BOPTM

To pursue a Bachelor of Optometry (BOPTM) programme at NSHM Institute of Health Sciences situated in Kolkata, candidates should have passed 10+2 with a Science background which mostly requires the subjects of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Admission entails filling an online application form, doing the ENPAT entrance test and attending an interview. After this, an email detailing the next procedures including fee payment in order to secure a placement is sent to the selected candidates. Launched in 2013, the Bachelor of Optometry (BOPTM) programme at NSHM Institute of Health Sciences, Kolkata, is a clinically focused, four –year undergraduate course in eye care and vision science, as well as clinical optometry. The course offers a better and deeper understanding of the subjects such as optics, vision science, and practice of optometry making it more of learning by doing rather than learning by rote. While being enrolled in the program, students undergo clinical internships at well-known eye hospitals such as Sankara Nethralaya and Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, thanks to NSHM's collaborations. The curriculum encompasses the aspects of optics, diagnostic instruments, clinical ophthalmology, and public health, and is therefor appropriate to those who aim for an eye care career. After that, there are even training sessions conducted by professionals from companies such as ZEISS at NSHM, teaching students the advanced techniques and their application. The professionals from this programme may work as clinical optometrists, researchers, or even optometry specialists in hospitals, provide services in private businesses, or work in corporate sectors with the help of the knowledge gained. Additionally, they may choose to go back to school and complete different courses of study or obtain related certifications.  To learn more, please visit the official admissions page of the NSHM Institute or reach out to the admissions department.

Yes, it is possible to start your own practice after completing a Bachelor of Optometry degree but there are quite a few procedures to adhere to. First and foremost, you must acquire both the required license and certification to practice optometry within the region. In most cases, this means passing the relevant examination and complying with any applicable state/ federal laws.Moreover, one also has to meet custom and legal requirements that may be required for running a medical establishment which may include acquiring licenses and adhering to hygiene standards. The decision to set up your clinic may be an uplifting way of practicing on your own but one should not overlook the fact that patients will depend on you for their vision needs. One would recommend conducting detailed research on the market and compiling a comprehensive business strategy before opening the clinic to alleviate the chances of failure.

NSHM Institute of Health Sciences, Durgapur which offers a Bachelor of Optometry (BOPTM), the highest package can be around INR 4-5 Lacs per annum. Indeed, placement for BOPTM is good as students may find jobs in hospitals, eye care centers, and optical industries. It is worth noting that the average salary ended up being somewhere around INR 3 Lacs per annum- INR 4 Lacs per annum, with few outliers at an even higher package (mostly just a handful of students usually who have substantial internships/experience & skills on top) These organizations are in connection with well-known healthcare institutions thereby increasing the placement chances.