The science related to structure, function and working of human eye is known as optometry. The field of optometry is a sub branch of paramedical science. This is a challenging and dynamic career which could help an individual in achieving respect and personal growth. The optometrists are the health professionals concerned with eye care. They deal with diagnosis of visual problems, optometric counseling of patients with partial sight, eye testing, hereditary vision defects, colour blindness, vision training, fitting of contact lens, spectacles, etc.

Courses in Optometry

The candidates who are interested in Optometry courses can look for doing the following courses:

• Diploma in Ophthalmology
• Diploma in Optometry
• Orthoptists Course
• Master of Optometry
• B.Sc in Optometry
• Diploma in Optometrical Science
• M.Ch in Ophthalmology Certification Program

Best Places to Pursue

Many institutes are there in India that offers various courses in Optometry. Some are mentioned below.

• I.P.S Institute, Uttar Pradesh
• Karnataka Medical College, Karnataka
• Institute of Ophthalmology, Tamil Nadu
• A.I.I.M.S, New Delhi
• Assam Medical College, Assam
• Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune
• Gandhi Medical College, Madhya Pradesh
• Bankura Sammilani Medical College, West Bengal

Skills Required

• Ability to handle patients tactfully
• Should have good analytical skills
• Good Coordination
• Self-discipline
• Confident mannerisms and patience
• Dedication
• Good vision

Career Opportunities

Optometry is a field in which lot of developments are taking place. The proper examination, coherent diagnosis and the best possible treatment of the troubles of human eye is the working area of an expert of optometry. It deals in detail with the optical symptoms with the help of lenses and other optical means and it also deals with refractive errors and their correction. The scope of optometry in not only limited to India but also beyond the geographical boundary as optometry is one of the sought after career options. A career in this field offers diverse opportunities, freedom of choice and handsome income. Majority of the optometrists are involved in general eye care in the primary stage. The basic practice includes conducting examinations to correct the eye problems and then recommending contact lens or eyeglasses. Almost all professionals in this field will begin their career in this way.

Optometry is considered as one of the top professions which have a great scope of high salary package in general. The experts in the field can be easily appointed as assistants to Ophthalmologists and with a few years experience can make him able so that he can practice independently. These candidates can find openings in government eye hospitals and multi-specialty hospitals. There are also jobs available for the optometrists in the government organizations like Employees’ State Insurance Corporation of India.

According to a previous statistical report, there are some problem relating to eye for one in every three people of India. So, the demand for eye specialists is increasing in both private and public sector. Ophthalmic experts are highly needed in India to reduce the threat of incidence of blindness in the country. The estimated number of optometrists required in the health care sector of the country is 40,000. However, the present supply is less than what is needed. Hence, there is an immense demand for professionals in the field of optometry.