric Optometrist, Geriatric Optometrist, Telemedicine Optometrist, Corporate Optometrist, Global Health Optometrist, Government Health Officer, and Entrepreneur in Optometry Practice. These positions span the fields of healthcare, academia, research, industry, and public health, providing opportunities to specialize in various aspects of eye care and contribute to different sectors.
How many years does it take to Study Optometry?
It takes a minimum of 6 years to earn a degree in Optometry. However, if you are a direct entry student, this should take at least 5 years since you are more likely to start from the 200 Level.
How challenging is it to gain admission to study Optometry at Nigerian universities?
Optometry is highly competitive. Admission into these programs is usually based on a combination of high academic performance, particularly in the relevant science subjects, as well as success in entrance examinations like the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and sometimes post-UTME screenings conducted by the individual universities.
What is the cut-off mark for Optometry?
Students who score a minimum of 140 in the JAMB UTME are eligible to participate in the POST UTME as part of the requirements for applying to study Optometry in their chosen universities.
Note: Understand that the conditions mentioned above might differ in some universities. In such instances, it is advisable to check the PDF version of the JAMB Brochure for precise details. You can also access Jamb Subject Combination for other courses.
