Recent medical statistics show that you can find one blind person in every three people. Along with this, there are various other kinds of defects related to sight. In countries like India, you will find a huge demand for optometrists and it is expected to rise exponentially in the coming years. Recently a survey projected that in India, the population ratio to an optometrist is two lakh to one, whereas in the US it is ten thousand to one. So it is estimated over two lakhs optometrists in India.
Optometry is a branch of science that gives you knowledge about the structure, working process, and functions of the human eye. The professionals associated in this field examine, diagnose, and do the treatment of the eye.The doctor of optometry (O.D.) is called an Optometrist. An optometrist has to work through different vision therapies to treat different ophthalmic abnormalities.
Know more: Career Opportunity in Optometry in India
About The Course:
There are so many universities in India which are offering diploma, bachelor, master &Ph.D. and some certificate courses in Optometry.
Diploma Courses: The duration of the Diploma course in Optometry is two years. You can opt for this course after 10+2 with English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Certificate Courses: This is a 1-year duration course.
Bachelor Degree Courses:
- Optometry (B.Opto)
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc)
This bachelor's course takes 4 years. The students who have completed their H.S.C./10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology.
Master Degree Courses:
- Master of Optometry (M.Opto)
- M.A/ M.Sc. (5-year Integrated) Courses
- Master of Science (M.Sc)
Masters courses are of two years. To get admission to these courses, students must have to pass a Bachelor's degree in Optometry or any equivalent course from a recognized University.
Salary & Pay Scale
In the initial period, the monthly salary of an optometrist starts from Rs.20, 000 to Rs.40, 000. An Optometrist can earn up to 4 to 5 lakhs per year as a fresher. And then gaining experience in this field, they can earn at least Rs. 9 to 10 lakhs per year.
Top Indian Universities:
| S.No. | University |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Rajendra Prasad Center for Ophthalmic Science |
| 2 | All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi |
| 3 | Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, U.P. |
| 4 | Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati |
| 5 | Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh |
| 6 | Patna Medical College, Patna |
| 7 | Grewal Eye Institute, Chandigarh |
| 8 | BharatiVidyapeeth Medical College, Pune |
| 9 | Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University |
Top International Universities:
| Rank | Universities |
|---|---|
| 1 | UC Berkeley (School of Optometry), USA |
| 2 | New York State University (College of Optometry) |
| 3 | Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA |
| 4 | Perelman School of Medicine, USA |
| 5 | UW School of Medicine, Seattle |
| 6 | David Geffen School of Medicine, UC Los Angeles |
Read more: 360° view of Optometry: Meaning, Salary, Job prospects
