Optometry Course Advisor
General Information
Assignment Code:
AV1115VN04P
Position Title:
Optometry Course Advisor
Applications for this position have closed
Duration:
7 months
Proposed Start Date:
November 2016
Assignment Location:
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Assignment Summary
Looking to advance your career in Optometry? Envision a future with better healthcare available to
the people of Vietnam and optomistic about making a difference? The University of Medicine Pham
Ngoc Thach would like to see you join their Optometry team!
Education is the key to improved health outcomes and the University of Medicine Pham Ngoc Thach
(PNTU) offers just that. Since its inception, PNTU has trained over 22,000 medical professionals
from nurses to doctors.
As Optometry Advisor, you will work with staff to improve the monitoring and delivery of the
optometry course to improve quality and effectiveness. You will work with staff to establish
additional clinical facilities in Vietnam will improving the planning of the Optometry Development
Program.
Your time at the University of Medicine Pham Ngoc Thach as Optometry Advisor will contribute to
improve capacity of the eye care workforce in Vietnam, leading to higher quality optometry
services being available to the community.
Host Organisation (HO) Details
Name of HO:
Pham Ngoc Thanh University of Medicine (PNTU)
University of Medicine Pham Ngoc Thach (PNTU),
established in 1989, is a public university with state
management by the city’s People’s Committee. The
professional management is the responsibility of the
Ministry of Education and Training (MoET).
Since its inception, PNTU has trained 1,422 medical doctors
in 14 courses and 8,000 nurses for the medical care system
in Ho Chi Minh City. The school provides education at many
levels: junior college (two years to graduate as a nurse or
midwife), college (six years to become a medical doctor)
and post graduate studies (two years to become a
specialist level I and II).
Description of the HO:
Australian Partner Organisation (APO)
Name of APO:
Brien Holden Vision Institute Foundation
Please note, the work plan below is indicative only and may change depending on the needs of the
Host Organisation or other factors.
Assignment Outcomes
Volunteer Activities/Deliverables
• Improved monitoring and delivery
of the optometry course
• Evaluate the optometry course
• Work with key staff to improve the coordination and
administration of the optometry course
• Monitor and evaluate the course, including conducting an
annual evaluation with key staff
• Increase capacity to establish
additional clinical facilities
• Work with key staff to make assessments and provide
recommendations on the establishment of two additional
clinical facilities in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi
• Coordinate with the university and hospitals to procure
equipment
• Liaise with academic and administrative staff of
institutions involved
• Improve the planning of the
Optometry Development Program
• Work with staff to consult with local community groups,
partners and key government bodies to develop the
program in line with local and national plans
• Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders
• Assist staff to improve human rights principles in the
implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project
• Increase staff capacity in service
delivery
• Mentor staff as required
• Assist staff with the development and implementation of
strategic plans
• Contribute to the promotion of a supportive and
productive workplace
Qualifications and Experience
Essential Minimum
Qualifications:
• Bachelor Degree in Optometry or a related field
Essential Minimum Experience:
• Three years of experience in public health
Desirables:
• Postgraduate qualification
• Experience working in an academic environment
• Program coordination and management experience
• Experience in the development of education resources
Description of Assignment Location
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest city with a population exceeding 7
million. After becoming part of Vietnam, the city served as the capital of South Vietnam under the
name of Saigon until 1975, and was then renamed after the late communist leader Ho Chi Minh.
Today, it is a city of commerce and culture, with everything from ancient pagodas, churches and
temples, to busy markets, sleek skyscrapers, designer malls and gourmet restaurants. It offers the
traditions and culture of Vietnam while still bearing the influences of French colonial rule.
The city is located on the banks of the Saigon River. Explosive growth has resulted in a sharp
increase in traffic and pollution, earning Ho Chi Minh City the title of “the capital of motorbikes”.
Both pedestrians and drivers should be alert at all times. However, city buses are cheap and
plentiful and metered taxis are also widely available. Ho Chi Minh City has a warm tropical climate
with high humidity.
Cultural Tips
• The official language is Vietnamese, but a wide range of other languages including English are
spoken
• A wide range of religions are practised, including Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity
and Islam
• Crime occurs frequently throughout the city, and scamming can occur particularly in tourist
areas, so security advice should be followed
• Be sensitive when discussing the country’s political history and its past conflicts
Accommodation:
Assistance with the identification of suitable, secure and affordable accommodation will be
provided by the In-Country Management Team and the Host Organisation.
Additional Information
Is this Assignment in a Remote Location?
Yes
No