Optometry Fees Course

Optometry is a wise career option that is financially rewarding and currently in demand. Did you know that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted a 9% employment growth of optometrists between 2022 and 2032?

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So, if you’re looking forward to becoming an optometrist, now would be a good choice. The first step in your career path is an optometry course. However, it is normal to feel that the course is overwhelming due to its vast syllabus and specialization options.

This blog talks about the details of optometry course admission in 2024, eligibility for optometry courses in India, the job scopes, and much more. Read on to understand the course and sort out your career options.

“Eyeing” a Bright Future: Optometry Course Details

The bachelor of optometry is a UG program of 4 years, which educates a learner on the basics of optometry. It prepares aspiring optometrists to diagnose, identify, and treat eye-related diseases.

This course includes learning the core concepts and hands-on training, termed clinical rotations. Students can choose from multiple specializations and electives, such as ocular disease management, pediatric optometry, and geriatric optometry.

Clearing your Career Path: Optometry Course Eligibility

To pursue an optometry course, you must have passion and interest in studying vision. While the eligibility varies institution-wise, there are specific eligibility criteria. Here are the basic optometry course eligibility details:

For UG course

• You must clear your grade 12 examination from a reputed board with a minimum of 40%.
• For the reserved category candidates, the cut-off is 35%.
• You must have core science subjects in grade 12: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
• Candidates with a vocational course like medical laboratory technology are also eligible.
• Certain institutions may have their entrance examinations or can accept standard entrance tests like MET, JET, CUET, etc.

For PG course

• You must have an undergraduate degree, B.Optom, from a recognized university.
• Your aggregate score needs to be good and also validated by the university.
• Specific universities may have their admission test, which you must clear.

Optometry Course fees: Calculate with clarity

Here’s a breakup of optometry course fees:

• For an undergraduate optometry degree, your total cost would be between INR 2 to 3 lakhs.
• In government institutions, this cost comes down to INR 10,000 to 20,000.
• A postgraduate degree costs around INR 5 to 6 lakhs.
• You can complete an optometry diploma program within INR 3 lakhs.
• Besides the tuition fees, you must keep a budget for additional laboratory fees, examination fees, textbooks, etc.
• Certain universities offer clinical rotations or internships as a part of their curriculum. These internships often come with an additional cost.

Optometry Course Subjects: Topics which shape your vision

The detailed syllabus and subject combinations may vary across institutions. Here are the most commonly taught topics in most institutions:

Semester 1

• Geometrical Optics
• General Physiology
• General Anatomy
• General & Ocular Biochemistry

Semester 2

• Ocular Physiology
• Ocular Anatomy
• Contact Lens
• Functional English and Communication
• Ocular Biochemistry
• Pediatric Optometry

Semester 3

• Visual Optics
• Lighting and the eye
• Medical pathology
• Microbiology
• Optic and Ophthalmic Instrumentation
• Hospital Procedures

Semester 4

• Low vision aids
• Nutrition
• Mathematics
• Ophthalmic Lens
• Ocular Diseases (Interior segment)
• Clinical Refraction

Semester 5

• Binocular Vision
• Ocular Motility
• Low Vision Aids
• Visual Rehabilitation
• Pharmacology
• Pathology

Semester 6

• Research Methodology
• Statistics
• Systematic eye condition
• Public Health & Community Optometry
• Applied Optometry

The most common UG Optometry Course subjects are given below:

• General anatomy: You will learn about the general eye anatomy, how the other body systems differ, and the functions of eye parts.
• Lighting principles: In this subject, you will learn about illumination sources, modern theories of light, color, etc.
• Clinical psychology: In this subject, you will gain knowledge of sensation, determinants, human psychology factors, and patient rehabilitation.
• Nutrition: You will learn about food, the benefits of having a balanced diet, the effects of a diet on eye health, and how to create such a balanced diet.
• Ocular diseases: You will learn about the functioning of the eyes, various types of eye tumors, details of the cornea, and even about conjunctiva.

Focusing on the future: Attractive career options

Here are some career options to consider once you’ve completed your optometry course:

Private Optometrist

• In this role, you can start your private practice.
• You will offer primary as well as comprehensive eye care to your patients.
• In this role, you can begin your career at INR 3.3 LPA.

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Clinical Optometrist

• In this role, you will work in hospitals or specialized eye care centers.
• Your primary duty would be to recognize and diagnose critical eye conditions or diseases.
• You may also have to provide post-operative care for surgery patients.
• As a clinical optometrist in India, you can start your career at INR 3.2 LPA.

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Pediatric Optometrist

• For this role, you’d have to specialize in child eye care.
• Your role would be to detect eye problems among children at the earliest stages.
• An optometrist in India with pediatric skills can start their career at INR 3.6 LPA.

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Vision Specialist

• This is a specialized role where you will work with patients having significant visual issues.
• These issues can be related to surgery or low vision.
• In this role, your career can start at INR 6 LPA.

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Optometry Course Admission 2024: How to enroll?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the optometry course admission process:

• Skim through various universities and colleges. To finalize your choice, you must consider accreditations, faculty, additional facilities, etc.
• Check the eligibility for optometry courses. You should pass your senior secondary with core science subjects and 40% marks.
• You can either fill out the application form online or walk into the campuses and collect your form.
• You must share your required certificates, ID proof, and any other documents you may need.
• The next step is to pay the application fee.
• You can begin your optometry course once you’ve received your confirmation letter.

Conclusion

An optometry course can be a wise career choice once you clearly know your future prospects. To become a successful optometrist, you must have the required skills, such as communication, empathy, and attention to detail.

Other than skill building, you must also enroll in an optometry course to kickstart your career. ITM offers a Bachelor of Optometry course with 100% job placement assistance. Learn all the core concepts from the country's top faculty and get a placement opportunity in the top 50 companies of India.

Explore ITM to learn more about this course and much more!

Frequently asked questions

1) How long will it take to complete an Optometry Course?

Completing an optometry course takes four years. However, studying at some universities or countries abroad may take an additional year.

2) Is there any specialization available in Optometry Courses?

Yes, after completing general optometry courses, you can pursue specializations. Some popular specializations are:

• Pediatric optometry
• Low vision rehabilitation
• Ocular disease management
• Contact lenses
• Geriatric optometry

3) Where can I practice after completing an Optometry Course?

Once you have completed an optometry course, you can practice in any private or government hospital. You can practice in an eye clinic or set up your own clinic.

4) Is there any internship program available in Optometry?

In the optometry course, you’d have to do clinic rotations under licensed optometrists. These internships are essential to the course and will give you the required hands-on training.