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Optometry

Home > Career Library > Allied Medicine > Optometry
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Optometry

Summary

More than 75% of the vision/eye problems in humans are curable or even avoidable. Optometry is a fast growing healthcare profession that is concerned with the eyes as well as vision & visual systems processing in humans. An optometrist measures vision, prescribes lenses according to the requirements and fit lenses to improve vision. With increasing usage of technology and visual media, the demand for optometrists is expected to increase manifold in the coming years, making it a lucrative career option.

Career Opportunities in Optometry

  • Shops / organizations
    A trained optometrist is most likely be work in small independent optometrists or for a large national organization. They may also open their own shops. They use their knowledge of the workings of the eye, eye diseases and conditions to carry out eye examinations. They give advice on visual problems and prescribe spectacles, contact lenses and low vision aids. They are also be trained to detect eye disease and underlying health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
  • Working in a Hospital
    Optometrists may also work in hospitals or clinics where they treat those cases which require urgent attention. It's a busy, fast paced environment and they work alongside ophthalmologists (medical doctors specializing in the eye) as part of a large team of eye-specialists.
  • Research
    Optometrists may start their career in research with a PhD (Doctorate) or even after masters, and carry out a program of research on chosen topic. They may undertake independent research with funding from an organization like the College of Optometrists, or work in the research department of a university or hospital
  • Teaching
    Optometrists can also work as teachers in post-secondary education.
  • Consultant
    Optometrists can also work various companies manufacturing optical goods as consultants.

How to Become an Optometrist

Stream Graduation After Graduation After Post Graduation
Path 1
Clear Class XII with Science Stream with BiologyPursue B.Optom ( Bachelors in Optometry) for 4 years (3 years study + 1 year internship)Pursue M.Optom for 2 yearsPursue O.D (Doctorate in Optometry) for 2 years
Path 2
Clear Class XII with Science Stream with BiologyPursue B.Sc. Optometry for 3 yearsPursue M.Sc. for 2 yearsPursue O.D (Doctorate in Optometry) for 2 years
Path 3
Clear Class XII with Science Stream with BiologyPursue Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistance / Ophthalmic Technology for 2 yearsPursue Post Graduate Diploma for 2 years OR B.Optom for 2 years (direct admission in 3rd year)-

Important Facts

  • Most college have eligibility criteria of minimum 50% aggregate marks in Class XII / and some of minimum 60%.
  • Must have passed class 12th or senior secondary examination with at least 50% marks including English.
  • Some colleges/ universities also have an age limit (17 at 31st December of the year of admission).
  • English is also a requirement for enrolling in optometry education.

Leading Institutes

Top Optometry Institutes in India
College Location Website
AIIMS Multiple locations www.aiims.edu/en.html
Rajiv Gandhi Paramedical Institute New Delhi www.rgpcindia.com/index.php
Elite School of Optometry (ESO) Chennai www.eso.sankaranethralaya.org
Bausch & Lomb School of Optometry, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute Hyderabad www.education.lvpei.org/education_lvpei/optometry.php
Jamia Hamdard University New Delhi www.jamiahamdard.edu/
Vidyasagar College of Optometry & Vision Science(West Bengal university of technology) Kolkata www.vcovs.org
Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences Manipal www.manipal.edu/soahs-manipal.html
School of Optometry, Gandhi Eye Hospital Aligarh www.gandhieyehospitalaligarh.in
Top Optometry Institutes in the World
Institution Location Website
UC Berkeley (School of Optometry) U.S.A www.optometry.berkeley.edu
David Geffen School of Medicine Los Angeles www.medschool.ucla.edu
State University of New York (College of Optometry) U.S.A www.sunyopt.edu
Perelman School of Medicine U.S.A www.med.upenn.edu
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine U.S.A www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som/index.html

Work Description

  • Examine the vision of the patients of all ages
  • Check for near/far sightedness, eye coordination, colour differentiation or diseases like glaucoma, cataract, diabetes, etc.
  • Prescribe spectacles, contact lenses or medication when required
  • Recommend tests for accurate treatment
  • Remain updated on the recent research and discoveries
  • Communicate with empathy and care
  • Manage case histories and accounts of the patients
  • Coordinate properly with the staff members
  • Perform duties in line with the ethical standards

Pros & Cons of a Career in Optometry

Pros
  • The working hours are generally for 8-9 hours and over time is not required.
  • The work is not hectic and you are not required to write detailed reports.
  • You will work with the physicians in the hospitals.
Cons
  • The work is repetitive and after few years one can feel bored.
  • The growth opportunities are not much.
Are you fit for a career in Optometry?

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