Optometry Courses

Many students wish to pursue a career in the healthcare sector but often feel like their options are limited to just an MBBS or BDS. This is far from the truth, there are numerous other options too and one of those is pursuing optometry courses. Optometry essentially focuses on the eyecare aspect of the healthcare profession, this includes detection of eye vision, prescribing vision correction lenses and spectacles and diagnoses of eye diseases as well as their treatment to an extent. If you wish to pursue a career as an optometrist, here is all the information you will need about the opportunities available by pursuing optometry courses.

Overview of Optometry Courses 

As already established, optometry essentially deals with the eyecare domain of the healthcare sector. An optometrist can diagnose, prescribe and perform certain treatments related to the eyes and their functioning but most importantly an optometrist can assist you by referring you to an Ophthalmologist or a relevant doctor in case of extreme cases. The fundamental difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist is that an ophthalmologist possesses an MBBS degree with a specialization in eyecare. Optometry courses will equip you with skills that will help you in diagnosing ocular diseases and performing minor treatments and procedures. There are mainly three kinds of optometry courses that are available, these include- bachelor’s degree, diploma courses, and certificate courses.

Available Optometry Courses

There are a number of optometry courses that you can pursue to establish a career in the field of optometry. Some of the courses that you can consider are-

Optometry Courses- Bachelor of Optometry:

The Bachelor of Optometry course is a 4 year-long undergraduate program which involves 3 years of theoretical learning and a one-year long internship program intended to impart practical learning. To undertake this course, you should be 17 years of age or more and should have completed your 10+2 in science stream comprising physics, chemistry, and biology from a relevant institute.

Optometry Courses- B. Sc in Optometry 

This academic program also lasts a total of 4 years with 3 years of theoretical learning and a year of practical learning that is achieved through a yearlong internship program. You must have completed your 10+2 with physics, chemistry, and biology to pursue this degree.

Optometry Courses- Diploma in Optometry 

This diploma course is a 2-year long program that allows those pursuing the course a direct entry into Bachelors and B.Sc. courses of optometry in the second year of the course. The diploma course has a more job-oriented focus and is also known as the Ophthalmic Technology diploma course.

Syllabus of Optometry Courses 

The syllabus of optometry courses may vary from college to college and on the basis of the format you choose to pursue. There are still some core subjects that are fundamental to the understanding of optometry, these are-

• Optometry Instruments
• Ocular Diseases and Conditions
• Ocular Physiology
• Visual Optics
• Community Optometry 
• Contact Lenses
• Dispensing Optics
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Ocular Anatomy
• Microbiology (Also Read: Career in Microbiology)
• Hospital Training

What is the BSc Optometry Admissions Process?

Admission to the BSc Optometry programme is determined on the candidates’ performance in the entrance exam and their 10+2 grade point average. Admission to several universities is also determined by merit.

• Candidates should research their eligibility and the type of admission examinations used to choose students before deciding to apply to this course at a specific institution or university.
• Students can fill out the application form required to apply for the course either online or in person at the college.
• Take the admissions test.
• Admission to the BSc Optometry programme is determined by the entrance exam. Application forms are made available in May, and once they have been submitted, the universities and colleges start announcing their respective cut offs, or the minimum percentage required for admission to the BSc Optometry programme.
• The colleges will release the cut-off list, and those students who made the cut are also contacted for the following round of counselling.
• Final admissions round in step 5: The colleges hold various rounds for this course with the goal of evaluating the student’s aptitude and skills through counselling.

Documents needed for entrance to the BSc in Optometry

• Exam results and a pass certificate for classes X or XII.
• evidence of birthdate.
• diploma from high school
• transfer authorization
• residence evidence or certificate, or a domicile certificate
• temporary certificate
• Character reference
• Certificates for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Caste
• evidence of impairment (if any)
• Immigration Document

How Should I Study for My BSc Optometry Entrance Exam?

To prepare diligently for the entrance exam according to the most recent exam pattern and syllabus is one of the most crucial stages to success. Students taking the entrance exams for the BSc Optometry programme should focus on four areasare taking the entrance exams for the BSc Optometry programme should focus on four areas in particular: physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics.

The key ideas to bear in mind as you study for the entrance exams are:

• The students must invest at least two to three hours per day to rigorous exam preparation.
• The students should consult the most recent test questions, and by answering them, they will be able to comprehend both the course material and the most recent format of the entrance exam.
• They should take practise exams to learn about their flaws, strengths, and weaknesses.
• They ought to have adequate time to concentrate on the revision portion as well; focusing exclusively on the stronger areas and ignoring the poor sections could negatively affect performance.
• To ace an admission exam like a pro, effective time management is crucial.

Scope after Optometry Courses

There are numerous opportunities available after you complete your optometrist courses. Some of the job opportunities that you could explore are:

• You can work at either an eyecare clinic or an ophthalmic department of some hospital where you can work under or assist an ophthalmologist. 
• You can also practice either independently or under supervision.
• You can also open up your own optical shop or a lens manufacturing unit.

FAQs

While we have given you all the relevant information about optometry courses, it is natural to feel apprehensive about whether or not that course is suited for your strengths and interests. With the help of the experts at Leverage Edu, who use psychometric tests and brainstorming sessions, you can come to an informed decision that will help you set out on a path best suited to help you reach your goals.