An optometrist at Mokopane Hospital in Limpopo, Dr Raserogole Segooa, graduated with a PhD in Optometry for her study titled: A Quality Standards Model for Optometric Clinical Training and Practice within the Public Sector in South Africa.
Segooa, who is currently acting as Deputy Director of Clinical Support Services at Mokopane Hospital and is also the Assistant Director of Optometry Services, was supervised by Professor Vanessa Moodley.
Segooa said she was excited about her achievement and aims now to advocate for the implementation of her study’s recommendations and to promote further research into optometry clinical training standards.
Her study identified deficiencies in the non-standard approaches used in Optometry student clinical training within the public health sector and led to the development of a new clinical quality standards model and facility assessment protocols which are expected to enhance and standardise training for Optometry students in Department of Health facilities across South Africa. The outcomes will benefit students, universities, and ultimately improve the quality of care provided to the public.
Segooa’s passion for quality patient care and her experience in student training led her to this area of research where she saw the potential to improve public sector service delivery by aligning training with regulatory standards.
She said there were challenges during her research, particularly regarding access to facilities, identifying perseverance, support groups, and guidance from her supervisor for helping see her through her studies.
Segooa praised UKZN for its support systems that facilitated interactions with experts and fellow candidates throughout her PhD journey.
Born in Polokwane in Limpopo, Segooa – who obtained a master’s degree in 2008 – has had a long and accomplished career in Optometry. She served two terms on the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)’s Professional Board for Optometry and Dispensing Opticians which sparked her interest in quality assurance.
Segooa thanked her family and Moodley for their support, and said she was driven to set an example for her three sons by balancing her roles as a mother, wife, and a professional.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music and travelling, which helped her maintain wellness throughout her studies.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini