Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Optometry and Vision Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Optometry and Vision Sciences is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in optometry and vision sciences. The programme falls under the Health Sciences category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Ocular Anatomy and Physiology, Optics and Ophthalmic Instrumentation, Pharmacology for Optometry, Disease Processes of the Eye, Binocular Vision, Contact Lenses. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Advanced Epidemiology, Advanced Pharmacotherapy, Anesthesiology, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Behavioral Sciences. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Clinical Optometric Practice, Contact Lenses, Paediatric Optometry, Ocular Anatomy and Physiology, Optometry Practice Management and Ethics. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Paediatric Optometry, Ocular Disease Management, Contact Lens Practice. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Optometry and Vision Sciences pursue careers as Optometrist, Community Eye Care Officer, Contact Lens Specialist, Paediatric Optometrist. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 275,400
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 6 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

8 subjects

Ocular Anatomy and Physiology
Optics and Ophthalmic Instrumentation
Pharmacology for Optometry
Disease Processes of the Eye
Binocular Vision
Contact Lenses
Paediatric Optometry
Low Vision

Modules

12 in the programme

Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye: Structure and function of the eye, visual pathway and ocular adnexa. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Ocular Anatomy and Physiology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Ocular Anatomy and Physiology: Structure and function of the eye, visual pathway, and ocular adnexa. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Geometric and Physical Optics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles of light, refraction, reflection and optical instruments used in optometry.
Refraction and Clinical Optometry
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Refraction and Clinical Optometry: Techniques for assessing refractive errors and prescribing corrective lenses. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Ocular Disease
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Ocular Disease: Pathology of the eye, recognition of ocular diseases and referral protocols. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Binocular Vision
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Binocular Vision: Assessment and management of binocular vision disorders and strabismus. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Contact Lenses
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Contact Lenses: Contact lens fitting, materials, complications, and management. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Contact Lens Practice
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Contact Lens Practice: Contact lens materials, fitting techniques, complications and management. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Paediatric Optometry
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Vision development in children, paediatric eye examination, and vision disorders in children.
Public Health Optometry
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Community eye health, epidemiology of visual impairment and blindness prevention strategies.
Research Methods and Biostatistics
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research design, data collection, statistical analysis and scientific report writing in vision sciences.
Clinical Optometric Practice
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Clinical Optometric Practice: Clinical examination techniques, refraction, and patient management. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

Specialisations

Contact Lens Practice
Specialise in contact lens fitting, management, and complications. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Paediatric Optometry
Specialise in children's vision care and paediatric eye disorders. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Optical Practice Management
Focus on managing optical businesses and eye care services. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Low Vision Rehabilitation
Specialise in rehabilitation for visually impaired patients. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Ocular Disease Management
Specialise in detection and management of eye diseases. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Clinical Optometry
Focus on comprehensive eye examinations, refraction, corrective lens prescription and primary eye care.
Community Eye Health
Specialisation in public health optometry, community eye health programmes and blindness prevention initiatives.

A day as a student

Students attend morning lectures on ocular anatomy, optics, or eye disease processes, then spend afternoons in the optometry clinic and labs — practising eye examinations, using ophthalmic instruments (slit lamp, ophthalmoscope, retinoscope), and fitting contact lenses. Clinical rotations at eye clinics and hospitals provide hands-on experience with patients — performing refractions, diagnosing eye conditions, and prescribing corrective lenses. Group projects involve case studies of eye diseases and vision disorders. The programme emphasises clinical skills — students must be proficient in eye examination, diagnosis, and vision correction before graduation.

The trade offs

In its favour

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.
Direct patient care — improving people's vision and quality of life.

Against it

Five-year programme — longer than most health science degrees.
Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Limited university options — primarily offered at MMUST.
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.
Requires precision and attention to detail — small errors in prescription can affect patients.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 349 health sciences courses

Public275k to 275k

275k at Kaimosi Friends University275k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

Kaimosi & MMUST 275,400/yr KUCCPS. Private: unverified.

HELB loans and county bursaries are available. Eye care NGOs (CBM, Operation Eyesight) sometimes offer scholarships for students committed to community eye care. Optical companies may sponsor students.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
County Government Bursaries
Eye Care NGO Scholarships (CBM, Operation Eyesight)

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
ScholarshipKsh 400,000
Economically disadvantaged students with academic potential.
CBM Eye Care Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 200,000
Students committed to community eye care in underserved areas.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in Optometry from a recognised institution. KACE/A-Level with two principal passes in Biology and Physics and credit in Chemistry or Mathematics.

Biology
C+
Chemistry
C+
Mathematics or Physics
C+
English or Kiswahili
C+

How you are assessed

5 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.
Written Examinations
Exam40% of the mark
End-of-semester written exams on optometry theory, optics, and pathology.
Clinical Skills Assessment
Clinical30% of the mark
Practical exams on eye examination, refraction, and instrument use.
Clinical Internship Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of clinical internship performance and case logs.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Graduates must register with KMPDC to practise optometry in Kenya.

Accredited by

Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council
Professional registrationRequired
Graduates must register with KMPDC to practise optometry.
Commission for University Education
Academic accreditationRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

8 roles

Graduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.
Optometrist
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 180,000
Examine eyes, prescribe corrective lenses, and detect eye diseases at clinics and hospitals.
Community Eye Care Officer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000
Provide community-based eye care with NGOs and public health programmes.
Contact Lens Specialist
Medium demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 220,000
Specialise in contact lens fitting and management — higher pay due to specialisation.
Paediatric Optometrist
Medium demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 200,000
Specialise in children's vision care and paediatric eye examination.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as optometrists at eye clinics, hospitals (Kenyatta National Hospital eye department), optical shops (Optical Express, Bausch & Lomb), NGOs providing eye care (CBM, Operation Eyesight), and private practice. Starting salaries range from KES 60,000–120,000, with experienced optometrists earning KES 120,000–250,000. Private practice and optical shop managers can earn KES 200,000–500,000+. Kenya has a severe shortage of optometrists — demand far exceeds supply.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

ChatGPT / Claude
Ai
DHIS2
DatabasePrimary
Google Workspace
Cloud
KenyaEMR
Medical
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
SPSS
Analytics
AutoRefraction Software
Software
Automated refraction system for measuring refractive errors and prescribing corrective lenses.
R
Software
Programming language for vision science research and epidemiological data analysis.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Optometrists are the same as ophthalmologists.
Optometrists provide primary eye care, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and detect eye diseases. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who can perform eye surgery — they are different professions.
Optometry is just about prescribing glasses.
Optometry covers eye health assessment, disease detection, contact lens fitting, low vision rehabilitation, and paediatric vision care — it's comprehensive eye care.
Optometry has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Kenya has a severe shortage of optometrists — the demand is extremely high, and graduates get employment quickly.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.