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 opportunities are available in Private Practice, Public Service, Armed Forces and Police, International Organizations/NGOs, Research and Educational Institutions.
| S/No | Name | Rank | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prof. E.C. Esenwah | Professor | 08033939593 | esenwahemma_eye@yahoo.com |
| 2 | Prof. (Mrs.) N.C. Ikoro | Professor | 080332253256 | egoikoro@yahoo.co.uk |
| 3 | Dr A. U. Megwas | Senior Lecturer | 08037081497 | tonymegwas@yahoo.com |
| 4 | Dr M. E. Okorie | Lecturer 1 | 08066109614 | optomdocokorie@yahoo.com |
| 5 | Dr I. C. Nwawume | Lecturer 1 | 8035084802 | irephonic@yahoo.com |
| 6 | Dr. (Mrs.) E.I. Daniel-Nwosu | Lecturer 1 | 8035661026 | edithedfuto@gmail.com |
| 7 | Dr. Y. C. Azuamah | Senior Lecturer | 8034933590 | young.azuamah@futo.edu.ng |
| 8 | Dr G. I. Nwakamma | Lecturer 1 | 8033402022 | nwakammagerry@yahoo.com |
| 9 | Dr. (Mrs.) G.I. Ugwoke | Lecturer II | 8068198133 | genevieveugwoke@yahoo.com |
| 10 | Dr. E.V. Nkemka | Asst. Lecturer | 08166405521 | ezinneazuama@gmail.com |
| 11 | Dr. U.C. Ogbonna | Asst. Lecturer | 07032525859 | newstyleisaac.c@gmail.com |
| 12 | Dr. (Mrs.) O.L. Umunnakwe | Asst. Lecturer | 08130999941 | lilianonyinyeumunnakwe@gmail.com |
| 13 | Dr. (Mrs.) C.N. Ibe | Asst. Lecturer | 8038968980 | clairejidexibe@gmail.com |
| 14 | Dr. E.H. Okorie | Asst. Lecturer | 08063634998 | stillejyke21@yahoo.com |
| NON TEACHING STAFF | ||||
| S/No | Name | Rank | Phone | |
| 1 | Mrs A. C. Nnadozie | Senior Assistant Registrar/ DAO | 8030467003 | nnadozieangeline@yahoo.com |
| 2 | Mr. U.E. Unyime | Principal Laboratory Assistant | 7036153781 | |
| 3 | Mrs. A.K. Opara | Assistant Chief Computer Processor | 8167676841 | |
| 4 | Mr S. N. Amadi | Chief Clerical Supervisor | 8065040173 | |
| 5 | Mrs C.A. Nnodi | Principal Clerical Officer | 8038973246 |
1st Semester
| Course | Code | Unit | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOLOGY FOR AGRICULTURE AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE I | BIO 101/103 | |||
| GENERAL CHEMISTRY I | CHM 101 | |||
| ENGINEERING DRAWING | ENG 103 | |||
| INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH | FRN 101 | |||
| INTRODUCTION TO IGBO GRAMMAR | IGB 101 | |||
| ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS I | MTH 101 | |||
| GENERAL PHYSICS I | PHY 101 |
2nd Semester
| Course | Code | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| BIOLOGY FOR AGRICULTURE AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE II | BIO 102/104 | |
| GENERAL CHEMISTRY II | CHM 102 | |
| WORKSHOP PRACTICE II | ENG 102 | |
| ENGINEERING DRAWING II | ENG 104 | |
| FRENCH LANGUAGE II | FRN 102 | |
| SOCIAL SCIENCE I | GST 108 | |
| SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY | GST 110 | |
| IGBO LANGUAGE II | IGB 102 | |
| ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS II | MTH 102 | |
| GENERAL PHYSICS II | PHY 102 |
Ist Semester
2nd Semester
1st Semester
2nd Semester
Ist Semester
2nd Semester
Ist Semester
2nd Semester
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.
Ph.D. Optometry with the following options:
1) Clinical Optometry
2) Vision Science
3) Ocular Health
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ph.D. CLINICAL OPTOMETRY – HARMATTAN SEMESTER
| S/No | Code | Course Title | L | T | P | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OPT 901 | Advances in Binocular Vision | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 2 | OPT 903 | Pediatric Optometry | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | OPT 905 | Advanced Contact lens | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | OPT 907 | Advanced Glaucoma | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 5 | OPT 909 | Advances in Ophthalmic Examination | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
RAIN SEMESTER
| S/No | Code | Course Title | L | T | P | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OPT 918 | Dissertation | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
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.
| S/No | Code | Course Title | L | T | P | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OPT 901 | Advances in Binocular Vision | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 2 | OPT 911 | Fundamentals of Vision Science | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | OPT 913 | Advanced Optics and Dioptrics of the Eye | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | OPT 915 | Advanced Color Vision and Visual Sensitivity | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 5 | OPT 917 | Neurophysiology and Perceptual Development | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| TOTAL | 15 |
| S/No | Code | Course Title | L | T | P | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S/No | Code | Course Title | L | T | P | Units |
| 1 | OPT 908 | Research Methods and Applied Data Analysis | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | OPT 910 | Seminar | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| 3 | OPT 912 | Advanced Retinal Imaging | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | OPT 914 | Perceptual And Spatial Organization of Vision | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 5 | OPT 916 | Advanced Quantitative Methods for Vision Research | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| TOTAL | 15 |
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.
| S/No | Code | Course Title | L | T | P | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OPT 919 | Diseases of Anterior Segment | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 2 | OPT 921 | Advanced Ocular Emergencies | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | OPT 923 | Advanced Ocular Biochemistry and Physiology | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | OPT 925 | Advanced Ocular Neuropathology | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 5 | OPT 927 | Community Eye Health | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| TOTAL | 15 |
| S/No | Code | Course Title | L | T | P | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OPT 908 | Research Methods and Applied Data Analysis | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | OPT 910 | Seminar | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| 3 | OPT 920 | Diseases of Posterior Segment | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | OPT 922 | Advanced Ocular Tumors | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 5 | OPT 924 | Advances in Environmental and Occupational Vision | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| TOTAL | 15 | |||||
| S/No | Code | Course Title | L | T | P | Units |
| 1 | OPT 918 | Dissertation | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
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.
| S/N | NAME | RANK | QUALIFICATION | AREA OF SPECIALTY | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prof. I.N.S. Dozie | Professor (F/T) | B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. | Medical Microbiology | ||
| 2 | Prof. O.U. Amaechi | Professor (Adjunct) | OD, M.Sc., Ph.D., FNCO. | Optometry/ Contact Lens | ||
| 3 | Prof. C.C. Nzotta | Professor (Adjunct) | B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., FNCO. | Vision Science | ||
| 4 | Prof. E.C. Esenwah | Professor (F/T) | B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., OD, FNCO. | Optometry/ Ocular Health/ Environmental Vision | ||
| 5 | Prof. N.C. Ikoro | Professor (F/T) | B.Sc., OD, M.Sc., Ph.D., PGDM. | Optometry/ Rehabilitative Optometry & Low Vision/ Pharmacology | ||
| 6 | Prof. J. Ekezie | Professor (F/T) | B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. | Human and Ocular Anatomy | ||
| 7 | Dr. S.C. Iwuji | Reader (F/T) | HND., B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. | Physiology/ Pharmacology | ||
| 8 | Dr. A.U. Megwas | Senior Lecturer (F/T) | ND, B.Sc., OD, M.Sc., Ph.D., FNCO. | Optometry/ Pharmacology/ Rehabilitative Optometry and Low Vision | ||
| 9 | Dr. P.C. Onyebuagu | Senior Lecturer | B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. | Human and Ocular Physiology | ||
| 10 | Dr. Y.C. Azuamah | Senior Lecturer (F/T) | OD, M.Sc., Ph.D., FNCO. | Optometry/ Ocular Health/ Environmental Health | ||
| 11 | Dr. C. Okereke | Senior Lecturer (F/T) | OD, M.Sc., Ph.D. | Optometry/ Environmental Health |
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