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Home » An Ultimate Guide to Make a Career in Optometry: Know How to Become One!

An Ultimate Guide to Make a Career in Optometry: Know How to Become One!

 

Are you intrigued by the world of healthcare but hesitant to commit to the extensive years of medical school? Does the well-being of others, especially their vision, concern you deeply? If so, consider a fulfilling career in Optometry. Optometry, a branch of allied medical science, empowers you to play a crucial role in enhancing people’s lives through vision care.

Optometry, a branch of allied medical science, offers a fulfilling career where you can contribute to healthcare without a lengthy medical school commitment. Imagine helping individuals by diagnosing and correcting vision issues, all while working with cutting-edge instruments. Enter the world of optometry, where every examination is a step towards alleviating human suffering.

In India, where eye health is a significant concern with staggering statistics, the demand for optometrists is soaring. Recent data reveals that every third blind person globally is Indian, highlighting the critical need for eye care professionals. As an optometrist, you become a crucial player in tackling visual impairments, making a difference in a densely populated country.

Imagine being in a hospital or an eye clinic, using your skills to examine eyes, identify vision problems, and prescribe solutions like eyeglasses or contact lenses. Your role as an optometrist involves a blend of precision and empathy, addressing patients’ eye concerns with expertise.

Isn’t it interesting? Want to know more about Career in Optometry? Continue reading this blog post… 

What is Optometry?

Optometry is a healthcare profession focused on eye and vision care. Optometrists are trained to examine, diagnose, and treat various eye conditions and refractive errors. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses and provide vision therapy. Additionally, optometrists can identify and manage eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts, referring patients to specialists when needed. Regular eye exams by optometrists play a crucial role in maintaining overall eye health and preventing vision problems. Optometry encompasses a range of services, from correcting visual impairments to detecting and managing eye disorders, ensuring optimal eye function and quality of life for patients.

Now, let’s understand… 

Who is an Optometrist?

An optometrist is a healthcare professional specializing in eye care and vision correction. Trained to examine, diagnose, and treat a wide range of visual problems and eye conditions, optometrists play a crucial role in preserving and improving patients’ eye health. They conduct comprehensive eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses, and offer guidance on maintaining optimal vision. 

What does an Optometrist do?

If you are wondering why, you should consider becoming an optometrist! We will help you, so if you like carrying following work activities, you should consider a career in Optometry! Here are some of the roles and responsibilities of an optometrist:

  • Prescribe corrective lenses (glasses and contacts) to address optical abnormalities such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism.
  • Educate patients on lens care, proper lighting, and eye hygiene to ensure optimal eye health and safety.
  • Diagnose and manage a wide range of eye diseases, including infections, inflammation, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and corneal/retinal abnormalities.
  • Write prescriptions for topical and oral medications to treat various eye conditions and promote recovery.
  • Remove foreign bodies from the eye to prevent discomfort and potential damage.
  • Manage vision development in children, prescribing therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision as needed.
  • Consult with ophthalmologists and collaborate with other healthcare practitioners to ensure comprehensive patient care.
  • Refer patients to ophthalmologists or other specialists when specialized medical treatment or surgical intervention is required.
  • Provide pre-operative and post-operative surgical care to support ophthalmologists in delivering effective eye surgeries.
  • Stay informed about advancements in optometry, eye care technologies, and treatment modalities to offer the best possible care to patients.

How to become an Optometrist?

To become an optometrist, you need to follow the following steps, or we can say you need to consider the below-mentioned career pathway: 

1: Identify Skills (Soft and Hard Skills)

To pursue a career as an Optometrist, it’s essential to possess a mix of soft and hard skills. Yes, here are some of the skills required to build a career in Optometry. Soft skills encompass effective communication, focus, adaptability to new techniques, organizational ability, and interpersonal skills. On the technical side, proficiency in Lasik surgery, general computer usage, diagnosis and treatment, systems analysis, quality control, and medical knowledge is crucial.

2: Enroll in Formal Training/Course

The journey starts with formal education. Complete 10+2 with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Pursue a bachelor’s degree like B.Sc, B.OPTM, or B.Sc in Optometry after clearing entrance exams such as AIIMS, KRUCET, PGCET, or KUPGCET. Progress to a master’s degree like M.Sc or M.Optom. Acquiring a license to practice as an Optometrist in India is a pivotal step.

3: Pursue an internship

After academic accomplishments, engage in a one-year internship to gain practical experience. Successful completion of the internship is a prerequisite for becoming a qualified Optometrist.

4: Apply for State License and Medical Certification

To practice Optometry in India, obtaining a license or certificate from the Optometry Council of India (OCI) is mandatory. This step ensures adherence to regulatory standards.

5: Build an Attractive Resume

Compile your skills, education, and internship experiences into a compelling resume. Craft a well-structured cover letter. Apply to job portals such as Naukri and Monster or directly approach eye clinics and institutes seeking Optometrists.

6: Begin a Career

Upon securing interviews and receiving job offers, carefully select a position aligned with your career goals. This initial job serves as a foundation for future growth. After obtaining the license, consider establishing a private clinic, providing the opportunity to practice independently as a licensed Optometrist.

The Optometry journey culminates in a licensed career, opening doors to independent practice and ongoing professional growth.

Top Indian Universities for Optometry 

In this section, we will be covering top Indian Universities that offer Optometry courses along with the list of courses and fees:

Name of the CollegeCourses
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and ResearchBachelor of Optometry
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New DelhiB.Sc. (Hons.) Ophthalmic Techniques
Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, U.P.B. Sc. Optometry; Dip. in Optometry & Ophthal.Ass
Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, GuwahatiMS Ophthalmology
Assam Medical College, DibrugarhMS Ophthalmology
Patna Medical College, PatnaOphthalmic Assistant
Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College, PuneM.S. Ophthalmology
Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal UniversityBachelor of Optometry

Fee’s structure

For bachelor courses in Indian private universities, it is generally in the range of 2.5 to 4 lakhs per annum. The same for diploma courses is generally between 2 to 2.5 lakhs. In government colleges, it is much lower than this.

Job opportunities & salary as an optometrist 

As an Optometrist, you might get a job in a hospital, eye clinic, or an optician store. Following are some of the job opportunities that you’ll be offered:

  • Optometrist
  • Vision Technician/Visual Aid Specialist
  • Research Scientist (in Vision Technology)

Salary of an optometrist

The salary of an optometrist varies with experience and role. For individuals with 2-5 years of work experience, the average salary ranges from 3 to 5 lakh rupees. Top recruiting companies in this category include Titan, Lenskart, Lawrence, and Mayo. As professionals advance in their careers, the role of a Senior Optometrist or Vision Consultant becomes available, offering a higher average salary of 5 to 7 lakh rupees. Leading healthcare establishments such as Vasan Eye Care and Fortis Health Care are prominent recruiters for these positions.

Further career progression into the academic realm as a professor in optometry yields an average salary ranging from 6 to 8 lakh rupees. This salary is commonly offered by institutions offering optometry courses. Optometry professionals find diverse opportunities in both corporate and academic sectors, with compensation reflecting their expertise and years of service in the field.

Scope for a career in optometry 

A career in optometry presents a vast and boundless landscape of opportunities, both within India and on the global stage. This dynamic and challenging vocation not only fosters personal growth but also commands respect within the community, offering a unique blend of job flexibility, financial success, and limitless potential for advancement.

Optometrists, or optometric physicians, play a pivotal role in eye care and health, specializing in the identification of refractive errors and prescribing appropriate treatments. Their responsibilities encompass a wide spectrum, including vision screening, diagnosing visual issues, providing orthotics and vision training, and counseling patients with partial sight, color blindness, and genetic vision disorders. Moreover, they excel in the design and fitting of glasses, contact lenses, and low-vision aids.

The career paths available to optometrists are diverse and exciting. Opportunities range from conducting research across various industries to educating the next generation as postsecondary educators. Optometrists can also serve as consultants in the eyewear industry, advisors on occupational/industrial safety programs, or offer consultancy services. For those inclined towards entrepreneurship, starting an independent private eye care practice is a viable and rewarding option.

In essence, the scope for a career in optometry extends far beyond traditional roles, providing avenues for professional fulfillment, continuous learning, and making a meaningful impact on individuals’ visual health. The field not only promises financial success but also offers the satisfaction of contributing to the well-being of the community.

Final thoughts!

Career in Optometry is a dynamic branch of allied medical science, offering a fulfilling blend of precision and empathy in vision care. Addressing India’s critical eye health concerns, optometrists play a crucial role in diagnosing, managing, and preventing visual impairments. 

The comprehensive career pathway, from formal education to licensing, opens doors to diverse job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and optical stores. Optometry goes beyond traditional boundaries, promising professional growth, continuous learning, and a meaningful impact on community well-being.

We hope you have all the information needed to make the right career decision! However, choosing the right career could be a daunting task for anyone! And that’s why we are here to help you. Understand what it takes and whether you have it in you. You can avail of iDreamCareer’s special services for that. We are here to assist you in making an informed decision about your future in this thriving field. Take advantage of iDreamCareer’s College & Course Selection Program today and embark on the path toward a successful future!

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FAQs

What is optometry?

Optometry is a healthcare profession focusing on eye and vision care. Optometrists diagnose and treat various eye conditions, prescribe corrective lenses, and contribute to overall eye health.

How to become an optometrist in India?

To become an optometrist, one must complete 10+2 with Biology, pursue a bachelor’s degree in Optometry, undergo a one-year internship, obtain a state license from the Optometry Council of India, and build a strong resume for job placement.

What are the job opportunities for optometrists?

Optometrists can work in hospitals, eye clinics, or optician stores. Job roles include Optometrist, Vision Technician, and Research Scientist in Vision Technology.

What is the salary range for optometrists in India?

Salaries range from 3 to 5 lakhs for 2-5 years of experience, with opportunities for growth to roles like Senior Optometrist or Vision Consultant, offering 5 to 7 lakhs.

What is the scope of a career in optometry?

Optometry offers diverse opportunities, from research and academia to entrepreneurship. Optometrists contribute to community well-being, making a meaningful impact on visual health.

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