Optometry: Course, Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Exams, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Optometry course is a professional course in the healthcare domain that deals with measuring vision, developing and studying lens types, and diagnosis and treatment of vision-related ailments, among others. The duration of undergraduate Optometry courses is four years and that of the postgraduate level is two years. 

The Optometry subjects involve both theoretical as well as practical lessons. An internship or training of six months to one year is also mandatory for the successful completion of the course. 

In Optometry Bachelor degree courses, students learn about the structure and function of the eye, ocular diseases, binocular vision, visual perception, and optometric instruments.

The Optometry Bachelor degree curriculum includes theoretical and practical coursework. Students attend lectures, participate in laboratory sessions, and gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations.

In the Optometry Bachelor degree, candidates learn how to conduct eye examinations, measure visual acuity, prescribe corrective lenses, and fit contact lenses. Additionally, students are trained in the use of specialised equipment such as ophthalmoscopes, retinoscopes, and slit lamps in the Optometry Bachelor degree.

It'll take four years for a person to become an Optometrist. B.Sc. Optometry is a full-time undergraduate programme. It is a four-year degree programme which is divided into eight semesters of study.

Out of these eight semesters, six semesters are theory-based and undertaken in a classroom and remaining two semesters are training based and undertaken at a tertiary eye care hospital.

To become an optometrist in India, one can follow these steps after completing your Class 12:

• Choose the Science Stream in Class 12: Optometry requires a strong foundation in Science subjects, particularly Biology and Chemistry. Therefore, opt for the Science stream in your Class 12 studies.

• Complete Class 12: Aim to excel in your Class 12 examinations, particularly in Biology and Chemistry, as these subjects are essential for admission to optometry programs.

• Research Optometry Colleges and Courses: Start researching colleges and universities in India that offer Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom) programs. 

• Entrance Exams: Many optometry programs in India require candidates to appear for entrance exams. Common entrance exams for Optometry course. Check the admission requirements and exam dates for the institutions on your list.

• Apply for Optometry Course: Once you've identified the institutions and entrance exams, prepare and apply for the B.Optom programs of your choice. Be sure to meet the application deadlines.

• Clinical Internships: Most B.Optom programs require students to complete clinical internships or rotations, providing hands-on experience in diagnosing and managing eye conditions.

• Licensing: After completing your B.Optom degree, you will need to obtain a license to practice as an optometrist. Licensing requirements vary by state or region, so check with the appropriate regulatory authority for the specific requirements in your area.

To become an Optometrist, you can look for:

• You need to have 12th from Science Biology recommended) with at least aggregate marks of 50%.
• Then apply for B.Sc. Optometry. There are various B.Sc. Optometry colleges which conduct entrance exams also, in order to provide admission to the candidates in B.Sc. Optometry course.
• After completing B.Sc., further you can Proceed with M.Sc. Optometry.
• Further you can Proceed with Doctorate in Optometry (OD).

No, in India, to pursue a B Optom course, typically a Science background in Class 12 (with subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) is preferred or sometimes required by universities offering Optometry courses. 

However, some universities may also accept students from other streams such as Arts or Commerce for optometry programs, provided they have studied relevant Science subjects at the Class 12 grade level or have completed additional Science courses to meet the eligibility criteria.

No, for Optometry you need not give or qualify NEET.

Students who wish to do degree or Diploma courses in ophthalmic technology should clear 10+2 or equivalent examination, with a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

India is home to 820+ best medical colleges of which 150+ are private medical colleges, 80+ are government owned and rest 8 are semi government owned.

AIIMS, CMC, KMC, KGMU and JIPMER are some of the best medical colleges in India. 

Please note that the best infrastructure among all medical colleges in India is subjective and majorly depends on individual tastes and preferences. However given below are some colleges that are often praised for their infrastructure:

Optometry is a healthcare profession that focuses on the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions related to the eyes and visual system. 

Optometry course graduates are trained professionals who provide primary vision care, including prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as diagnosing and treating various eye diseases and disorders. 

The study of Optometry course involves extensive training in ocular anatomy, physiology, optics, pharmacology, and pathology. Optometry courses typically include both classroom instruction and clinical rotations to provide hands-on experience in diagnosing and managing various eye conditions. 

Yes, an optometrist holds a doctorate-level degree in optometry, known as a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. The Doctor of Optometry degree is a professional doctoral degree that qualifies individuals to practice Optometry, which is the field of healthcare focused on the examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision and eye-related disorders.

Optometrists are often referred to as doctors of Optometry because they have earned a doctorate degree in their field. 

The main difference between the two programs is the degree type and focus. B Optometry is a professional degree with a strong emphasis on optometric training, while BSc Optometry is a science-oriented degree that includes optometry-related coursework but may offer a more diverse scientific education. 

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two courses.

Studying for a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree versus a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Optometry offers several advantages, including:

• Advanced Clinical Training: Doctor of Optometry programs typically provide more extensive clinical training compared to undergraduate programs. 

• Increased Career Opportunities: A Doctor of Optometry degree opens up a wider range of career opportunities compared to a BSc in Optometry. 

• Higher Salary Potential: Optometrists with a Doctor of Optometry degree generally command higher salaries compared to those with a BSc in Optometry. 

• Autonomy and Authority: Optometrists with a Doctor of Optometry degree may have greater autonomy and authority in their practice compared to those with a BSc in Optometry. 

• Professional Recognition: Obtaining a Doctor of Optometry degree demonstrates a higher level of commitment and dedication to the field of optometry, which can lead to increased professional recognition and respect within the healthcare community.

• Research Opportunities: Doctor of Optometry programs often include opportunities for research and scholarly activities, allowing students to contribute to advancements in the field of optometry and pursue academic or research-oriented careers if desired.

Diploma is a non-degree program and will not make you eligible for any government job opportunity where a degree is required and also you cannot go for higher education.

Still, you can work as an opthalmic assistant with various organisations with an average salary of around 10K per month. B.Sc Optometry is a degree program and better than Diploma, you become eligible for higher studies, may apply for various government jobs and also get a better pay as compared to Diploma holders.

Dear Sahil,

Optometrists are health professionals who have specialised in eye care and they deal with eye testing and providing solutions to patients who suffer from partial sight, hereditary vision defects, squint, weakening of eye muscles etc. They suggest the use of proper vision aids such as spectacles or contact lenses.

They also provide pre-operative and post-operative care to cataract patients. While The pharmacy sector offers lots of opportunities to the students after the completion of the course. The students can work in a Pharmaceutical company or can practice as a Pharmacist. There is huge number of opportunities available for the students in both public and the private sector. If you have more interest towards medical area than you can go for Optometry profession. All the best.

Optometry is a specialised health care profession that involves examining the eyes and related structures for defects or abnormalities. Optometrists are health care professionals who typically provide comprehensive primary eye care. An optometrist is an eye doctor that can examine, diagnose, and treat your eyes.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who can perform medical and surgical interventions for eye conditions.

The career opportunities in the field of optometry is wide and in huge demand both in India and abroad. Optometrists can work as post-secondary teachers, occupational/industrial safety programs, consultants in the eye care industry or do research in optometry colleges. Optometrists can also set up their own private clinics & work independently.

They can also choose a career in sports vision, public health and government service or community health centers. Regards.

Hi Satish,

Scope ranges from working in private clinics to government hospitals. Salary will depend on your profile and work experience but generally the salary range stands somewhere between 12k to 15k. But if you are skilled enough you may earn more. Various career options include jobs in Eye Clinics,optical showroons, lens manufacturing firms, Eye Doctors, sales, teacher, optometrist etc. Hope it helps.

The Optometry salary in India can vary depending on various factors such as location, experience, type of practice (private clinic, hospital, corporate eye care chain), and level of education. 

Here's a general overview of the annual Optometry salary range in India based on different levels of experience:

• Entry-Level: INR 2-4 LPA

• Mid-Level: INR 4-6 LPA 

• Senior-Level: INR 6-10 LPA

Hi Khushboo, Optometrists working in government hospitals can start off with a decent pay package and those who opt for private clinics can negotiate for higher slabs. Apart from assisting ophthalmic doctors in government hospitals and private clinics an optometrist can find job opportunities in various areas. After few years of experience, they can start their own practice.

After completion of Master’s degree in Optometry, one can proceed for PhD and apply for a teaching job in any medical college. Since the eye is one of the most important human organs, optometrists can look forward to a career that offers enormous scope for growth and a wide range of options for practice in future. After all, it’s a career that helps you lead others from darkness to light, literally.

To become an Optometrist, you can look for:

• You need to have 12th from Science Biology recommended) with at least aggregate marks of 50%.
• Then apply for B.Sc. Optometry. There are various B.Sc. Optometry colleges which conduct entrance exams also, in order to provide admission to the candidates in B.Sc. Optometry course.
• After completing B.Sc., further you can Proceed with M.Sc. Optometry.
• Further you can Proceed with Doctorate in Optometry (OD).

No, an optometrist is not an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) doctor. Optometrists are healthcare professionals who specialize in providing primary eye care services, including eye examinations, vision correction, and the diagnosis and management of certain eye conditions. They do not hold an MBBS degree.

Optometrists typically earn a Bachelor of Optometry (B Optom) or a similar degree, followed by additional specialisation or postgraduate degrees in Optometry.

In contrast, MBBS doctors are medical doctors who have completed a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery program. 

An eye doctor is typically called an Ophthalmologist or an Optometrist, depending on their level of training and specialization.

Ophthalmologist: An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes. They can diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions and diseases, perform eye surgeries, and prescribe medications. 

Optometrist: An optometrist is a healthcare professional who is trained to provide primary eye care services. They can perform eye exams, prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, detect and manage common eye conditions and diseases, and provide referrals to ophthalmologists for more complex issues. 

Yes, they are.

They have license to practice optometry, which primarily involves performing eye exams and vision tests, prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses, detecting certain eye abnormalities and prescribing medications for certain eye diseases.

Yes, in India, optometrists who hold a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree are legally entitled to use the title Doctor and prefix ‘Dr’ before their names. 

The Doctor of Optometry degree is a recognised professional qualification in India, and optometrists who have completed this degree have earned the right to use the title "Doctor" in their professional practice.

No, in India, individuals who have completed a B Optom course are not typically entitled to use the title "Doctor" or prefix "Dr." before their names, as the B Optom degree is not a doctoral-level qualification. Instead, individuals with a B.Optom degree are generally referred to as "Optometrists."