Bachelor of Optometry is an under graduate course related to vision science. The duration of the course is 4 years in which the last year is meant for internship program. The course study helps the candidate to obtain profound knowledge related to eye, vision and optics. The same helps the candidate to obtain clear-cut knowledge on eye and its visual performance.

The course study exposes all the physiological processes underlying vision and optical systems used in the process. The design and manufacture of optical aids such as spectacles, contact lenses, etc are also covered under the course. Those who successfully pursue the course can acquire adequate knowledge and practical skills to diagnose and treat the functional disorders and diseases associated with eye and vision. Such professionals who perform all the above-mentioned activities are referred to as optometrist.

Advantages or benefits of Bachelor of Optometry Course

Apart from providing theoretical and practical knowledge in identifying and curing eye diseases, bachelor of optometry offers adequate higher study options also. Interested students can go with PG, M. Phil or PHD in the related area. The degree allows the candidate to obtain a promising career in the area of vision science. Higher studies increase the proximity to obtain a high profile job in medical sector. The optometrist job also offers enough earnings to the candidate.

Eligibility required for Bachelor of Optometry Course

Like almost all bachelor degree courses in science, bachelor of optometry course also requires pass in HSC class (with science major) as the basic qualification. The qualification must be obtained from any of the recognized institutions with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as subjects. The candidate should obtain a minimum of 50% marks in the qualifying exam. Most of the institutions that offer the course carry out entrance exams for the purpose of selection of eligible candidate. The entrance test usually covers questions on Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and general health. The candidate has to score above the cut off marks insisted by the college to get admission. The eligibility and age requirements of the course vary according to the norms of the University that offers the course.

Admission procedure of Bachelor of Optometry Course

Details regarding admission process and the available number of seats for the course will be published in the official website of the institute. This is normally done at the beginning of each academic year. The candidate has to go through such information given in the website of the college or University from where they wish to pursue the course. The aspirant can download the entrance-test application forms, in case there is admission test for the admission process. Application fee for collecting the form can be given directly at the time of procurement or through banks. Once the application form is obtained, it must be filled correctly and submitted to the address mentioned in the notification before the last date.

How to fill application forms for Bachelor of Optometry Course?

Prospectus published along with the application contains essential details on how to fill up the form. The candidate has to understand the guidelines given in the brochure before start filling the application form. They have to enclose necessary documents as required along with the completely filled application form.

Bachelor of Optometry Colleges in India

• A.D.N. Medical College and Paramedical Science, Great Nag Road Jagnade Chowk Near Mohini Complex Nandanvan Nagpur, Maharashtra
• Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham - Coimbatore Campus Ettimadai PostCoimbatore, Tamil Nadu
• Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Pune, Maharashtra
• College of Optometry, Katraj- Dhankawadi, Pune, Maharashtra
• Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra
• N.P.C. College of Science and Management, Bakhrahat Road Thakurpukur Gate-1, Kolkata, West Bengal
• Paramedical College, Sector-2A Bidhannagar, Durgapur, West Bengal
• Shivalik Institute of Paramedical Technology, 781/1, Gobindpura, Chopra Hospital, Opposite Kalagram on Modern Complex Road, Manimajra, Chandigarh
• Vidyasagar College of Optometry & Vision Science, Hossenpur, Kolkata, West Bengal
• Vinayaka Missions University, N.H.47 Sankari Main Road Ariyanoor, Salem, Tamil Nadu
• West Bengal University of Technology, BF 142, Sector 1, Salt Lake City, Kolkata, West Bengal

Bachelor of Optometry Course Curriculum

First Semester

Theory

• Geometrical Optics (Optics I)
• Physiology (General)
• Anatomy (General)
• Biochemistry (General  & Ocular)
• Professional Communication in English

Practical

• Physiology (General)
• Geometrical Optics-1
• Anatomy

Second Semester

Theory

• Physical Optics (Optics II)
• Physiology (Ocular)
• Anatomy (Ocular)
• Environment & Ecology
• Computer Fundamentals & Programming

Practical

• Physical Optics II
• Anatomy (Ocular)
• Computer

Third Semester

Theory

• Visual Optics (Optics III)
• Lighting & the Eye
• Medical pathology & Microbiology (General & Ocular)
• Pharmacology
• Ophthalmic & Optical Instrumentation & Procedure I

Practical

• Microbiology & Pathology
• Optical & Ophthalmic Instrumentation
• Lighting & the Eye

Fourth Semester

Theory

• Visual Optics (Optics IV)
• Ophthalmic & Optical Instrumentation & Procedure II
• Clinical Refraction I
• Ocular Disease I (Anterior Segment Disease)
• Ophthalmic Lens & Dispensing Optics

Practical

• Optics & Ophthalmic instrumentation II
• Clinical Refraction Practical
• Ophthalmic Lens & Dispensing Optics Practical

Fifth Semester

Theory

• Binocular Vision & Ocular Motility
• Contact Lens I
• Clinical Refraction II
• Ocular Disease II (Posterior & Neuro-eye Disease)
• Low Vision Aids & Visual Rehabilitation

Practical

• Contact Lens -I
• Clinical Refraction II
• Low Vision Aids & Visual Rehabilitation

Sixth Semester

Theory

• Systemic Condition & the eye
• Public Health & Community Optometry
• Biostatistics
• Contact Lens II
• Professional Practice Management
• Applied Optometry & Orthoptics

Practical

• Contact Lens-II
• Applied Optometry & Orthoptics

Text Books on Bachelor of Optometry

• Fitting Guide for Rigid and Soft Contact Lenses – H. A. Stein, Slatt, M. L. Freeman
• Contact Lenses (The CLAO Guide to Basic Science and Clinical Practice) – Kenddall
• Text Book of Contact Lenses – V. K. Dada (Jaypee)
• Clinical Orthoptics —- Fiona Rowe
• Handbook of Orthoptic Principles — Cashell & Durran
• Ocular Motility - Virginia Carlson Hansen
• Practical Orthoptics in the treatment of the squint – T. Kethlyle & Kaneth W.Hyper
• Handbook of Orthoptics principles –G.T. Wilonghby Cashell, Isobel Durran, Churchill Living stone
• Parson’s Diseases of the eye – Stephen J.H.Miller
• Clinical Ophthalmology – Jack Kanski (JJK)
• Principles and practice of ophthalmology – Vol.1& 3 – Peyman, Sanders,
• Modern Ophthalmology – Arnold Sorsby
• Manual of Ocular fundus examination – Theo Dorion - Butterworth Heinemann
• Cataract – William Douthwaite, Butterworth Heinemann
• The Glaucoma handbook – Anthony Litwak, Butterworth Heinemann
• Macular Disorders – Anthony Cavallerano, Butterworth Heinemann
• Environmental Vision – Donald Pits - Butterworth Heinemann
• Work and the eye – Richard North - Butterworth Heinemann
• Ocular immunology in health and disease – Steven Koevary - Butterworth Heinemann
• Ophthalmic research and epidemiology – Stanley Hatch - Butterworth Heinemann
• Professional communication in eye care – Carolyn Bergley - Butterworth Heinemann
• Pediatric Optometry – Jerome Rosner, Butterworth
• Binocular Vision and Ocular Motility – Von Noorden G.K.Burian
• Assessing children’s vision – Susan Leat - Butterworth Heinemann
• Clinical Pediatric optometry – Leonard Press, Bruce Moore, Butterworth Heinemann
• Pediatric Neuro-ophthalmology – Robert Tomsak - Butterworth Heinemann
• Vision Problems in childhood – Terry Buckingham, Butterworth Heinemann

Job and Career opportunities after Bachelor of Optometry

The scope of optometry is very high now days. Upon completion of the course, the candidate can find opportunities in Optical showrooms, eye departments of hospitals, Contact Lens and Ophthalmic lens industry and so on. These professionals can perform well in the role of occupational health specialist in eye care for industrial workers. Academics are another employment area for those who are interested to pursue higher studies in optometry. They can start their own eye care centers also.

Remuneration after Bachelor of Optometry

The entry-level salary packages for optometrist may range with in Rs. 12000/- to Rs. 15,000/- per month. By gaining experience and expertise, the candidate can earn not less than Rs. 30,000/- per month. Anyway, the salary packages offered for optometrist depends on the level of responsibility assigned and the organization where they are insisted to work with. For example, an employee working in MNC that involve in manufacturing optical aids can earn better than one working in middle class organization dealing in the same.