Optometry is a sophisticated study of vision care aimed at rectifying vision problems using state-of-art optical aids. If a career in optometry is what you have in mind, then getting a bachelor’s degree in optometry can put your ambitions on a roll. There is a humungous scope for optometrists in the Indian healthcare system. An optometrist is responsible for examining, diagnosing and treating vision problems like eye coordination, color problems etc. using lenses and other optical tools. However, the job of optometrists requires more than just a degree. If you have good managerial skills, excellent accounting abilities and exceptional communicational skills together with a penchant for eye care profession, than a career in optometry may be just the thing for you. Check out more details on optometry to know more on it.
Career In Optometry
Course Details
Students aspiring to make it big as optometrists should take up a four-year degree program from an accredited university or optometry school or at least complete three years of extensive training and research from a licensed institute. Students must complete their 10+2 or its equivalent and should possess a minimum of 50% marks to qualify for various undergraduate and graduate level programs. Candidates with a strong base in physics, chemistry and biology will have an upper hand. The candidate fulfilling all the requirements has to appear for a combined entrance test ‘EYECET’ to qualify. The basic coursework of optometry revolves round an extensive study of pharmacology, optics, vision science, biochemistry, and systemic disease together with on-hand training in basic science, dispensing optics and other clinical subjects.
Career Prospects
The need for skilled eye care professionals in health care industry has actuated the demand of accomplished experts in the field of optometry. Aspiring optometrists graduating in optometry science can choose from a plethora of career options ranging from independent practitioners to working in health care setting, optical manufacturing industry and more. There is a huge demand for optometrist in the ophthalmic lens industry, multinational organizations specializing in eye care products and even in the academic field. Licensed opticians and optometrist can also choose to work in optician showroom, optical shop, lens-manufacturing industry and more depending on their need and interest.
Institutes Offering
Several colleges and universities all across the country offer graduate and postgraduate degrees in optometry. Some of the most prominent institutes offering this course are: Lotus College of Optometry Elite School of Optometry (Pune), Elite School Of Optometry (Chennai), Bharati Vidyapeeth School of Optometry (Pune), School of Optometry (Hyderbad), College of Optometry & Ophthalmic Sciences (Maharastra), Hirabai Haridas Khimji College of Optometry (Mumbai), Pailan College of Management & Technology (Kolkata), Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) (Hyderabad), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) (Karnataka), Paramedical College (Durgapur), Dr NTR University of Health Sciences (Vijayawada), Rajitlal Institute of Technology and Health Sciences (RITHS) (Trivandrum), S.S. Institute Of Medical Sciences Management Technology & Research (Agra), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) (Delhi).
Remuneration
The average starting salary for optometrists usually ranges between Rs. 15,000 - Rs. 18,000 per month. Those working in private hospitals and clinics earn more than those who pursue individual practice. However, optometrists practicing independently earn more once their business is established.
