Chantal Overvliet
Optometrist
Chantal Overvliet
Chantal Overvliet chose low vision as her specialty in optemetry because it deals with persistent visual loss caused by eye disease or trauma.
"Our major focus as optometrists is primary eye care. I need to detect visual or pathological problems. This goes beyond the usual eye checkups that most people are aware of."
Among the areas in which one can specialise in optometry are binocular vision, paediatric optometry, neuro-optometry, and low vision.
Overvliet explains there is much more to optometry than meets the eye. While many people associate optometry with eye exams, contact lenses, and the prescription of glasses, this profession encompasses much more.
"Performing eye tests, fitting contact lenses, and dispensing glasses takes up most of my days," she says.
"Being the owner of my own practise, there is some administration to be done. Low-vision evaluations, as my specialty, take place on Wednesdays, and this involves rehabilitation, telescopic fitting, and magnifiers."
Optometry, contrary to belief, involves a lot of mathematics and physics during the four years of study, she adds.
"You need to take these subjects until grade 12 to be able to study this and apply in advance in South Africa or elsewhere if you want to pursue a career in optometry. Currently, this is not available in Namibia."
She suggests making an effort to visit specialists and engaging in conversations with them about their occupations before making a decision for yourself. Certain professionals might allow you to shadow them during the day, offering you a better understanding of a typical day in their field.
Overvliet is actively engaged in worldwide Paralympic classification and frequently travels for major event classifications.
Chantal Overvliet
Chantal Overvliet chose low vision as her specialty in optemetry because it deals with persistent visual loss caused by eye disease or trauma.
"Our major focus as optometrists is primary eye care. I need to detect visual or pathological problems. This goes beyond the usual eye checkups that most people are aware of."
Among the areas in which one can specialise in optometry are binocular vision, paediatric optometry, neuro-optometry, and low vision.
Overvliet explains there is much more to optometry than meets the eye. While many people associate optometry with eye exams, contact lenses, and the prescription of glasses, this profession encompasses much more.
"Performing eye tests, fitting contact lenses, and dispensing glasses takes up most of my days," she says.
"Being the owner of my own practise, there is some administration to be done. Low-vision evaluations, as my specialty, take place on Wednesdays, and this involves rehabilitation, telescopic fitting, and magnifiers."
Optometry, contrary to belief, involves a lot of mathematics and physics during the four years of study, she adds.
"You need to take these subjects until grade 12 to be able to study this and apply in advance in South Africa or elsewhere if you want to pursue a career in optometry. Currently, this is not available in Namibia."
She suggests making an effort to visit specialists and engaging in conversations with them about their occupations before making a decision for yourself. Certain professionals might allow you to shadow them during the day, offering you a better understanding of a typical day in their field.
Overvliet is actively engaged in worldwide Paralympic classification and frequently travels for major event classifications.
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