Optometry Career Scope: Jobs, Placements, Salary, Top Recruiters
Parul ThapaSenior Executive Content
Optometry career is a promising and rapidly growing career in India, offering diverse opportunities in healthcare. With the increasing awareness of eye health and the growing demand for vision care, the Optometry career has become an essential field in the healthcare sector.
Optometry career provides various job opportunities such as Optometrist, Clinical Optometrist, Pediatric Optometrist, Contact Lens Specialist, Low Vision Specialist, etc. The Optometry salary offered at entry-level positions ranges between INR 2 - 4 LPA, for mid-level profiles INR 4 - 6 LPA and senior-level profiles INR 6 - 10 LPA.
Optometry graduates can either go for jobs or choose to pursue further options such as Master of Optometry (M.Optom), MBA in Healthcare Management, Public Health Management, Clinical Research, etc. The top recruiters where candidates can kickstart their Optometry career are Titan Eye Plus, Optum, First Student, Reliance Industries, Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Eyecare Center Optometrist, etc.
The popular colleges that offer Optometry courses are Christian Medical College, AIIMS Delhi, Jamia Hamdard, JIPMER Puducherry, etc.
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- Optometry Career: Quick Facts
- Top Career Profiles in Optometry Career
- Emerging Trends in Optometry
- Optometry Scope in India: Jobs, Salary and Further Education
- 4.1 Courses after Optometry
- 4.2 Optometry Top Recruiters
- Best Optometry Colleges for Placements
- Optometry Career FAQs
Optometry Career: Quick Facts
- According to research in the Oxford Handbook of Ophthalmology, around 25% of the world’s population suffers from refractive error.
- Also, according to the estimated statistics of the World Health Organisation, around 153 million people in the world are suffering from visual impairment, because of uncorrected refractive errors.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 9.6% increase in optometrist employment from 2021 to 2031, aligning closely with the average growth rate across all occupations.
Top Career Profiles in Optometry Career
In the field of Optometry in India, there are several top career profiles that professionals can pursue, each offering unique opportunities and growth potential.
Some of the prominent Optometry job profiles include:
| Job Roles |
Description |
Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Optometrists |
Examine eyes to detect defects in vision and other ocular diseases |
INR 3.2 LPA |
| Optometry Research Assistants |
Prepare reports and presentations and perform routine clerical duties |
INR 3.2 LPA |
| Clinical Optometrists |
A clinical optometrist is a healthcare professional who specializes in providing primary eye care services to patients. |
INR 4 LPA |
| Pediatric Optometrists |
A pediatric optometrist is an optometrist who specializes in providing eye care services specifically tailored to infants, children, and adolescents. |
INR 2.8 LPA |
| Contact Lens Specialists |
A contact lens specialist, also known as a contact lens practitioner or contact lens fitter, is a healthcare professional who specializes in fitting, prescribing, and managing contact lenses for patients with various vision needs and eye conditions. |
INR 3.3 LPA |
| Low Vision Specialists |
A low-vision specialist is a healthcare professional who specializes in assessing and managing visual impairment caused by eye diseases, injuries, or congenital conditions. |
INR 3.8 LPA |
Note: The average salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.
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Emerging Trends in Optometry
Optometry career in India is evolving rapidly, with several emerging trends shaping the future of the field. These trends reflect the integration of technology, the expanding scope of practice, and the increasing demand for specialized eye care.
Candidates can see the following trends that they can witness in their Optometry career:
- Tele-optometry and Digital Eye Care: Improves accessibility and convenience, enabling optometrists to reach a broader patient base.
- Specialization and Advanced Practice: There is a growing demand for specialized optometrists in areas like pediatric optometry, geriatric eye care, ocular disease management, and low vision rehabilitation.
- Integration of AI and Machine Learning: AI and ML are increasingly being used in optometry for diagnosing and managing eye conditions, particularly in analyzing retinal images, detecting diabetic retinopathy, and predicting disease progression.
- Growing Focus on Myopia Management: With the rising prevalence of myopia, particularly among children, there is an increased focus on myopia control through specialized lenses, orthokeratology, and pharmacological treatments like atropine eye drops.
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Optometry Scope in India: Jobs, Salary and Further Education
In India, optometrists can work in various settings, including private practices, hospitals, optical retail chains, and research institutions.
Candidates can check the key sectors where they can work after pursuing an Optometry course in India:
| Sectors |
Description |
|---|---|
| Healthcare and Hospitals |
Optometrists can work in eye hospitals, multi-speciality hospitals, and eye care centres, providing primary eye care. |
| Optical Retail Chains |
Large optical chains and independent optical stores hire optometrists to conduct eye exams. |
| Academic and Research Institutions |
Optometrists can pursue careers in academia, teaching optometry courses. |
| Corporate and Industrial Sector |
Some large corporations employ optometrists to provide vision care services to their employees. |
| Public Health and NGOs |
Optometrists can work in public health initiatives, community health programs, and non-governmental organizations, providing eye care services. |
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Courses after Optometry
Optometry course graduates can pursue advanced studies and specializations, contributing to public health initiatives and improving community eye care.
Candidates can check the table below to see what they can pursue further to broaden their academic horizons.
| Courses |
Description |
|---|---|
| Master of Optometry (M.Optom) |
Master of Optometry (M.Optom) is a postgraduate program focused on advanced eye care, vision science, and clinical skills for diagnosing and treating visual disorders. |
| MBA in Healthcare Management |
MBA in Healthcare Management is a postgraduate program that combines business administration with specialized training in managing healthcare organizations and systems. |
| Public Health Management involves the planning, administration, and oversight of public health programs and policies aimed at improving the health of populations and communities. |
|
| Clinical Research |
Clinical Research involves the study of new medical treatments, drugs, and therapies through controlled trials and investigations to determine their safety and effectiveness for patient care. |
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Optometry Top Recruiters
The integration of technology in eye care enhances the prospects of Optometry, making it a dynamic and fulfilling career choice.
Candidates can check the table below to see the list of top recruiters that employ Optometry graduates in the industry in India:
| Optometry Top Recruiters |
|
|---|---|
| Infotech Explorer India Limited |
Rahat Enterprises |
| Giridhar Eye Institute |
Optical Express |
| Vasan Eye Care Hospitals |
C.L. Gupta Eye Institute |
| Shroff Eye Centre |
Eye7 |
Best Optometry Colleges for Placements
To have a successful career in the Optometry field, candidates must kickstart their journey by enrolling in a reputable Optometry college in India.
Further, candidates can check the table below to see the list of best Optometry colleges that offer high placement packages to graduates in India:
| Optometry Colleges |
Median Salary |
|---|---|
| 6.8 - 11.68 LPA |
|
| 10.7 LPA |
|
| 10 LPA |
|
| 9.54 LPA |
|
| 8.7 LPA |
|
| 8.1 LPA |
|
| 7.5 - 8 LPA |
|
| 7.5 LPA |
|
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham |
7.24 LPA |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website/media reports/NIRF website and may vary.
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Optometry Career FAQs
Q. Is Optometry a good career option?
A. Yes, Optometry can be an excellent career option for those interested in eye health and vision care. It offers a fulfilling path where professionals help people improve their quality of life through vision correction and management of eye conditions.
Optometry provides a good balance of patient interaction and technical skills, with opportunities for specialisation in areas like pediatric optometry, senior care, and ocular disease.
Additionally, optometry tends to offer a favourable work-life balance, competitive salaries, and a strong demand for services, which can translate to job stability and growth.
Q. Does optometry have a good future?
A. Yes, the Optometry career has a promising future, driven by an ageing population and increasing awareness of eye health. As people live longer and spend more time on digital devices, the demand for vision care is expected to rise, leading to more opportunities for optometrists.
Advances in technology, such as tele-optometry and innovative diagnostic tools, are also expanding the scope of practice, allowing optometrists to offer more comprehensive care.
Additionally, with a growing emphasis on preventive healthcare, optometrists play a crucial role in detecting and managing eye conditions early, further solidifying their importance in the healthcare system.
Q. Can I become a doctor after optometry?
A. Yes, it is possible to pursue a medical degree after completing optometry training, but it involves additional steps.
Optometrists who wish to become medical doctors (MD) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) must apply to medical school and complete the necessary prerequisites, which may include coursework in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Q. Is optometry a high-stress job?
A. No, Optometry is generally considered to be a lower-stress profession compared to many other healthcare fields. Optometrists typically work in relatively controlled environments, such as private practices, clinics, or hospitals, with regular office hours.
The job involves tasks like conducting eye exams, prescribing corrective lenses, and managing eye conditions, which can be rewarding and satisfying.
However, like any medical profession, optometrists may face stressors related to patient care, managing a busy schedule, and keeping up with technological advancements and regulatory requirements.
Q. Can I open my clinic after BSc optometry?
A. No, opening a clinic after completing a BSc in Optometry typically requires additional qualifications and licensing. While a BSc in Optometry provides foundational knowledge and skills.
Additionally, setting up a clinic involves business planning, securing necessary permits, and adhering to local regulations.
Q. Can I do surgery after BSc optometry?
A. No, performing surgery after completing a BSc in Optometry is generally not within the scope of practice for optometrists with only a bachelor's degree.
In most regions, surgical procedures are typically reserved for ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors with specialized training in surgical techniques and eye care.
Q. What is the salary of a PhD optometrist?
A. In India, the annual salary of a PhD optometrist can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and type of employment.
Here's a general idea of salary expectations at different career stages:
- Entry-Level: INR 4-6 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 6-10 LPA
- Senior-Level: INR 10 - 15 LPA
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Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- Bachelor of Optometry (BOPTM)Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana
- B.Sc. in OptometryPt. Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences
- Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optm.)SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre
- Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom.)Chandigarh University (CU)
- Bachelor of OptometryAmity University, Gurugram
- Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom.)NSHM Institute of Health Sciences, NSHM Knowledge Campus - Kolkata Campus
- B.Sc. in OptometryCenturion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar Campus
- Bachelor of Optometry (BOPTM)Brainware University
- Bachelor in Optometry (B.Optom.)Sanskriti University
- Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom.)NSHM Institute of Health Sciences, Durgapur
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News & Updates
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 5 days ago
Challenging, I would say both are good careers with their advantages and disadvantages.
Broadly, both are primary autonomous healthcare professions, both provide diagnostic decision making and management of patient problems, and both have significant patient interaction. Academically both profession
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, you can open your clinic after completing a BSc in Optometry. With this qualification, you are equipped to provide comprehensive eye care services, including vision tests and corrective lens prescriptions. However, it is essential to comply with local licensing and regulatory requirements, whic
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, a Master’s in Optometry is available and it can be a fantastic path if you want to specialisation in eye care and vision science. In my opinion, it’s a great choice if you’re focusing on deepening your skills in clinical practice or research.
Key Points:
Duration: usually 2 years.
Eligibility: A B
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
BSc in Optometry programs typically include physics courses that cover topics relevant to optics and vision science. Physics is essential for understanding the principles of light, lenses, and their applications in optometric practice. If you struggle with physics, you may need to dedicate extra tim
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
No, you cannot perform surgery after completing a BSc in Optometry. Optometrists are trained to provide comprehensive eye care, including vision testing, prescribing corrective lenses, and diagnosing certain eye conditions, but they are not qualified to perform surgical procedures.
Eye surgeries are
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
B Pharmacy is the study of pharmaceutical sciences, including the development, production, and dispensing of medications.
On the other hand, a BSc in Optometry is the study of eye care, vision science, and the diagnosis and treatment of visual disorders.
If candidates are more interested in medication
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
No, Optometry is not under MBBS. Optometry is a distinct field of healthcare focused on the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of vision problems and eye disorders.
It involves the study of optics, visual science, and eye health, and optometrists are trained to prescribe corrective lenses, detect
P
Contributor-Level 10
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