About Course
Course Objectives
The SDCO aims to prepare students to:• Demonstrate understanding of Singapore’s ageing problem and its impact on the older
population’s vision or ocular health, and able to assess and manage visually impaired
patients;
• Demonstrate advance level of critical & analytical thinking so as to accurately diagnose common age-related eye diseases;
• Exercise clinical judgement in determining the necessity of a referral or monitoring for patients with age-related eye disease;
• Demonstrate competency in monitoring stable eye diseases, with the ability to recognise the need to refer for medical attention;
• Demonstrate proficient knowledge and skills to implement refractive correction strategies that can be employed by both optometrists and ophthalmologists;
• Manage patients with myopia, as well as those with myopic-related complications proficiently
Course Description
The Specialist Diploma in Community Optometry is a part-time CET course, consist of the following modules:1. Geriatric & Low Vision (30 hrs)
2. Ocular & Systemic Diseases (75 hrs)
3. Refractive Correction Strategies (30 hrs)
4. Myopia and its Complications (60 hrs)
5. Clinical Practicum in Community Optometry (60 hrs)
Target Audience
The Specialist Diploma in Community Optometry is a part-time CET course, consist of the following modules: 1. Geriatric & Low Vision (30 hrs) 2. Ocular & Systemic Diseases (75 hrs) 3. Refractive Correction Strategies (30 hrs) 4. Myopia and its Complications (60 hrs) 5. Clinical Practicum in Community Optometry (60 hrs)Trainer's Profile
Dorothy Ng Siew Kuen
Dorothy is a professional optometrist and seasoned educator with a background in both academic and clinical settings. She holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership in Practice, a Master of Science by Research and a Bachelor of Optometry (Honours).
As an optometry senior lecturer and senior manager, she teaches full-time and part-time optometry courses. She has led numerous educational initiatives, contributing significantly to curriculum development, student learning and engagement, and student development. Her prior experience as a research optometrist has enriched her ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications. In her previous position as an associate lecturer and a lecturer, Dorothy applied her expertise to lead opticianry short courses and support student learning in optometry-related undergraduate programmes.
Dorothy’s dedication to teaching and educational innovation has earned her several awards, including:
- Teaching Award Commendation
- MOE Innergy Award (Bronze)
- Special Home-Based Learning Academic Award for Teaching & Learning Innovation
- Staff Excellence Award: Productivity & Transformation Award
- School Teaching Award
- Excellence in Teaching Award
Huang Yuqin
Huang Yuqin is a senior optometrist and lecturer at the School of Health Sciences, where she teaches optometry modules to both full-time and part-time students. She holds a Master of Clinical Optometry from the University of Melbourne, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Higher Education from Nanyang Technological University (NIE), and a Bachelor of Science in Optometry from the University of Manchester. She possesses several specialist certificates in Paediatric, and contact lens patient management.
Beyond her academic role, Yuqin actively engages in community outreach initiatives, leveraging her skills to provide eye care services to underserved populations. Her passion for education and her dedication to enhancing the field of optometry are evident in her innovative teaching methods and her collaborative approach to professional development.
Yuqin has refined her skills in data analytics through the Data Champions Bootcamp by GovTech and the RISE 2.0 Digital BCG Academy by Boston Consulting Group. Her contributions to the field have earned her multiple awards and recognition in teaching and learning innovation, data analytics, and community outreach.
Chua Ee Tee Germaine
Germaine Chua is an experienced optometry educator with a strong academic background. She holds a Master's degree in Education from the University of Melbourne, where she honed her expertise in educational practices and instructional design from 2018 to 2020. She also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education from Nanyang Technological University, further enhancing her skills in academic leadership and student development from 2014 to 2015. Germaine obtained her Bachelor's degree in Optometry from Salus University in 2009.Germaine furthered her expertise with a Specialist Certificate in Contact Lens Patient Management from the University of Melbourne and is a Fellow at the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE). She also obtained the Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA) from SkillsFuture SG to excel in instructional delivery and training facilitation.
With 12 years of experience at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Germaine currently serves as the Course Chair for the Diploma in Optometry. She implements innovative teaching methods like game-based learning and e-learning to enhance student learning. Her expertise in higher education has contributed significantly to the success of the programme.
Awards:
- NP Staff Excellence Award 2022- Service Learning Category
- NP Staff Excellence Award 2020 - Community Service & Engagement
- MOE Innergy Award (Bronze) 2020
- NP School Academic Development Award 2020
- NP School Academic Development Award 2016
- NP School Teaching Award 2015
In addition to her academic career, Germaine worked as community based optometrist, gaining valuable insights into patient care and operations. Her dedication to excellence drives her success in both educational and practical aspects of optometry.
Farah Nashir Bounaparte
Farah Nashir Bounaparte is a dedicated optometry educator with an extensive experience in clinical practice and academic instruction. Holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education and a Bachelor of Sciences in Optometry, she is committed in equipping future optometrists with the knowledge and practical skills essential for excellence in eye care.
With a strong foundation in both clinical optometry and educational pedagogy, Farah integrates real-world applications into the curriculum, fostering critical thinking and hands-on proficiency. She ensures learners gain confidence in diagnostic techniques, and industry advancements.
Her commitment to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning empowers students to excel in the evolving landscape of optometry.
Course Structure
TPG course reference No.
TGS-2022011610
Specialist Diploma in Community Optometry
Entry Requirements
Condition 1
Highest qualification
Diploma in Optometry or other Optometry qualifications recognized by Optometrists & Opticians Board (OOB)Condition 2
Working experience
Working practitioner with valid practicing certificate in Singapore with full registration with Optometrists & Opticians Board (OOB)Financial matters
Course fees payable (incl. GST & excl. supplementary fee)
| Description | Post-Diploma Certificate in Ocular Health | Post-Diploma Certificate in Community Optometric Practice | Total course fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Course fee | $2,381.40 | $3,402.00 | $5,783.40 |
| Singapore Citizen Sponsored by SME | $240.16 | $352.80 | $592.96 |
| Singapore Citizen Aged 40 & Above | $240.16 | $352.80 | $592.96 |
| PR Sponsored by SME | $246.96 | $352.80 | $599.76 |
| Singapore Citizen Aged Below 40 | $348.84 | $510.30 | $859.14 |
| Singapore PR | $952.56 | $1,360.80 | $2,313.36 |
| Long-Term Visit Pass Plus | $2,381.40 | $3,402.00 | $5,783.40 |
GST rate
Payment option
Allowed payment by
Post-Secondary Education Account (Adhoc withdrawal form);
Post-Secondary Education Account (Standing order form);
SkillsFuture Credits (SFC);
Credit card (e-payment);
Debit card (e-payment);
PayNow (e-payment).
Nett Supplementary Fees Payable
- GPA Insurance Fee S$2.13,subject to GST,fees payable S$2.30 Allow payment by Post-Secondary Education Account (Adhoc withdrawal form); Allow payment by Post-Secondary Education Account (Standing order form)
- Other Fees S$7.50,subject to GST,fees payable S$8.10 Allow payment by Post-Secondary Education Account (Adhoc withdrawal form); Allow payment by Post-Secondary Education Account (Standing order form)
Refund and withdrawal policy
- Please note that a 100% refund will be given if the withdrawal request is submitted more than or equal to 14 days before the course start date.
- Please note that a 50% refund will be given if the withdrawal request is submitted less than 14 days before the course start date.
- Please note that no refund will be given if the withdrawal request is submitted on or after the course start date.
Course
Schedule
*(Note: Clinical attachments are dependent on hospital availability, hence some classes would be outside Tue/Wed).
Time: 8:00am - 1:00pm
Delivery mode: Face-to-face & Home-based learning (Async & Sync)