Introduction to Optometry Courses
The Optometry Courses deal with structure, function and working of the human eye. Optometry is a health care profession related to vision, visual systems and the treatment of diseases affecting them. The Optometry Courses offer students with an understanding of theoretical basis about science of vision and the clinical aspects of primary eye care. The person specialized in Optometry Courses are called as an optometrist. To practice as an optometrist, one need to complete a minimum of bachelor’s degree in optometry. The area of work for an optometrist include testing the eyes to diagnose visual impairments, if any, and to prescribe correction using lenses and other optical aids. Optometrist are experts in the areas like diagnosis of visual problems, optometric counseling of patients, designing and fitting of spectacles, lenses and other optical aids. The Optometry Courses do not train its candidates to perform surgery, though they teach about vision and curing disease of the eyes.
Different Types of Optometry Courses
Read about Optometry Courses
The Optometry Courses available include diploma, bachelors and masters courses. The diploma course in optometry is a two year long program which can be pursued by a candidate from a science background with an interest towards the same. The Bachelor of Science in optometry is a medical course with a duration of four years with one year internship. There is scope of higher education by pursuing the postgraduate course in optometry for a duration of two years.
Eligibility for Optometry Courses
The minimum requirement for entry into graduate Optometry Courses, is the completion of higher secondary education in science stream with biology as one of the subjects. Most of the medical colleges select their candidates based on the common entrance test conducted in all India level. For admissions into postgraduate courses, a bachelor’s degree in relevant field of medicine from colleges or universities recognized by the medical council of India is needed.
How to apply for Optometry Courses
The graduate courses in optometry require clearance of entrance examination with good ranks and plus two in science with appreciable marks. Most of the reputed medical colleges select their candidates for postgraduate Optometry Courses through the entrance exam conducted privately with them.
Scope/ Pay scale for Optometry Courses
There are several career options available for those who completed their Optometry Courses because eyes are one of the most important organs as human beings are concerned. Employment opportunities can be found in hospitals undertaken by private or government authorities. Optometrists are able to assist ophthalmic doctors in private clinics. Skilled optometrists with a gain of experience can start their own private practice. On completion of higher studies and a PhD in Optometry Courses, one can opt for a teaching career in any reputed medical colleges. They can also pursue research work in various medical organizations. Private sector hospitals are preferred by optometrists because of the high remuneration offered. Optometrists are trained through Optometry Courses to design spectacles, contact lens and other vision aids, which help in setting up of own optical stores. On gaining of four to five years of experience there is scope for optometrists in countries abroad also.