BACHELOR IN OPTOMETRY (HONOURS)

About the Course

Optometry is a specialised branch in healthcare which trains you to detect, diagnose and manage ocular diseases. As a student of optometry, you will learn how to examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system and its associated structures. Throughout the programme, you will be immersed in laboratory and clinical sessions together with collaborative, highly focused assessments and projects. This will enhance your analytical, teamwork and interpersonal skills. Opt to study abroad for a semester or more through MSU Global Mobility Programme to experience various learning environments at MSU’s international partner universities. Industrial training towards the end of the programme ensures working exposure to help you relate to your future career. The MSU Bachelor in Optometry programme is approved by the Malaysia Optical Council (MOC). You need to be registered with MOC to be a certified practitioner in Malaysia.

Duration
4 years

Credit Hours
141 credit Hours

Courses Offered

Year One

• Introduction to Optics
• General Pathology and Disease Process
• Physical and Geometrical Optics
• Eye Anatomy and Physiology

Year Two

• Ophtalmic Optics
• Visual Optics
• Clinical Interview and Health History Taking
• General Pharmacology

Year Three

• Ocular Pharmacology
• Investigative Techniques in Opthalmic Diagnosis
• Low Vision and Geriatric Optometry

Year Four

• Public Health and Community Optometry
• Clinical Problem Solving in Optometry
• Industrial Training

Career Prospects

• Optometrist
• Vision Therapist
• Ophthalmic Product Specialist

Entry Requirements

GUIDELINES ON APPROVAL AND ACCREDITATION OF OPTOMETRY AND OPTICIANRY PROGRAMMES IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (2022)
 

Minimum Entry Requirement:

1. An understanding of science, particularly in Physics and Mathematics is important. However, the Council recognizes the diversity of subjects taken by applicants and the contributions of those who entered optometry schools with other qualifications.
2. All applicants shall have attained at least credit in English to enable them to complete the course successfully.
3. All applicants who enter a matriculation or foundation shall have passed and attained a minimum of the following at School Certificate level or its equivalent:
   • Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM): Minimum 5Cs in the following subjects: Biology, Physics, Chemistry/Additional Mathematics, English and Mathematics
   • General Certificate of Education Ordinary (“O”) Levels: Biology, Physics, Chemistry/Additional Mathematics, English and Mathematics

       OR

1. All applicants shall have passed and attended a minimum of the following at:
   • Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM): Minimum CGPA 2.33 in Science stream; including passes in any THREE(3) of the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics.
   • General Certificate of Education Advanced (“A”) Levels: Minimum of 3(C+) grades in any of following subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics
   • Matriculation or Foundation in Science: : Minimum CGPA 2.33 including passes any 3 of the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics AND provided the course duration is at least ONE year and completed at the same institution.
   • Senior Middle Level Unified Examination Certificate (SML-UEC): Minimum grade B6 each in any 3 of the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics/Advanced Mathematics;
   • Unified Education Certificate (UEC): Minimum B5 each in any 3 of the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics; and minimum B6 in 2 other subjects
   • Australian and International Pre-University Qualifications:
     • Monash University Foundation Pre-University Program (MUFY)
     • University of New South Wales (UNSW) Foundation
     • Western Australia Curriculum Council
     • HSC Sydney Australia
     • Trinity College Foundation Studies
     • Australian Universities Foundation Programmes
     • South Australian Matriculation (SAM)
     • Victorian Certificate of Education, Australia Year 12
     • Australian Matriculation (Ausmat)
     • Requirement: Average score 14 (60% ATAR/TER) including any 3 of the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics
   • Indian Pre-University: Average of 60% aggregate including any 3 of the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics
   • Diploma International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme (DP): Minimum overall score 26 points including any 2 science subjects or Mathematics in high level, 1 subject science or Mathematics in standard level, and attained minimum score 4 in subjects Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology
   • Diploma Level:
     • Diploma in Opticianry/Optical Dispensing: Minimum CGPA 2.75
     • Diploma in a Science-based Discipline: Minimum CGPA 2.75
   • Bachelor’s Degree Level:
     • Degree in Health or Pure or Applied Sciences: Minimum CGPA 2.75

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university