Optometry is a healthcare profession concerned with the eyes and related structures, as well as vision, visual systems, and vision information processing in humans for defects in vision and eye disorders in order to prescribe corrective lenses or other appropriate treatment. Optometrists are trained to prescribe and fit lenses to improve vision, and in some countries are trained to diagnose and treat various eye diseases. Optometrists typically do the following:
Top Colleges:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi.
- Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore.
- Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune.
- JIPMER College, Puducherry.
- Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), Delhi.
- Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), Delhi.
- Madras Medical College, Chennai.
- Grant Medical College, Mumbai.
Highlights:
- Perform vision tests and analyze results
- Diagnose sight problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, and eye diseases, such as glaucoma
- Prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other visual aids, and if state law permits, medications
- Perform minor surgical procedures to correct or treat visual or eye health issues
- Provide treatments such as vision therapy or low-vision rehabilitation
- Provide pre- and postoperative care to patients undergoing eye surgery—for example, examining a patient's eyes the day after surgery
- Evaluate patients for the presence of other diseases and conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, and refer patients to other healthcare providers as needed
- Promote eye and general health through counseling patients
Courses & Eligibility:
Courses |
Duration |
Eligibility |
Entrances |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma in Optometry |
1 year |
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized University. Candidates have to qualify the entrance examination. |
AIIMS AMU |
B. Sc. in Optometry | 3 years |
Minimum 12th qualification is required for a Bachelor study in Optometry. Candidates have to qualify for the relevant entrance exam. |
AIIMS JNU DU |
M. Sc. in Optometry | 2 years |
Candidates have a minimum bachelor's degree in B. Sc Optometry/ MBBS degree from relevant medical institution recognized by the Medical Council of India. Candidates have to qualify for the postgraduate entrance exam. |
AIIMS PG NEET PG |
Top Recruiters:
Optometry is a subject related to the eye and its phenomenon, so the scope of Optometrist is limited. They basically found jobs in lens industries or hospitals which are as follows:
- Essilor
- Carl Zeiss
- GKB
- Ophthalmic lens industry
- Government Eye Department
- private Eye Department
- Privates Clinics
Admission Procedure:
For Diploma
- Admission to this course is based on the entrance exam. Many institutions provide admission on the basis of national level entrance examination or state level entrance examination. Some institution offers its own entrance exam.
For B.Sc
- Candidates get into this course by appearing in the relevant entrance exam followed by group discussion and personal interview. Although there are some institution who provides this course by taking the 12th marks.
For M.Sc
- Appear the entrance tests like JIPMER PG, AIIMS PG, NEET PG for taking admission in MD/MS course.
- Choose your desired branch Optometry as a specialization in MD/MS.
- Candidates seeking admission in the doctorate level course, are selected on the basis of performance in the qualifying examination and entrance exam. Various Institutions conduct their own entrance test for admission.
Syllabus:
Some basic topics related to Optometry are as follows:
- Ocular Anatomy
- Ophthalmic Optics
- General Optics
- Fundamentals of Contact Lens
- Contact Lens Care and Complications
- Geriatric Optometry
- Pediatric Optometry
- Optometric and Dispensing Optics
- Ocular Diseases and Eye & Systemic Diseases
- Low vision & Rehabilitation
Skills Required:
- Ability to understand mathematical and scientific information.
- Accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to adapt to new techniques and instruments.
- Ability to maintain concentration for repetitive tasks.
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to put anxious patients at ease.
- Ability to explain ideas and instructions to children.
- Good organizational and administration skills.
Top Entrances:
Top entrances for undergraduate and postgraduate courses:
Job Prospects:
Job Post |
Job Description |
Average Salary per annum |
---|---|---|
Optician | Opticians help people to fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists. | 1.5 lakhs to 5 lakhs |
Optometrist | Generally, Optometrist performs vision tests and analyze results. Diagnose sight problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, and eye diseases, such as glaucoma. Prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other visual aids, and if state law permits, medications. | 4 lakhs to 5 lakhs |
Professor/Ast. Professor | Teaches the students about the eye-construction, phenomenon, diseases, cure solution, etc | 6 lakhs to 9 lakhs |
Research Assistant | Carry out experiments and research according to protocols laid out by primary researchers. Collect and log experimental data. Conduct statistical analyses of data sets. | 1.5 lakhs to 3 lakhs |
Eye Doctor | Optometrists examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system. They also diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed. | 4 lakhs to 5 lakhs |
FAQs:
Q: Why are optometrists important?
A: First and foremost role is to provide primary eye care as an optometrist, addressing both eye health and vision concerns. This includes undertaking testing, assessment and diagnosis, and providing vision correction through vision training, glasses or contact lenses.
Q: Is MBBS necessary for optometry?
A: Even if you complete a full 4yr MBBS with all of the science prerequisites you may not get accepted. Vision science and optometry faculties are hard to get into. So you don't need an MBBS. However with an MBBS, you can do a residency in Opthalmology, and also become an eye doctor.