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Komal
15 October, 2024
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Do you have a passion for eye health and want to help others see better? Do you enjoy working with advanced instruments to diagnose vision problems? If so, a career as an optometrist could be the perfect choice for you. You can pursue a Bachelor of Optometry and become an optometrist. Recently, according to Indian Express, Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University also renamed the course as Bachelor of Science Optometry.
As an optometrist, you assess vision issues and identify visual impairments. A patient comes and visits you. He complains of experiencing blurry vision and wants to have an eye examination. Using specialised instruments, you evaluate their vision and provide a detailed report. This report helps doctors decide on the best treatment options for the patient. Although you’re not a doctor, your role is vital in diagnosing conditions like nearsightedness or farsightedness. With your technical expertise, you have to work precisely and use advanced tools to assess eye health.
In this blog, we have explored the career path of an optometrist in India. First, let’s give you top reasons to pursue optometry.
Eye care is no easy feat. After completing a Bachelor of Optometry, you can explore various sectors. Opportunities include hospitals, optical companies, research, or speciality clinics. Each domain is unique and brings its own set of challenges. Now, let’s see why you should opt for optometry.
Are you passionate about helping people? Then optometry is the perfect field for you. Optometrists link eye health with overall well-being and provide expert advice.
The Bachelor of Optometry is challenging yet highly rewarding. You can make a real difference in people’s lives daily.
You’ll interact with people of all ages, improving your communication skills.
Want to specialise, not be a generalist? Optometry is your answer. As an optometrist, your focus is specific to eye care and treatment.
You’ll provide in-depth care and make accurate diagnoses quickly. Specialists are better equipped to offer targeted treatments.
Looking to skip tough entrance exams? Optometry doesn’t require NEET. You can focus on preparing for a specialised career without the pressure of NEET.
If you like studying optometry, it covers a wide range of subjects. You’ll study optics, anatomy, microbiology, and clinical training in this field.
There are numerous career opportunities in every corner of the world, and is among the respected jobs in India.
You can open a clinic, work in rehabilitation, or focus on contact lenses.
You’ll enjoy work-life balance, independence, and high earning potential. Combining roles may help you grow both personally and professionally.
Also Read: 7 Best Medical Courses After 12th for a Bright Future
Also Read: 10 Best Medical Courses to Pursue After 12th Without NEET
To succeed in optometry, you need strong communication skills. As an optometrist, you perform several duties. You examine patients’ eyes, diagnose problems, and prescribe solutions. You may also detect eye conditions like cataracts or glaucoma. Your work involves close patient interaction, making their comfort and trust important. Here are the top skills an optometrist requires:
Interpersonal skills
Communication skills
Language skills
Decision-making ability
Time management
Ability to work with precision
Empathy
Diagnosing eye irregularities
Your success depends on the right education. Start from class 12th and pursue a science stream, which includes Physics, chemistry, and biology subjects. These will form the foundation for your optometry studies. Following this, you must go for a Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom), which is the most common route. This is a four-year course, including a one-year internship. Many universities in India offer this degree. The course covers eye anatomy, diseases, and treatment methods. You may learn how to conduct eye exams and prescribe glasses or contact lenses. The degree also teaches you about optical instruments and eye health management.
Most optometry courses include a one-year internship. This practical training is very important in this field. You work under experienced optometrists and gain hands-on experience. The internship helps you apply the knowledge you’ve gained during your studies.
Some optometrists choose to pursue further education to enhance their expertise. The Master of Optometry (M.Optom) programme is two years long and offers advanced training in this field. You may choose to specialise in research or teaching. Many universities in India offer this course, allowing you to deepen your knowledge.
Choosing the right university is important. These universities offer excellent education and facilities. You also benefit from hands-on training. Some of the best universities for optometry in India include:
| College | Fees (full course) |
| Manipal College of Health Professions | INR 6,16,000 |
| Apollo University | INR 3,73,000 |
| IIMT University | INR 64,300 |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Optometry & Visual Sciences | INR 90,000 |
Some universities require entrance exams for regular offline courses. The most common exams include NEET, AIIMS entrance, and other university-specific tests. You should prepare for these exams during your high school final year. Good exam scores increase your chances of admission. After completing the 12th standard in the science stream with biology, you can start preparing for optometry.
During your optometry course, you study various subjects. These subjects give you a deep understanding of the eye and vision. The core subjects include:
Ocular anatomy and physiology
Visual optics and refraction
Pathology and microbiology
Ophthalmic lenses and dispensing
Clinical optometry
To practice as an optometrist in India, you need a licence. The Optometry Confederation of India (OCI) is the governing body which provides licences to deserving candidates. You must register with the OCI after completing your degree. The registration process ensures you meet the professional standards required to practice.
The Optometry Confederation of India (OCI) is a self-regulatory organisation founded in September 2012. It was established to represent optometry professionals to the government and elevate the profession to world-class standards. OCI aims to regulate practices and provide ongoing education opportunities, addressing the need for a unified body for eye care practitioners in India.
Having this licence is crucial. It ensures that you are legally allowed to work as an optometrist in India. Here are the steps to apply for OCI membership
Eligibility: Ensure you have two years or more of qualification in optometry.
Complete the Form: Complete the online form with your personal details, qualifications, and current work details. Then, proceed to upload your passport photo and optometry certificates.
Payment: Pay Rs 5000/- to “Optometry Confederation of India” via RTGS. You can also pay by DD, cheque, or RTGS.
Reference Number: Once submitted, a reference number is generated. Keep this number for future correspondence with OCI.
Document Verification: OCI will verify your documents and issue the membership certificate within 45 working days.
Fast Track Option:For urgent certificates, apply for a fast track to receive the certificate within 10 working days.
Rejection Policy : If your application is rejected, Rs 500/- will be deducted as a convenience fee.
You may choose to specialise in a particular field. Specialisations allow you to focus on a specific area of eye care. It can make you more competitive in the job market. Some popular specialisations include:
Paediatric Optometry
Geriatric optometry
Contact lens specialist
Vision therapy
Optometry offers several avenues for growth. You may choose to specialise in a specific area. With experience, you can take on leadership roles in hospitals or clinics. Optometrists, with their practice, have the potential for significant financial growth. Therefore, the future of optometry in India looks bright. With a growing population and increasing awareness of eye health, demand for optometrists is set to rise.
New technologies, such as tele-optometry, are also creating new opportunities in the field.
Tele-Optometry (The New Frontier)
is becoming popular in India. This allows you to provide consultations remotely, using video calls and online tools. Tele-optometry expands access to eye care, especially in rural areas. It also offers a new way to reach and serve patients.
After completing your education, you can start building your career. You have several options. You may work in a private clinic, hospital, or optometry centre. Many optometrists chose to open their own practice.
The healthcare industry is growing, and the need for eye care professionals is rising. This makes optometry a secure and stable career option.
You can find job opportunities in:
Eye hospitals and clinics
Optical stores
Vision care centres
Government health services
Your salary as an optometrist depends on your experience and location. Fresh graduates can earn between INR 2.5 to 4 lakhs per year. With experience, this can increase to INR 10 to 20 lakhs per year. Optometrists, with their own practice, may earn even more. Check out the list of optometrists’ job roles and their salary range.
| Job Role | Salary Range |
| Optometry Research Assistants | INR 3 LPA – 7 LPA |
| Clinical Optometrists | INR 8 LPA – 12 LPA |
| Paediatric Optometrists | INR 7 LPA – 17 LPA |
| Contact Lens Specialists | INR 7 LPA – 20 LPA |
| Low Vision Specialists | INR 5 LPA – 10 LPA |
Source: Glassdoor
Many optometrists choose to open their own practice. This gives you control over your work and income. Starting your own clinic requires investment in equipment and space. You also need to build a strong client base. Running your own practice allows you to set your working hours. It also offers the potential for higher earnings. However, it requires good management skills and dedication.
Optometry is an evolving field. New technologies and treatments are constantly being developed. To stay competitive, you need to keep learning. Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay updated on the latest advancements. The Optometry Confederation of India also offers continuing education programmes. Participating in these helps you stay current and improve your skills.
Joining a professional association is beneficial for every working executive. It connects you with other optometrists and collaborates for various purposes. These organisations offer resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy. Being part of a professional network helps you stay informed about industry trends. Some key associations in India include:
Indian Optometric Association (IOA)
Optometry Confederation of India (OCI)
Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO)
Becoming an optometrist in India is a fulfilling career choice. With the right education, skills, and dedication, you can succeed in this growing field. Whether you choose to work in a clinic or start your own practice, the opportunities are endless. From education to licensing and career growth, every step matters. Stay focused, continue learning, and provide the best care to your patients. Your journey to becoming a successful optometrist begins today. Like any career, optometry has its challenges. Managing a busy schedule can be stressful. Dealing with difficult patients requires patience and professionalism. However, the rewards of improving people’s vision make it all worthwhile.
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