BSc Optometry Course is a healthcare profession related to eye care, vision, and visual systems. An optometrist is a person that is capable of diagnosing many eye diseases /vision problems. They also prescribe lenses /spectacles and perform treatment of ocular diseases. An optometrist cannot operate. They have to take the help of an Ophthalmologist that specializes in eye care after doing MBBS.
Optometry courses in India will offer you a chance to be part of a medical team without an MBBS degree. It is a strong career in the medical field with passion, self-awareness, work flexibility, money, and many lucrative opportunities.
The course highlights for BSc Optometry Course have been put in a table below.
| Course | B.Sc. (optometry) |
| Full form | Bachelor of Science in Optometry |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Specialization | Contact lenses, vision therapy, sports vision, ocular disease, geriatric, pediatric, low vision, occupational vision, education and research. |
| BSc Optometry Course Duration | 3-year |
| Eligibility | 10+2 completed from a recognized board of education |
| Admission Process | Entrance exam followed by a counselling |
| BSc Optometry fees | INR 10,000 to 1 Lakh |
| Job Positions | Optometrist, Optician, Sales Executive, Teacher, Eye Doctor, etc. |
| Top recruiting areas | Lens manufacturing units, optician showrooms, multinational companies dealing with eye care products, Contact lens and ophthalmic lens industry, multinational companies dealing with eye care products, etc. |
| BSc Optometry Salary | INR 2.5 to 8 Lakhs per annum |
Short History of Bsc Optometry Course
The term Optometry has evolved from the Greek word "Opsis’ meaning “ View” a ‘Metron’ meaning ‘something which is used to measure. The history of Optometry is very ancient and since then studies are done on optics and image formation of an eye. The term 'Optometry Appeared in the book ‘A Treatise on the Eye’ that is based on the manner and phenomena of the eye. It was written by the Scottish physician William Porterfield in 1759.
If you are keen on making a career in optometry then you can start with the course after the 12th. We suggest you pick a UG course that will offer you better job stability. Many universities/colleges in India offer UG/PG/Ph.D., Diploma, and certificate level courses in optometry.
Master Degree Courses
M.Sc. and M.Opto are two years duration full-time courses. For admission in any course, candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Optometry or equivalent course from any recognized college or university. Some top PG courses in optometry are -
Bachelor Degree Courses
The duration of these UG courses is 4 years. Students who have completed 12th/H.S.C or equivalent examinations with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English subjects are eligible to apply. Some best optometry courses at the UG level are -
Diploma Courses
It is a two to 3 years duration course. You can do this after 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English as the subjects. You can take lateral entry and join the second year of B.Sc. or bachelor of optometry. The course is also known as Ophthalmic technology.
Certificate Courses: Generally certificate courses help you to get a technical assistant job in the field of eye care. You can pursue this course after the 10th also. The certificate course in optometry is a one-year duration.
To become a successful Optometrist, you should start with a 4-year bachelor degree program, with PCB in 12th. The bachelor’s degree will add a base offering you a proper knowledge of eye care and related technology. After doing a degree course, all the optometrists have to pass nationally administered exams to earn a practice license. Without an authentic license, you cannot practice optometry. A qualified degree holder(ug) in optometry can pursue an M.S, M.Phil, Ph.D or OD (Doctor of Optometry) degree.
An optometrist is an independent major healthcare provider who is specialized in eye care and visual health. He/she is a medical professional but cannot be a physician. They focus on vision care and prescribe eyeglasses and contacts. They also examine the inside and outside l structure of the eyes.
An ophthalmologist is a physician (a medical doctor with an MBBS degree) who specializes in the surgical and medical care of the eye and vision system. They can perform eye surgeries and offer services like eye checkups, Surgical eye care, Plastic surgery, Diagnosis and treatment of the eye etc.
Note - To become an ophthalmologist you have to first complete an MBBS degree and then can go for MS or MD in ophthalmology.
To make a stable career in optometry, you have to spend at least eight years of study which includes four years of college education, four years of medical school, one year of internship and three years of hospital practice. Some top colleges that offer optometry Colleges in India are -
The career opportunities in optometry are quite demanding in India as well as abroad. As an optometrist, you can work as postsecondary teachers/professors, consultants in the eye care industry or can perform your research in optometry colleges. One can also set up a private clinic and can work independently. One is free to choose their career in sports vision, public health, and government hospitals or related centers. As an ophthalmologist, you can practice solo, can be a military doctor or can join a government clinic, hospital, or government agency.
You can work on the following designations after completing any UG course in Optometry.
After getting a professional degree, an optometrist can earn up to INR 25k to 35k at the initial level as a fresher. As an optometric, you can earn up to 3.5 to 5lakh P/A initially. An ophthalmologist makes a different salary between 7.5 to 10 lakh P/A. Your salary in this field depends on the type of organization, required skills and geographical area.
