The division of medical science that concerns the anatomy as well as physiology of the eye is known as Ophthalmology. This field also deals with the diseases that might affect the eye, the proper treatments required and the preventive methods. A professional of this field is known as an ophthalmologist. He specializes in medical treatment and also does operation in cases of patients who have eye problems that requires surgery.

Courses offered in Ophthalmology

• Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology
• Diploma in Ophthalmology
• M.Phil in Ophthalmology
• M.Sc in Ophthalmology
• PhD Programme in Ophthalmology
• Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Ophthalmology
• Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmology

The admittance to these courses are done as per the marks scored by the applicants in the entrance examinations conducted by respective Universities/Institutions.  These admission tests will be carried in the national level or at the State levels. The minimum qualification that is required for one to join the postgraduate level courses is a graduate degree in medicine and pass in class 10+2 to join the Diploma level programs.

Institutes That Offer Courses in Ophthalmology

Several Indian institutes offer students with courses in ophthalmology. A few prominent institutes comprise of:

• All India Institutes of Medical Science, New Delhi
• Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kochi
• Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
• Christian Medical College, Vellore
• Government Medical Colleges, Thiruvanantapuram
• Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University
• Rajahmuthiah Institute of Health Sciences
• The Manipal University, Manipal
• Foreign Institutes That Provide Courses in Ophthalmology
• Stanford University School of Medicine
• University of Michigan Medical Center
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Pittsburgh
• Yale University

Individuals can go for further studies within India or continue their higher education aboard.

Personal Skills required for Ophthalmology

An ophthalmologist requires good judgmental skills. He must have the skill to understand the problems his patient is facing. Besides this, it is also by him to have the ability to develop a good rapport between him and his patients. Above all these, an ophthalmologist must have patience and the capability to work as part of a team.

Career Scope after Ophthalmology

The career scopes for Ophthalmologists are many. Employment opportunities for ophthalmologists can be found in hospitals of the state and central governments. In addition to this, departmental hospitals managed by the Defence or Railways also provide job opportunities for ophthalmologists. Other places where they can find job are:

• Charitable Hospitals
• Clinics
• Missionary Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Old Age Homes
• Orphanages
• Private Hospitals

It is also possible for ophthalmologists to take up research with organizations such as ICMR. Indian ophthalmologists can also find work in the Middle East and European countries.