Optometry
Optometry
Summary
Optometry, over 75% of the vision and eye problems generally found in humans are curable or even completely avoidable. Optometry is a strong-growing profession in healthcare and medical science that is concerned with the eyes as well as the vision & the systems for visual processing in humans. An optometrist measures vision stability in a patient, recommends lenses according to the requirements and also provides lenses to improve and correct vision. With increasing usage of technology, screens and visual media, the demand for optometrists is anticipated to increase highly in the coming years, making it a rewarding career option.
Allied Medicine professionals are essential for the smooth functioning of the overall Healthcare system. Without them, the integral health management is cluttered and non-functionary. The increase in the number of patients, range of diseases and demand for extensive treatment has paved the way for paramedical specialists who are expert technicians and professionals in providing better quality health care. A paramedic is a professional who assists the doctor in the specialized fields and assists in better diagnosis, treatment and therapy. Hence, paramedics are the key players in the health and medical sector. Specialized fields include - Physiotherapy, Radiology, Audiology, Optometry, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Orthotic and Prosthetic Technology, Renal Dialysis Technology and many more.
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities for optometry -
A trained optometrist can work as a small-scale independent optometrist or also for large organizations. They may also open their own private clinic or shop. Optometrists use their knowledge of the mechanisms of the eye, related diseases and abnormalities to carry out inspections. They can give advice on visual problems and prescribe glasses, contact lenses and low vision aids. They are also be trained to notice eye diseases and any underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Optometrists may also work in hospitals where they diagnose and treat the cases which require critical attention. It's can be a demanding and fast paced environment and they generally work alongside trained ophthalmologists, medicinal doctors specializing in the eyes, as part of a large team of eye-specialists.
Optometrists can start their professional career as a Researcher with a Ph.D. or even directly after their masters, and carry out research on their chosen topic. They may undertake independent research with funding from an organization like the College of Optometrists, or work in the research department of an academy or a healthcare institute.
Optometrists can also work as teachers in colleges and universities.
Optometrists can also work in various companies that manufacture optical goods as technical consultants.
How to Pursue a Career in Architecture
| Stream | Graduation | After Graduation | After Post Graduation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Path 1 | Clear Class 12th with Science Stream. Necessary Subject - Biology. | Pursue the traditional Bachelors in Optometry (B.Optom) degree for 4 years of which 3 years is college study and a year of internship for experience | If needed, the student can directly go for a job, or enrol in a M.Optom degree for 2 years | If needed, the student can directly go for a job or go for a O.D (Doctorate in Optometry) for 2 years |
| Path 2 | Clear Class 12th with Science Stream. Necessary Subject - Biology. | Pursue the 3-year B.Sc. Optometry degree. | If needed, the student can directly go for a job or pursue the 2-year M.Sc. degree | If needed, the student can directly go for a job or go for a O.D (Doctorate in Optometry) for 2 years |
| Path 3 | Clear Class 12th with Science Stream. Necessary Subject - Biology. | Pursue the 2-year Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistance or Ophthalmic Technology. | Pursue a 2-year PG Diploma or enroll in a B.Optom degree for 2 years by getting direct admission in 3rd year |
Important Courses Covered
Subjects covered during the Optometry degrees
- General Anatomy
- Geometrical Optics
- Ocular Anatomy
- Computers
- Medical Pathology
- Environment & Ecology
- Physical Optics
- Ophthalmic Lens & Dispensing Optics
- Contact Lens
- Practical Training in Contact Lens
- Lighting & The Eye
- Professional Communication in English
- General Physiology
- General and Ocular Biochemistry
- Ocular Physiology
- Visual Optics
- General & Ocular Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Ophthalmic & Optical Instrumentation & Procedure
- Clinical Refraction
- Ocular Disease (Anterior Segment Disease, Posterior & Neuro Eye Disease)
- Binocular Vision & Ocular Motility
- Low Vision Aids & Visual Rehabilitation
- Systemic Condition & The Eye
- Public Health & Community Optometry
- Biostatistics
- Professional Practice Management
- Practical Training on Clinical Optometry
- Practical Training on Low Visual Aid
Important Facts
In the Aviation course of B.Sc., you will study all the subjects and courses related to Aviation
and flights. Since it is a science course, students will study all the theoretical and practical
aspects related to aviation. Courses like aviation physics will teach you to make aware about
the science behind the aircraft’s flight. Navigation related subjects are taught to make you
aware about the importance of direction in the aviation field. Computer related subjects are
taught so that you are comfortable with the technological aspects of the aircraft.
Leading Institutes
Top Institutes in India
| College | Location | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Rajiv Gandhi Paramedical Institute | New Delhi | www.rgpcindia.com/index.php |
| AIIMS | Multiple locations | www.aiims.edu/en.html |
| Bausch & Lomb School of Optometry L.V. Prasad Eye Institute | Hyderabad | www.education.lvpei.org/education_lvpei/optometry.php |
| Elite School of Optommetry | Chennai | www.eso.sankaranethralaya.org |
| Vidyasagar College of Optometry & Vision Science(West Bengal university of technology) | Kolkata | www.vcovs.org |
| Jamai Hamdard University | New Delhi | www.jamaihamdard.edu/ |
| Schol of Optometry Gandhi Eye Hospital | Aligarh | www.gandhieyehospitalaligarh.in |
| Manipal College of Ailled Health Sciences | Manipal | www.manipal.edu/soahs-manipal.html |
Top Institutes in the World
| College | Location | Website |
|---|---|---|
| State University of New York(College of Optometry) | US | www.sunyopt.edu |
| UC Berkeley (School of Optometry) | US | www.optometry.berkeley.edu |
| David Geffen School of Medicine | US | www.medschoolucla.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine | US | www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som/index.html |
| Perelman School of Medicine | US | www.med.upenn.edu |
Entrance Exams
| Institute | Tentative Date | Important Elements | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEET | May | Physics, Chemistry and Biology | www.ntaneet.nic.in/Ntaneet/Welcome.aspx |
| NEET-PG | December | Anatomy, pathology, surgery, etc. | www.nbe.edu.in/neetpg |
Work Description
A career as an Optometrist can lead to many different responsibilities. Some among them are the following: Diagnose near or far sightedness, eye-coordination, colour differentiation or diseases like glaucoma, cataract, diabetes, etc. Examine the vision of the patients of all ages. Recommend examinations for accurate treatment. Communicate with patients with empathy and care. Perform duties in line with the ethical medical standards. Prescribe spectacles, contact lenses or medication when required. Remain updated on the recent research and discoveries. Manage case histories and accounts of the patients. Coordinate properly with the staff members
- In this field, after getting trained you will fly an Aeroplane. SO, you are responsible for the safety of passengers, the Safety of the cargo, and the safety of Aeroplan itself.
- Flying an Aeroplane is not like you are driving a car. When you are flying an Aeroplan then you have to be aware continuously and monitor the whole system of aircraft.
- You have to be continuously connected with the cabin crew and the on-ground team.
- Keeping track of the weather and monitoring the navigation system is also the responsibility of the pilot.
- You can expect long working hours in this field and hectic days. So, you have to stay with your family for days.
- Apart from this if any emergency occurs then it is the responsibility of the pilot to take care of that and try to solve the situation.
Top Hiring Companies
- Apollo Hospitals
- Max Healthcare
- Fortis Health
- Optometry Colleges
- Local Eye Hospitals
- Research Universities
- Private Clinics
- Self-Employment - Candidates can always open their own optometry clinics after gathering experience and make a name for themselves.
FAQs
- Pros of a career in Optometry - o The working hours for optometrist are generally 8-9 hours and over time is mostly not required.The work is not frantic and professionals are not required to write detailed reports.You will work with the doctors in the hospitals.
Cons of a career in Optometry - The work can be repetitive and after some time, one can start to feel bored. The growth chances are not much. - Yes, the demand for Optometrists is quite high as they work in the field of medicine that has a recurring demand. Graduates can opt for a wide range of job opportunities such as teaching to other students and professionals including cosmetologists, researchers, etc. One can also opt for higher studies after the UG degree and even work individually in one’s own shop or clinic. Hence there are various job prospects for Optometry graduates. People are always looking for talented Optometrists who can treat their eye problems quickly and efficiently.
- The total expenses for pursuing the Bachelor of Optometry degree can vary depending upon the institute where the course is to be pursued from. The amount of fees is generally higher for private institutions as compared to the public ones.
What are the pros and cons of working in the field of Optometry?
Are Optometrists in high demand?
What is the maximum duration of the Bachelor of Optometry degree?
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