Duration: 4 years (6 semesters coursework with 1-year internship)
Eligibility: Class XII Science
Optometry deals with the examination, diagnosis, and management of refractive errors. Optometrists examine eyes and treat eyesight problems by prescribing medication, eyeglasses, contact lenses, vision therapy, or rehabilitation programmes. Besides these, they also carry out diagnosis and appropriate referral for patients.
Course Delivery
Theory: lectures, practical classes, seminars, computer aided learning
Practical: hands on clinical experience and visits to reputed eye hospitals in India
Career Prospects
Eyesight problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration tend to occur more frequently later in life, so an aging population will lead to more demand for optometrists. The growing number of people with diabetes, which has been linked to increased rates of eye conditions, has led to the need for more optometrists to monitor, detect, and refer individuals with chronic conditions stemming from diabetes. Most health plans cover medical eye care and many cover preventive eye exams. Hence, more optometrists will be needed to provide these services.
