optometrists in kenya

OPTOMETRISTS IN KENYA

Optometry is a healthcare profession that involves the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of visual disorders and eye diseases. Optometrists in Kenya play a crucial role in providing comprehensive eye care to the growing population, especially in rural areas where access to eye care services is limited.

The optometrist is trained to prescribe medicine that is used to treat eye disease, fit lenses which will help to improve vision for a patient, and in other countries, they are allowed to treat patients who are ailing from various eye ailments.

The following is the list of the activities that are carried out by the optometrist:

  • They prescribe glasses and contact lenses
  • Rehabilitate the visually impaired patients
  • Diagnose and treat ocular diseases
  • Perform tests that are comprehensive for both the external and internal structures of the eye
  • They treat eye problems that involve clarity
  • Diagnose complications that are a result of aging

The demand for optometry services in Kenya has been on the rise, driven by factors such as an increasingly aging population, increasing incidence of eye diseases, and increasing awareness of the importance of regular eye exams. Optometrists in Kenya work in a range of settings, including private practices, hospitals, and community health clinics, providing a range of services such as routine eye exams, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, and prescription of corrective lenses and other visual aids.

One of the main challenges facing optometry in Kenya is a shortage of trained optometrists. The country currently has a limited number of trained optometrists, with many rural areas lacking access to eye care services. To address this shortage, the government and various organizations have been working to increase the number of trained optometrists through the establishment of optometry training programs and scholarships.

Another challenge facing optometry in Kenya is a lack of access to modern equipment and technology. Many optometrists in the country rely on outdated equipment and lack access to the latest diagnostic technologies. This can lead to inaccurate diagnoses and ineffective treatment and negatively impact patient outcomes. To address this issue, the government and various organizations are working to provide optometrists with access to modern equipment and technology through the donation of equipment and the establishment of training programs.

Despite these challenges, optometry in Kenya has made significant progress in recent years. The government and various organizations have launched several initiatives to improve access to eye care services, such as the establishment of community eye clinics, the provision of free eye exams for low-income populations, and the distribution of free corrective lenses to those in need.

In addition to providing direct patient care, optometrists in Kenya play an important role in raising public awareness about the importance of regular eye exams and the prevention of eye diseases. Optometrists work with community organizations, schools, and local health clinics to provide eye health education and promote preventative care. Through these efforts, optometrists are helping to reduce the burden of eye diseases in Kenya and improve overall eye health in the country.

Optometry in Kenya has the potential to make a significant impact on the overall health and well-being of the population. With the right investments in training, technology, and infrastructure, optometry in Kenya can continue to grow and expand, providing high-quality eye care services to more people in need.

Careers under optometry

There are several career paths within the field of optometry, including:

  • Optometrist: An optometrist is a licensed healthcare professional who provides comprehensive eye care, including routine eye exams, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, and prescription of corrective lenses and other visual aids.
  • Ophthalmic Technician: An ophthalmic technician works alongside an optometrist or ophthalmologist, assisting with patient care and diagnostic testing. They may also perform basic eye exams and assist with contact lens fittings.
  • Optician: An optician dispenses and fits eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as provides patient education on lens care and maintenance.
  • Contact Lens Specialist: A contact lens specialist is a licensed optometrist or optician who specializes in fitting and dispensing contact lenses. They have specialized training in the fitting and care of contact lenses and work with patients to ensure proper fit and comfort.
  • Ophthalmic Nurse: An ophthalmic nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in the care of patients with eye conditions. They assist ophthalmologists and optometrists with patient care and may also provide patient education and support.
  • Low-Vision Therapist: A low-vision therapist works with patients who have visual impairments that cannot be corrected with standard eyeglasses or contact lenses. They provide training and support to help patients make the most of their remaining vision.

These are some of the main careers within the field of optometry, but there are many other opportunities for growth and advancement within the industry. Whether you are interested in providing direct patient care, working with technology and equipment, or helping to raise public awareness about eye health, there is a career path in optometry that can align with your goals and interests.

Equipment Used In The Field Of Optometry in Kenya

The field of optometry utilizes a wide range of equipment to examine and diagnose visual disorders and eye diseases. Some of the most commonly used equipment in optometry include:

  • Auto-refractor: An auto-refractor is a machine that measures the prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. It uses light to project an image onto the retina and analyzes the reflection to determine the patient’s prescription.
  • Slit Lamp: A slit lamp is a specialized microscope that is used to examine the front and back structures of the eye. It provides a magnified view of the eye, allowing optometrists to detect conditions such as cataracts, corneal abrasions, and dry eye syndrome.
  • Retinoscope: A retinoscope is a handheld instrument that is used to determine the prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. It projects light into the eye and allows the optometrist to observe the reflection to determine the patient’s prescription.
  • Visual Field Analyzer: A visual field analyzer is a machine that tests for visual field loss, which can be a sign of conditions such as glaucoma, stroke, or brain tumor. The machine projects a series of lights into the patient’s visual field and measures their ability to see each light.
  • Tonometer: A tonometer is a device used to measure the pressure inside the eye. High eye pressure can be a sign of glaucoma, a serious eye disease that can lead to vision loss.
  • Corneal Topographer: A corneal topographer is a machine that maps the surface of the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. This information is used to determine the prescription for contact lenses and to diagnose conditions such as keratoconus, a condition that causes the cornea to bulge and become cone-shaped.
  • Fundus Camera: A fundus camera is a specialized camera that is used to capture images of the retina, and the back of the eye. The images are used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachments.

These are just a few of the many types of equipment used in the field of optometry. With advances in technology, new diagnostic tools and instruments are continually being developed to help optometrists provide the highest quality care to their patients.

Hospital offering optometry in Kenya

OPTOMETRISTS IN KENYA
OPTOMETRISTS IN KENYA

The following is a list of Kenyan hospitals that offer optometry

  • Rafiki optician Located in Nairobi along Moi Avenue at Contrust house Contact: 0202041237
  • Trendy opticians Located along Dubois road off Accra road at Flora house 1st-floor Contact: 0723344240
  • The family eye clinic is located in Upper Hill, 3rd-floor KMA Centre Contact: 0722785274 • Jaffs optical house limited is Located at Sarit center, Westlands.
  • Eyestyle opticians are Located at Westlands along Mpaka Road. Contact: 0204448440
  • Omega opticians limited is Located along Moktar Daddah Street in Nairobi.
  • Jambo eye care limited is Located in Westlands along ring road commercial Centre office Contact: 0708992666
  • Eyeris the optometrist limited is Located in Westland along General Mathenge Drive.

Notable people in Optometry Kenya

Dr. Severin travels in towns those are outside Nairobi providing primary eye care to the poor.

Schools in Kenya offering optometry

The following are the requirements that are needed for anyone who wants to be admitted for Bachelor of Science in Optometry and vision in any public University in the self-sponsored category.

  • The candidate must obtain an average mean grade of C+ at the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education.
  • Alternative A: biology C+, mathematics C+, physics C+ and English C+
  • Alternative B: biology science B, physical science C+, Mathematics C+, and English C+

The following are the Universities that offer Optometry Degrees in Kenya

In Kenya, there are a few universities that offer a degree in optometry:

  • Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT): JKUAT is a public university that offers a Bachelor of Science in Optometry. The program covers topics such as anatomy and physiology of the eye, optics and refraction, contact lenses, and ocular disease management.
  • University of Nairobi (UON): UON is a public university that offers a Bachelor of Science in Optometry. The program covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy and physiology of the eye, optics and refraction, ocular pharmacology, and ocular disease management.
  • Moi University: Moi University is a public university that offers a Bachelor of Science in Optometry. The program covers topics such as anatomy and physiology of the eye, optics and refraction, contact lenses, and ocular disease management.
  • Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology: The program covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy and physiology of the eye, optics and refraction, ocular pharmacology, and ocular disease management.

These are some of the universities in Kenya that offer a degree in optometry. It is important to research each university to determine the best fit for your goals and interests, as program offerings and admission requirements may vary.

The following are some of the institutions that offer the diploma Optometry Kenya

In Kenya, there are several institutions that offer a diploma in optometry. Some of the institutions include:

  • Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC): KMTC is a public institution that offers a diploma in optometry. The program covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy and physiology of the eye, optics and refraction, ocular pharmacology, and ocular disease management.
  • Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT): JKUAT is a public university that offers a diploma in optometry. The program covers topics such as anatomy and physiology of the eye, optics and refraction, contact lenses, and ocular disease management.
  • Technical University of Kenya (TUK): TUK is a public university that offers a diploma in optometry. The program covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy and physiology of the eye, optics and refraction, contact lenses, and ocular disease management.
  • Moi University: Moi University is a public university that offers a diploma in optometry. The program covers topics such as anatomy and physiology of the eye, optics and refraction, contact lenses, and ocular disease management.

These are some of the institutions in Kenya that offer a diploma in optometry. It is important to research each institution to determine the best fit for your goals and interests, as program offerings and admission requirements may vary.

The following are the requirement that is needed for anyone who wants to do a Diploma in Optometry

  • Mean grade C
  • Mandatory subjects: English, Swahili, and Mathematics
  • Additional subjects: C- in Chemistry and Biology

Optometry associations in Kenya

In Kenya, there are several professional associations for optometrists. Some of the optometry associations in Kenya include:

  • Kenya Optometric Association (KOA): KOA is a professional association for optometrists in Kenya. It provides a platform for optometrists to network, exchange ideas, and receive support and training. KOA also works to advocate for the interests of optometrists and to promote the practice of optometry in Kenya.
  • African Council of Optometry (AFCO): AFCO is a regional professional association for optometrists in Africa. It provides a platform for optometrists to network, exchange ideas, and receive support and training. AFCO also works to advocate for the interests of optometrists and to promote the practice of optometry across Africa.
  • World Council of Optometry (WCO): WCO is a global professional association for optometrists. It provides a platform for optometrists to network, exchange ideas, and receive support and training. WCO also works to advocate for the interests of optometrists and to promote the practice of optometry around the world.

These are some of the optometry associations in Kenya. Joining a professional association can provide many benefits, including access to continuing education, networking opportunities, and advocacy for the profession.

List Of Journals On Optometry

There are several journals that publish research and articles related to optometry. Here is a list of some of the most well-known and widely-cited journals in the field:

  • Optometry and Vision Science: A peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles related to all aspects of optometry, including basic and clinical research, technology, and education.
  • Journal of Optometry: A peer-reviewed journal that publishes original articles related to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of visual and ocular disorders.
  • Contact Lens and Anterior Eye: A peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles related to contact lenses and the anterior segment of the eye.
  • Clinical and Experimental Optometry: A peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles related to all aspects of clinical optometry, including diagnosis and management of ocular diseases.
  • Journal of Refractive Surgery: A peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles related to surgical correction of refractive errors, including LASIK, PRK, and other procedures.
  • Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus: A peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles related to the diagnosis and management of ocular conditions in children.

These are some of the most well-known and widely-cited journals in the field of optometry. Reading articles from these and other journals can help optometrists stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field.

 

Jobs
For Optometrist/ Optometry Kenya jobs Click Here

References
www.studyinkenya.co.ke
www.kmtc.ac.ke
www.visionware.org

Also see

Medicine in Kenya
Radiology In Kenya
Psychiatrists in Kenya
Nursing Council of Kenya
Pharmacy and poisons Board
Biomedical Engineering In Kenya
Clinical Council of Kenya

In conclusion, optometry is a crucial component of the healthcare system in Kenya, providing comprehensive eye care to a growing population. Optometrists in Kenya play a vital role in improving access to eye care services, raising public awareness about the importance of eye health, and providing essential diagnostic and treatment services. With continued investments in training, technology, and infrastructure, optometry in Kenya has the potential to make a significant impact on the overall health and well-being of the population.