Optometry Course: Admission, Fees, Duration, Syllabus & Eligibility
Table of Contents
Optometry courses focus on studying eye health, vision care, and diagnosing and managing visual disorders. The Optometrist course trains students to become eye care professionals capable of conducting eye examinations, prescribing corrective lenses, and detecting ocular diseases. The Optometry courses are offered at the UG, PG, PhD, Diploma and Certificate levels.
What is Optometry?
Optometrists are primary eye care practitioners who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures and diagnose related systemic conditions. They prescribe spectacles, contact lenses, low vision aids and provide vision therapy.
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Optometry Course Details
Optometry courses are educational programs designed to train individuals to become optometrists, who are primary healthcare professionals specialising in examining, diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders and diseases related to the visual system and the eyes.
Candidates can check the table below to know the key highlights of the Optometry course details.
| Particulars | Optometry Course Details |
| Optometry Course Level | UG, PG and PhD |
| Optometry Course Duration | 2 - 4 years |
| Optometry Course Admission Criteria | UG: Merit-Based/Entrance-Based PG: Entrance-BasedDiploma: Merit-BasedCertificate: Merit-Based |
| Optometry Course Eligibility Criteria | UG: Class 12 in the Science stream with PCBPG: Bachelor’s degree in Optometry (BSc Optometry/B.Optom or equivalent)PhD: Master’s degree in Optometry or related allied health sciencesDiploma: 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised boardCertificate: Class 10th or 12th pass/td> |
| Optometry Course Fee | INR 649 - INR 3.6 Lakh |
| Optometry Entrance Exams | UG: CUETPG: CUET PG/td> |
| Optometry Popular Colleges | Christian Medical College, AIIMS Delhi, Jamia Hamdard, JIPMER Puducherry, TMU |
| Optometry Job Profiles | Optometrists, Clinical Optometrists, Pediatric Optometrists, Contact Lens Specialists, Low Vision Specialists, etc. |
| Optometry Average Salary | INR 4.6 LPA - INR 6 LPA |
| Optometry Top Recruiters | Titan Eye Plus, Optum, First Student, Reliance Industries, Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Eyecare Centre Optometrist, etc. |
Eligibility Criteria
- ADMISSION IN FIRST YEAR
Students who have passed 10th, 12th Higher Secondary Examinations from a recognised board with a minimum aggregate of 60% and Students of the science stream with the biology subject. - LATERAL ENTRY
A diploma from a university accepted by IOA/OCI. A two-year ophthalmic assistant course from a reputed hospital with a clinical experience of at least two years. Transcript of the course studied.
Optometry Course Admission 2025
Candidates can check a general outline of the Optometry course admission process in India below:
- Eligibility: Completion of 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics from a recognised board.
- Merit-Based Admission: Apply directly to institutions offering Optometry courses; selection is based on 10+2 marks.
- Entrance-Based Admission: Qualify for institution-specific or national-level entrance exams like NEET or university-conducted tests.
- Application Process: Submit online/offline applications with required documents, including academic certificates and ID proof.
- Counselling and Seat Allotment: Participate in counselling sessions for entrance-based admissions, if applicable.
- Final Admission: Confirm seat by paying fees and completing document verification.
Why choose an Optometry Course?
The BSc Optometry course opens a wide variety of career opportunities to graduates. They can work in a variety of settings, such as primary healthcare, corporate, public sector, or even move into research and academics.
Earlier, optometry was limited to fitting eyeglasses, whereas today, optometrists also examine and help diagnose diseases of the eye. In addition to providing glasses, Optometrists provide corrective devices such as contact lenses and devices to support low vision.
Practitioners are often the first ones to catch the changes in the eye due to diseases such as diabetes and arteriosclerosis, leading to early diagnosis and treatment. Today, ophthalmologists and optometrists work as a team. Optometry students can choose general practice or select such specialities as contact lenses, vision therapy, orthotics, learning disabilities, paediatrics and occupational vision. The scope of Optometry as a profession is increasing in India as vision-related problems, including refractory issues such as Myopia, are increasing in the country. Myopia prevalence in India is on an increasing trend both among children and adults. As per studies,1 out of 6 children aged between 5-15 years is suffering from myopia. To counter and deal effectively with this. In this, India will need more trained ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians.
Optometry Course Options
Bachelor of Science in Optometry (BSc Optometry)
- Duration: Typically 3-4 years, including a mandatory internship period.
- Eligibility: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) or Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as their main subjects from a recognised board. Some institutions may have minimum percentage requirements.
Master of Science in Optometry (MSc Optometry)
- Duration: Typically 2 years.
- Eligibility: Requires a Bachelor's degree in Optometry (B.Sc. Optometry) from a recognised university. This postgraduate degree allows for specialisation and advanced clinical skills.
Diploma in Optometry
- Duration: Usually 2 years.
- Eligibility: Generally requires a 10+2 pass in any stream, although preference may be given to science students. This course provides foundational knowledge and skills for assisting optometrists.
Syllabus of Optometry Course
BSc Optometry Syllabus
Each year is divided into two semesters. A brief description of subjects for each year is given below
| Year | Semester | Subject |
| First year | Semester – I | Prose and Communication SkillsGeneral Anatomy and PhysiologyGeneral and ocular biochemistryGeometrical opticsNutritionBasics of computers |
| First year | Semester – II | Prose, extensive reading and communication Skills Ocular Anatomy Ocular Physiology Physical Optics Microbiology & Pathology Environmental Studies |
| Second year | Semester – III | Communicative Skills, Visual Optics, Ocular Disease I, Optometric Instruments I, General and Ocular Pharmacology Clinical Examination of the Visual System |
| Second year | Semester – IV | Employability Skills, Optometric Optics, Ocular Diseases – II, Optometric Instrumentation – II, Value-added education |
| Third year | Semester – V | Contact Lenses – I, Binocular Vision – I, Pediatric Optometry and Geriatric Optometry, Dispensing Optics, Public Health and Community Optometry Biostatistics |
| Third year | Semester – VI | Contact Lenses – II Binocular Vision – II Low Vision Aids Occupational Optometry Systemic Diseases Affecting the Eye |
| Fourth year | Semester – VII | Research Project – I |
| Fourth year | Semester – VIII | Research Project – II |
Careers after the Bachelor of Optometry Programme
| Private Practice | Run and operate a private practice and provide direct care to patients. |
| Specialty Practice | Vision therapy, contact lenses, neuro-optometry and myopia control clinic |
| Retail/Optical Setting | Practice as an independent consultant in a retail setting like Lawrence & Mayo, Titan Eye+, Lenskart and specs maker. |
| Corporate | Participating in clinical research and in creating eye-related products. |
| Government jobs | In the armed forces, public health centres, UPHCS and different government hospitals. |
| Academics | Working in a university/college as a teacher/mentor to optometry students. |
| Research | Research to further ophthalmic technology |
| Optometric / Ophthalmologic Professional Settings | Working as a team with an ophthalmologist to co-manage patients. |
| Professional Services | Providing services to government bodies, speciality sports teams, etc. |
Optometry Course Fees
The fees for optometry courses in India can vary significantly depending on the type of institution (government or private), its location, and its reputation.
- Government Colleges: Generally have lower fees, ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per year.
- Private Colleges: Fees can be considerably higher, ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 or more per year.
Additional costs such as hostel fees, examination fees, and study materials should also be considered. It's advisable to check the specific fee structure of the institutions you are interested in.
Why choose TMU for the Optometry Course?
TMU provides an affordable fee structure, extensive clinical exposure, including a year-long internship, and opportunities for specialisation. The university provides well-equipped facilities and career placement assistance, with past students finding opportunities in various eye care settings and even at companies like Lenskart. As a reputable institution in Uttar Pradesh, TMU provides a recognised degree and an industry-relevant curriculum, making it a strong contender for aspiring optometrists seeking quality education and career prospects in India.
Get more information about the course here: Details of the Optometry course
Conclusion
Your Vision for a Bright Future in Optometry
Embarking on an optometry course in India is a significant step towards a fulfilling and impactful career. By understanding the eligibility criteria, admission process, course structure, and associated costs, you can make informed decisions and navigate your journey with confidence. The demand for skilled optometrists continues to grow, offering a promising future for those dedicated to the science and art of vision care. Start your research today and take the first step towards helping others see a brighter tomorrow.
FAQS
Q1.What is the salary of a Diploma in Optometry?
Ans. The average salary for Diploma in Optometry graduates in India ranges from ₹2 lakhs to ₹7 lakhs per year. Actual earnings can vary based on factors such as job role, experience level, location, and employer.
Q2.Does optometry need NEET?
Ans. No, NEET is not required for Optometry courses in India. Optometry programs, typically Bachelor of Optometry (B. Optom) courses, have their admission criteria determined by the individual universities or colleges.
Q3.What are eye doctors called?
Ans. Eye doctors are generally called ophthalmologists or optometrists. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who specialise in eye and vision care, including surgery. Optometrists are healthcare professionals who specialise in vision and eye health, prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses, and diagnosing and managing eye conditions.
Q4.Does optometry have a good future?
Ans. Yes, optometry has a promising future. Demand for eye care professionals is increasing due to an ageing population, rising screen time, and a growing focus on preventive healthcare, leading to more job opportunities for optometrists.
