THE 2014 POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN COMMUNITY EYE HEALTH
GENERAL INFORMATION
WHAT IS COMMUNITY EYE HEALTH?
Community eye health is the application of health promotion and disease prevention,
together with the delivery of curative services, at the primary, secondary, and tertiary
level of health care, in order to reduce eye disease, visual loss and disability in a
community. Community eye health extends the traditional clinical practice of
ophthalmology applied to individual patients to a consideration of the eye health of
whole populations, and how these can be assessed and provided for. This requires
training in specific skills not usually included in conventional clinical ophthalmology
training. The role of a community eye health specialist will vary from country to
country, but will include some or all of the following:







Assessment of the eye care needs of the community.
Design and planning of eye care programmes.
Implementation and management of these programmes.
Monitoring and evaluation of these programmes
Development of human resources for eye care services.
Advocacy for community eye health with politicians, health policy makers, and
other decision-makers.
Research into the main eye diseases, including aetiology and risk factors,
clinical trials, and health service research.
WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF THE COURSE?
The aim of the course is to facilitate the implementation of community eye health
programmes through the application of Vision 2020 strategies in countries in subSaharan Africa by offering appropriate training in community eye health to people
working in blindness prevention programmes.
Community Eye Health Institute, Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
Private Bag 3, RONDEBOSCH 7700, Republic of South Africa
Tel (+27)21-406 6215/6 fax (+27)21-406 6218
www.cehi.uct.ac.za
Page 1
WHAT IS VISION 2020?
Vision 2020 is a global initiative for the elimination of avoidable blindness. It is a
partnership initiative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International
Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). The global programme was launched
in 1999.
WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?
The course is intended for people working in prevention of blindness programmes in
sub-Saharan Africa. These may include national Vision 2020 coordinators, district,
provincial or national Vision 2020 programme managers, and clinical professionals
working in Vision 2020 programmes (ophthalmologists, ophthalmic medical officers,
ophthalmic clinical officers, optometrists, ophthalmic medical assistants, and
ophthalmic nurses). It is planned primarily for programme managers, with the
intention that the participants would be able to plan and manage a district Vision
2020 programme. It does not provide clinical training in ophthalmology. The
course is in English, and would therefore be most suitable for people from
Anglophone countries in the African region.
WHERE IS THE COURSE HELD AND WHO IS RUNNING IT?
The course is held at the University of Cape Town’s Community Eye Health Institute
at Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa. It is run by the
Division of Ophthalmology of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of
Cape Town.
Mr Deon Minnies, who is the Director of the Community Eye Health Institute (a unit
of the Division of Ophthalmology), is the course convenor.
The course faculty is made up of a combination of South African and international
educators, ophthalmologists and management and public health specialists
practicing in the sub-Saharan African region.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE?
The course is a post-graduate diploma of the University of Cape Town. The entry
requirements are:
Community Eye Health Institute, Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
Private Bag 3, RONDEBOSCH 7700, Republic of South Africa
Tel (+27)21-406 6215/6 fax (+27)21-406 6218
www.cehi.uct.ac.za
Page 2





An undergraduate degree in health sciences, social sciences, or business
management, or an equivalent university qualification, or recognition of prior
learning
A minimum of two years of work experience in eye care, with an interest in
management of Vision 2020 programmes.
Fluency in English, as demonstrated by a Grade 12 (matric or school-leaving
certificate) or equivalent pass in English
Computer literacy is recommended.
It is recommended that students should also obtain a written undertaking from
the relevant MOH or INGDO that adequate support will be provided for the
implementation of the planned Vision 2020 programme.
Students who have previously successfully completed a community eye health
certificate course at the University of Cape Town may receive recognition of this,
with credits for the relevant modules.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
Students come to Cape Town for 10 weeks at the beginning of the course and again
for 1 week at the end of the course.
There is a university fee surcharge for students from non-SADC (Southern African
Development Community) countries.
A recommended budget for the 2014 academic year is –
Item
SADC students
South African Rands
(R)
Non-SADC
students
South African
Rands (R)
Programme fee
30 000
50 000
Travel to Cape Town x 2
10 000
13 000
Cape Town living expenses
(approximately R275 per day x 12
weeks)
22 000
23 000
Course materials
1 500
1 500
Total
62 000
92 000
Community Eye Health Institute, Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
Private Bag 3, RONDEBOSCH 7700, Republic of South Africa
Tel (+27)21-406 6215/6 fax (+27)21-406 6218
www.cehi.uct.ac.za
Page 3
** These are estimated amounts only.
administrator.
Please confirm amounts with course
The South African Rand (R) usually trades between R8.00 and R9.50 to the US
Dollar and between R9.50 and R11.50 to the Euro. However, the exact rates should
be used to calculate the costs at the time of expected transactions.
A limited number of scholarships may be available. However, prospective students
should make every effort to obtain sponsorship from their employers, NGO funders
or other sources, as the allocation of scholarships is a very competitive process.
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
Persons interested in applying for admission to the course in 2014 should contact
the course administrator at cehi@uct.ac.za.
Application forms for admission to the course in 2014 will be available from 1 June
2013. These should be completed and returned to the course administrator.
However, it is preferred that applicants use the UCT online application process. You
can get more information on the procedures for online applications by clicking on
http://www.health.uct.ac.za/apply/postgrad/degrees/.
The closing date for applications is 30 September 2013.
Applicants who are accepted for the course will be informed by the Postgraduate
office of the Health Sciences Faculty of the University. Non South African applicants
should apply for a study visa for the full course duration.
In addition to the completed UCT application form and the Departmental application
form, all applicants should submit a certified copy of their passport and copy of visa
(if applicable).
WHAT ARE THE DATES FOR THE COURSE IN 2014?
Initial period in Cape Town (10 weeks) – 10 February to 18 April 2014
Intermediate period working back in the student’s health district (30 weeks) – 21 April
to 24 October 2014
Final period in Cape Town (2 weeks) – 27 October to 7 November.2013
Please note these dates may be subject to change.
Community Eye Health Institute, Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
Private Bag 3, RONDEBOSCH 7700, Republic of South Africa
Tel (+27)21-406 6215/6 fax (+27)21-406 6218
www.cehi.uct.ac.za
Page 4
CURRICULUM OUTLINE
Course
Course Components
Duration
(weeks)
Community eye health for
Vision 2020
Introduction to Vision 2020
Cataract
Childhood blindness, refractive error,
low vision
Other blinding eye diseases
4
Advocacy, health promotion
and human resource
development for Vision 2020
Advocacy for Vision 2020
Health promotion for Vision 2020
Human resource development and
health education for Vision 2020
2
Management for Vision 2020
Management 1 - Management and
strategic leadership
Management 2 – Project management
Management 3 – Programme
development and implementation
Management 4 – Programme
administration and management
4
Implementation of Vision
2020
Programme implementation
30
Report back and debriefing on
programme implementation
2
Community Eye Health Institute, Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
Private Bag 3, RONDEBOSCH 7700, Republic of South Africa
Tel (+27)21-406 6215/6 fax (+27)21-406 6218
www.cehi.uct.ac.za
Page 5
SUMMARY OF COURSE OUTCOMES
Course
Course Component
Outcomes
1
Introduction to Vision
2020
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
magnitude, causes, and alternative control strategies
for the major blinding eye diseases in the world and in
Africa
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
components of the WHO / IAPB Vision 2020 initiative
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
principles of programme planning
Conduct a situational analysis of the needs and
resources for a programme
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
risk factors and pathophysiology of cataract
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
different models of cataract surgical service delivery
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
principles of the control of cataract blindness
Design a programme outline for the control of
cataract blindness
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
risk factors and pathophysiology of the major blinding
diseases of childhood and of refractive error, and the
causes of low vision
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
principles of the control of childhood blindness and
visual impairment due to refractive error and low
vision
Design a programme outline for the control of
childhood blindness, refractive error, and low vision
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
risk factors and pathophysiology of each of trachoma,
onchocerciasis, glaucoma, and diabetes
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
principles of the control of blindness due to trachoma,
onchocerciasis, glaucoma, and diabetes
Design a programme outline for the control of
blindness and visual loss due to each of trachoma,
glaucoma, and diabetes
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
principles of advocacy
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
theories of health promotion
Design the strategies for health promotion for a Vision
2020 programme
Cataract
Childhood blindness,
refractive error, low
vision
Other blinding eye
diseases
2
Advocacy for Vision
2020
Health promotion for
Vision 2020
Community Eye Health Institute, Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
Private Bag 3, RONDEBOSCH 7700, Republic of South Africa
Tel (+27)21-406 6215/6 fax (+27)21-406 6218
www.cehi.uct.ac.za
Page 6
Human resource
development and
health education for
Vision 2020
3
Management 1 –
advocacy and
strategic leadership
Management 2 –
project management
Management 3 –
programme
development and
implementation
Management 4 –
programme
administration and
management
4
Vision 2020
programme
implementation
Vision 2020
programme
administration and
management 1
Programme
administration and
management 2
Programme
monitoring
Report back and
debriefing on
programme
implementation
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
human resource needs for Vision 2020 programmes
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
theories of teaching and learning
Design the programme strategies for the training,
recruitment, deployment, and retention of the
personnel needed for a programme
Design a curriculum for the training of a cadre of
primary eye care workers
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
principles of management in eye care programmes
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
principles of strategic leadership
Be able to apply these in managing a district Vision
2020 programme
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
principles of project management
Be able to apply these in managing a district Vision
2020 programme
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
principles of programme development and
implementation
Be able to apply these in managing a district Vision
2020 programme
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the
principles of programme administration and
management
Be able to apply these in managing a district Vision
2020 programme
Demonstrate an ability to implement a district Vision
2020 programme
Demonstrate an ability to administer and manage a
district Vision 2020 programme
Demonstrate an ability to administer and manage a
district Vision 2020 programme
Demonstrate an ability to monitor the progress of a
district Vision 2020 programme
Demonstrate an ability to evaluate a district Vision
2020 programme and to plan the programme
activities for the next period
Community Eye Health Institute, Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
Private Bag 3, RONDEBOSCH 7700, Republic of South Africa
Tel (+27)21-406 6215/6 fax (+27)21-406 6218
www.cehi.uct.ac.za
Page 7
COURSE STRUCTURE
The courses are based on planning, implementing, and managing a Vision 2020
programme for a one million population (0,5 million – 2 million) “service unit” (district,
region, province) specific to the student’s own country.
In courses 1-3 during the initial 10 week period in Cape Town, the students develop
strategies for human resource development, infrastructure development, and
disease control. These strategies are integrated into a Vision 2020 programme for
the specified service unit. A Vision 2020 programme plan is produced. During this
period, the students have opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to
successfully manage a district Vision 2020 programme.
In course 4 during the intermediate 30 week period, the students return to their
health districts, where they implement, administer, manage, and monitor a Vision
2020 programme. This period is one of “reflective practice”, during which students
have opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the initial period.
During the final 2 week period in Cape Town, the students report back and debrief
on the progress (or lack thereof) that has been made with their programmes. During
this period, the students have opportunity to share experiences and to plan their
programme activities for the following one year period.
METHODS OF LEARNING
The methods of learning include interactive didactic teaching, individual exercises,
group work and reflective practice.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
1. Formative Assessment – This comprises  Short answer tests
 Written assignments
2. Summative Assessment – This comprises  Short answer tests
 Written assignments
 Written examination.
Students are required to obtain a minimum of 50% in each course to pass the
diploma.
CERTIFICATION
The diploma is a post graduate diploma in community eye health, awarded by the
University of Cape Town.
Graduation is usually held in the third week in December.
Community Eye Health Institute, Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
Private Bag 3, RONDEBOSCH 7700, Republic of South Africa
Tel (+27)21-406 6215/6 fax (+27)21-406 6218
www.cehi.uct.ac.za
Page 8