Recent statistics show that every third blind person in the world is an Indian. There are millions of other people suffering from various other kinds of a defect in their eyes. Optometry is the right career option for those who are interested in alleviating human suffering.
In an overly populated country like India, the demand for optometrists is very high and is expected to rise further in the coming years. A recent survey has shown that in India, the population to optometrist ratio is two lakh to one, whereas it is ten thousand to one in developed countries like the US. Industry estimates in India predict a requirement of over two lakh institutionally-qualified optometrists as opposed to the current availability of a meager 5,000.
Optometry is a science that is associated with the structure, working, and function of the human eye. This profession is related to examination, correct diagnosis and proper treatment of the eyes. It deals with optical symptoms, using lenses and other optical aids, refractive errors and their correction.
An optometrist is a doctor of optometry (O.D.), and not a medical doctor. S/he has to work through various vision therapies to treat abnormalities, and can prescribe drugs for the eyes. If surgery is required, the patient is sent to an ophthalmologist (M.D.). In the USA, optometry is the sixth most sought-after profession.
Topics covered
What does an Optometrist do?
- Perform regular eye examinations
- Practice orthoptics
- Offer counseling services and low-vision aids
- Assess and diagnose systemic diseases, and
- Refer patients to appropriate specialists
Salary structure
In India, the current pay scale for qualified optometrists is around Rs 2.5-6 lakh per annum, depending on experience. They can also start their own venture to earn more.
Source: Payscale
Skills required in Optometry career
One should be willing to serve people. The job of an optometrist involves working with lenses, which requires a high level of accuracy and precision. So, one should be able to perform tasks with clockwork precision. Since the job of an optometrist requires that one has to work in a team with ophthalmologists and other technicians, team spirit is of utmost importance. A scientific bent of mind is also absolutely necessary.
Career Path
One should have completed 10+2 (science stream) with at least 50 % marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics and English taken together in order to do a Bachelor’s degree in clinical optometry. After taking a BSc degree, students can opt for M. Opt, M. Phil., M.S.and follow it up with a Ph.D. in India or abroad.
In addition to this, in the US, students can also pursue an O.D. (doctor of optometry) program from any of 18 accredited U.S. universities. The eligibility criteria for pursuing a diploma course in optometry are a pass in Class X or Class XII. Those who have completed a diploma course in clinical optometry are eligible to get direct admission to the third year of the degree course in optometry.
Top Indian Universities
Top International Universities
| Rank | Universities |
| 1 | UC Berkeley (School of Optometry), USA |
| 2 | State University of New York (College of Optometry) |
| 3 | Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA |
| 4 | Perelman School of Medicine, USA |
| 5 | UW School of Medicine, Seattle |
| 6 | David Geffen School of Medicine, UC Los Angeles |
Fees 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. Overseas, the course fee is in the range of $20,000-$35,000 per annum.
Pros & Cons
- Secure job and income
- Recession-proof profession
- Option to choose one’s own timings, work on a part-time basis if one has to study further, or if situations demand
- Institutionally qualified optometrists are indispensable, whether it is a small, medium or large size eye hospital/institution
- Cannot prescribe any medication
Conclusion
Experts have predicted a severe crunch in manpower in this field in the years to come. Owing to this, and the fact that this is a highly competent specialization that requires continuous up-gradation of knowledge, it is an exciting career option for youngsters. It is also the kind of profession that gives you immense satisfaction by curing patients suffering from ailments in one of their most vital body parts-the eyes.
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Where can I find an Optometrist Job and why Optometrists are getting low salary in India ?
Hi,
To pursue Optometry usually the path is Physics, Chemistry, Biology then BSc or Diploma in Optometry;
I am not sure where you have read the salary is low in India, but you have to consider 2 points as to why they are lower compared to other medical courses-
1. They are usually for people interested in medicine but don’t wish to study for as long as doctors- so pay usually is determined by expertise and market value- in summary, it would be unfair to compare an optometrist’s salary to that of a doctor.
2. When comparing with abroad, many careers are paid lesser because of the exchange rate and local purchasing power index.
Hope it helps.
Hello, Currently I am a student of optometry in India. After this degree I am planning to move USA on H4 visa. SO my question is can I get a job on my Indian degree?
Hi,
Dependants of H1- i.e.- H4 EAD has been stopped for a while now. So you cannot work as H4- only spouses of L1 can work. Alternatively, you may look at volunteering services or get admission into some program to change the status to F1 for which you will have to approach the USCIS office.
Amazing info really appreciate.
hello im praniti and i have completed my b.optometry in India from government university and i really want to go abroad for my further studies can you please guide me which university should i choose , which will be good course for better career and how should i manage my living expense over there ? please help me