Optometry: Course, Admission 2024, 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.

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.

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.

India is home to 750+ best medical colleges of which 140+ 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.

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

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, 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."