Updated on Jul 8, 2022 06:54 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaSenior Executive Content

Optometry course is offered at multiple levels and modes for students who are interested in pursuing a specialised discipline that deals with comprehensive eye care. Optometry is considered to be a paramedical course and is offered at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate levels. The Optometry course can be pursued in not only full-time classroom mode, but there are several institutes that offer certificate courses and in distance learning mode. The duration of undergraduate Optometry courses is four years and that of the postgraduate level is two years.

Table of Contents
  1. Optometry Courses Offered at Undergraduate Level
    • 1.1 Optometry Degree Courses
    • 1.2 Optometry Diploma Courses
    • 1.3 Optometry Distance Education Courses
  2. Optometry Courses Offered at Postgraduate Level
    • 2.1 Optometry Degree Courses at PG Level
    • 2.2 Optometry Diploma Courses at PG Level
  3. Optometry Certificate Courses
  4. Optometry Courses at Doctorate Courses
  5. Specialisations Offered at Optometry Courses
  6. Upcoming Trends in Optometry Courses
  7. FAQs Regarding Optometry Course

Optometry Courses Offered at Undergraduate Level

The Optometry courses offered at the undergraduate level can be further segregated into a degree, diploma and online or distance learning courses.

Optometry Degree Courses

The list of Optometry undergraduate degree courses, along with their duration is given in the table below.

Course Name

Duration

BSc in Optometry

Four years

Bachelor of Optometry

Four years

Optometry Diploma Courses

The Diploma in Optometry is offered at an undergraduate level for a duration of three years. The eligibility criteria require a pass in Class 10 and Class 12 in Science stream, with Biology as a compulsory subject.

Optometry Distance Education Courses

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Optometry is also offered in Distance learning mode at various institutes. The duration of the Optometry course in Distance learning mode is three years, which is divided into six semesters. After the completion of the three-year course, it is mandatory to attend one-year training programme.

The pedagogy of the Distance learning course is a combination of online courses, dispatching study materials by post and appearing for the exams at the institutes or designated centres. Candidates can connect with the faculty members via telephone or email to get any of their course curriculum-related doubts or queries.

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Optometry Courses Offered at Postgraduate Level

The postgraduate level Optometry courses are offered in degree, diploma, distance and certificate modes. Let us review each of these course types in terms of nomenclature and duration.

Optometry Degree Courses at PG Level

There are two types of Optometry degree courses at the postgraduate level. The names and the duration are given in the table below:

Course Name

Duration

MSc in Optometry

Two years

Master of Optometry (MOPTM)

Two years

Optometry Diploma Courses at PG Level

Postgraduate Diploma courses in Optometry are offered for a duration of 18 months to two years, divided into three to four semesters. The pedagogy involves both classroom learning as well as hands-on training. Students are evaluated based on written tests as well as practical exams. Students are taught core subjects as well as elective subjects.

Optometry Certificate Courses

There are a number of certifications offered for Optometry courses. The duration of the courses vary from one hour to six months. The Optometry Certificate courses are offered to students who have an undergraduate degree or diploma in Optometry. Professional optometrists who want to upskill their knowledge and expertise in the field can opt for the Optometry Certificate courses.

The Optometry Certificate courses are mostly offered in an online mode and the course content is divided across modules. After the completion of each module, students have to take a test to get their learning evaluated. Unlike full-time courses, the certifications do not involve practical lessons.

Optometry Courses at Doctorate Courses

After completing postgraduation in Optometry, students may opt for a doctorate or PhD in Optometry. Prior to pursuing a PhD, they may also opt for MPhil in Optometry. The duration of the MPhil course is one to two years. On the other hand, the PhD course duration ranges from three to four years. The course can be pursued in either full-time or part-time mode. Based on this, the total duration would vary.

A doctorate in Optometry course is the highest degree to earn. The course curriculum involves research, training, and being equipped with prescribing medicines and performing surgeries on eyes or optical organs to treat optical ailments or improvement of vision. After completing a PhD in Optometry or becoming a Doctorate in Optometry, the students or professionals also become qualified to become academicians or professors.

Specialisations Offered at Optometry Courses

Optometry as a course has a vast scope. There are a number of specialisations one can opt for and build a career in it. Some of the popular Optometry course specialisations are as follows:

  • Behavioural Optometry

  • Geriatric Optometry

  • Low Vision Therapy

  • Neuro-Optometry

  • Pediatric Optometry

  • Ophthalmic Technology

  • Contact Lenses

  • Sports Vision

  • Ocular Vision

Upcoming Trends in Optometry Courses

Optometry is a dynamic field which is constantly transforming and bringing in better methods and processes to improve vision. Research has been a constant in this field which has led to the blending of technology with the subject to improve vision care. Gone are the days when those with vision ailments had to make spectacles or glasses as their constant companion. The latest Optometry advances have not only led to the invention of advanced lenses, but with different surgical or other procedures, it is even possible to reverse the optical power or other ailments completely.

Optometrists and researchers are constantly endeavouring to utilise the latest technologies to improve the following aspects:

  • Introducing different types of lenses (contact lenses as well as spectacles) to cater to patients with complicated powers.

  • Optometry is being diversified and is worked upon in close coordination with related disciplines such as Ophthalmology, Physics, Computer Science, etc.

  • Optometry as a discipline is deploying technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT), among others.

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FAQs Regarding Optometry Course

Q: What are the different Optometry courses offered?

A: Optometry courses are offered in bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels. The course names are BSc, Msc in Optometry, Bachelor or Masters in Optometry, Diploma in Optometry and Certificate courses in Optometry.  

Q What are the eligibility criteria for studying Optometry?

A: To be eligible for Optometry courses at the UG level, candidates should pass or appear in Class 12 Board exam with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as core subjects with a minimum aggregate of 55 per cent. For PG Optometry courses, candidates should have a degree in Optometry or a related course.

Q: Is it mandatory to study Mathematics to be eligible for Optometry course?

A: No, it is not mandatory to study Mathematics to be eligible for taking admission to Optometry course. However, having a sound Mathematical aptitude is necessary to excel in Optometry course since it deals with a number of calculations and practical knowledge of Physics.

Q: Will BSc Optometry students be called doctors after completing the course?

A: No, BSc Optometry qualified students cannot be called as qualified doctors since it is a paramedical course and not a core medical course. However, after completing PhD, students would be called as Doctors.

Q: Does Optometry require NEET?

A: No, NEET is not mandatory to be taken in order to study Optometry. Admission to Optometry courses generally take place on merit basis.

Q: What is the difference between BSc Optometry and BOPT?

A: The difference between BSc Optometry and BOPT is in terms of the curriculum and the syllabus or subjects taught and the nomenclature of the degree.

Q: What is the duration of the Optometry courses?

A: The duration of the UG level of Optometry courses is four years and that of the PG courses is two years. The duration of Diploma, Certificate and Doctorate courses may vary from one to another.

Q: Which are the top colleges offering Optometry courses?

A: The top colleges offering Optometry courses are AIIMS Delhi, Christian Medical College (CMC Vellore), JIPMER, Puducherry , to name a few.

Q: What are the options after completing BSc in Optometry?

A: After completing BSc in Optometry, students can pursue MSc in Optometry or MOPT, or PG Diploma in Optometry. Some students may also opt for Certificate courses in Optometry.

Q: Can I study Masters in Optometry without study Bachelors in Optometry?

A: Students should either study BSc in Optometry of Bachelor of Optometry, or a related course to be eligible for studying Masters in Optometry. In case students lack the knowledge on optics and vision care, they would not be eligible to study PG course in Optometry.

Q: What are the different job profiles I can pursue after completing Optometry course?

A: After completing an Optometry course, students can get jobs in various profiles including Optometrist, Vision Consultant, Dispensing Optician, Optometry Professor, to name a few.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Optometry. Students interested in pursuing a career on Optometry, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

6 Jan ' 25 - 13 Jan ' 25

NEET PG 2024 round-3 counselling reporting

18 Jan ' 25 - 21 Jan ' 25

NEET PG 2024 registration and choice filling stra...

Mar '25

NEET 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

NEET 2025 Application Correction

TENTATIVE

4 Jan ' 25 - 9 Jan ' 25

INI CET 2025 round-2 reporting

3 Jan ' 25

INI CET 2025 round-2 seat allotment result

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

Popular Optometry Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Optometry Colleges in India. Learn more about these Optometry colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
1.2 K
24 LPA

#1 NIRF

1.8 K

#3 NIRF

1 Course
2.2 L
5.72 LPA

#37 NIRF

1 Course
4.8 K
8 LPA

#5 NIRF

1 Course
1.11 L

#14 NIRF

5 L
4.3 - 6.45 LPA

#12 NIRF

Popular Private Optometry Colleges in India

1 Course
1.39 L

Optometry Applications open. Apply Now

3.75 L
1.96 L - 5.12 L
3.8

Optometry Applications open. Apply Now

1.88 L - 4 L
3.6 - 4 LPA
4.35 L
3.2 L
4.0

Popular Optometry UG Courses

Following are the most popular Optometry UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Optometry PG Courses

Following are the most popular Optometry PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Student Forum

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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

...more

S

SUJITHREDDY

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

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R

Rupesh Katariya

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

...more

R

Rupesh Katariya

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

...more

P

Parul Thapa

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

...more

P

Parul Thapa

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

...more

P

Parul Thapa

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

...more

P

Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, you can pursue Optometry without taking the NEET. NEET is primarily required for admission to medical courses such as MBBS and BDS in India. 

Majorly, admission to UG Optometry courses is based on merit-based (Class 12 scores).

P

Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

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