Career as Optometrist
Optometry is a healthcare profession that specializes in eye care and visual health. It is associated with the structure, function and working of the human eye. The term ‘optometry’ is derived from the Greek word ‘Optos’ which means vision and ‘Metria’ which means measurement. Hence, Optometry means ‘measurement of vision’. Optometrists are often confused with ophthalmologists. An Ophthalmologist is a medical order who has completed MBBS and MD in Ophthalmology. They can diagnose and treat all eye diseases and eye disorders and perform eye surgeries. On the other hand, an Optometrist is not a medical doctor. They perform vision tests, prescribe corrective lenses and prescribe medications for minor eye diseases. The pace of technological development in optometry is very fast today. The usage of ocular instruments, retinal cameras, digital fundus cameras and other high tech tools have improved the quality of diagnosis.
- About Optometrist :
- Job Profile |
- How do I get there?
Job Profile
Optometrists can assist Ophthalmologists in government and private hospitals. They can also find employment in optical showrooms and lens manufacturing companies. They have the option of pursuing private practice. Optometry does not demand long hours of work and is not a stressful job. They can teach optometry after completing post-graduation.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Detecting vision issues by conducting eye tests
- Assist in eye screening in schools, colleges and camps
- Provide optometric counseling
- Fit contact lenses
- Prescribe eyeglasses
- Offer post-operative care to patients who have undergone cataract surgery
- Assist in minor eye surgeries
Salaries for an Optometrists
At the entry level, an Optometrist with no experience or with
less than one-year experience, can earn around Rs 3,00,000 per
annum. In the mid-career, an Optometrist can earn up to an average
of Rs 4,00,000 to 5,00,00 per annum. In the late career,
Optometrists can earn from Rs 5,00,000 to 9,00,000. A recent survey
shows that an Optometrist in Bengaluru earns more than Optometrists
in other cities like New Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai and
Kolkata etc.
The Top Recruiters of an Optometrists are:
- Titan Eye Plus
- Lenskart Solutions
- Lawrence & Mayo
- Alcon
- Fortis Health Care
The Jobs for an Optometrist include
- Optometrist
- Senior Optometrist
- Vision consultant
- Private Practitioner
- Researcher
- Professor
|
Name of Job/Role |
Average Salary offered (at 2-5 Years work experience) |
Top Recruiting Companies |
|
Optometrist |
3 to 5 Lakh |
Titan, Lenskart, Lawrence and Mayo |
|
Senior Optometrist, Vision consultant |
5 to 7 Lakh |
Vasan Eye Care, Fortis Health Care |
|
Professor |
6 to 8 Lakh |
All institutions with Optometry course |
Future Growth Prospects and How to get there faster
Pros and Cons of an Optometrist
Pros:
- There is no need to go for late night calls and shifts like other healthcare professionals.
- The job is relatively stress-free.
- If you go for private practice, you are your own boss.
- It is a secure job with a bright future.
- You get the chance to serve people with vision problems.
Cons:
- The work is repetitive and causes monotony in a few years.
- There is no steep increase in salary even after considerable experience.
How do I get there?
To get started as an Optometrist, you should possess a degree in
Optometry (B.Optom) or B.Sc in Optometry. Bachelor of Optometry is
a four-year course. In the first three years, you have to learn in
college and in the last year, you have to practice for an
internship to gain clinical experience. B.Sc in Optometry is a
three-year course, split into six semesters.
- To apply for B.Optom, you have to clear Class XII examination with a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
- You should appear for a common entrance exam EYECET. Many institutes like AIIMS conduct separate entrance exams for B.Sc in Optometry.
- If you have completed a diploma in Optometry you are eligible to get direct lateral admission to the third year B.Optom.
To go for M.Sc or M.Opto in Optometry you have to complete a bachelor degree with 50% marks. Some institutes also have five-year integrated M.Sc in optometry courses. Graduates interested in research can opt for Ph.D in vision care.
How much does it cost?
The average course fee in India generally ranges between Rs 2 and 4 Lakh in private colleges for under graduation course and from Rs 4 to 6 Lakh for post-graduation courses. The fee is very low in government colleges.
What are the top colleges to study to become an Optometrist?
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Books and other Study Material
- Vision for Life by Meir Schneider
- Better Vision Now by Clara A. Hackett
- Primary Care Optometry by Theodore Grosvenor
- Clinical Medicine in Optometry by Bruce Muchnik
- Optometry – Science and Techniques by Mark Rosenfield
What if this career does not work out for me? What are the other options for a person with these credentials?
This is a good career for those who care for other people and who want a stress-free job. However, if you feel the job gets boring in a few years, then you can go for jobs like Sales Manager in Optical companies, Technician in optical manufacturing companies or office managers in companies dealing with optical aids.
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Content on this page is by Career Expert Mrs. Kum Kum Tandon MA (Psychology), M.Ed, Diploma in Educational Psychology, Vocational Guidance & Counseling (NCERT, Delhi) | View Complete Profile |