About B.Sc Optometry Course

B.Sc Optometry is a field of study that deals with the study of the human eye. In the B.Sc Optometry course, one studies the eyes and all the other information such as structure, abnormalities, etc subjects related to the human eye. Along with studying about the eye, the candidate also learns about how to use various kinds of tools and equipment related to eye treatment.

B.Sc Optometry is an undergraduate course offered by various reputed colleges in India. The course duration is three years. Along with the three-year degree program, candidates also need to do a one-year internship program as well. Hence, the total duration of the B.Sc Optometry course is four years. The internship is a compulsory program without which a B.Sc degree in Optometry would not be complete. 

Optometry is a specialized healthcare profession that involves examining the eyes and related structures for defects or abnormalities. Candidates who pursue this course and make a career in this field are known as Optometrists. The main work of an optometrist is to deal with various tools and equipment related to the human eye. According to the  World Council of Optometry, the World Health Organization, and about 75 optometry organizations, optometry and optometrists are defined as follows:

“Optometry is a healthcare profession that is autonomous, educated, and regulated (licensed/registered), and optometrists are the primary healthcare practitioners of the eye and visual system who provide comprehensive eye and vision care, which includes refraction and dispensing, detection/diagnosis and management of disease in the eye, and the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system”.

What is a B.Sc in Optometry?

B.Sc in Optometry is a full-time undergraduate Optometric course of 3 years which is divided into six semesters of study. B.Sc in Optometry degree course includes the study of subjects like general physiology and ocular physiology, hospital procedures, low vision aids, geometrical optics, nutrition, etc. The basic eligibility for the B.Sc in Optometry course is a candidate who should have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination in the Science stream. Check: Paramedical colleges in Delhi

After completing a B.Sc in Optometry, graduates can join industries like the Contact lens & ophthalmic lens industry, eye clinics, health consultancies, lens manufacturing units, optician showrooms, multinational companies dealing with eye care products, etc. They are often offered jobs like Optometrist, Optician, Sales Executive, Teacher, Eye Doctor, etc. Successful graduate candidates of the course enquiring about pursuing higher studies in the discipline may go for higher courses such as M.Sc., Ph.D., and many other research-related studies in vision care science.

Why Study B.Sc in Optometry?

There are plenty of reasons to study the B.Sc in Optometry course. Most of the students prefer to study B.Sc in Optometry course because of the following advantages they get:

The students after graduating, can become adept professionals through hands-on training and regular field visits up-skilling them in optometric practices, aspects of clinical optometry contact lenses, pediatric optometry, and binocular vision eye diseases and treatments.

The students will learn to participate in industrial safety programs and work with road safety organizations. They can pursue their practice independently or can serve in government or privately managed organizations to contribute to the welfare of society.

A B.Sc in Optometry degree is a basis for further higher studies in this field such as M.Sc., Ph.D., and M.Phil. Degree in Optometry, the successful completion of which makes one eligible for the post of a lecturer in any university/college.

The scope for optometric practices in India and abroad is very wide. It is a dynamic and challenging career in which one can achieve personal growth and get respect from society.

They can go for further higher studies and research work in the field of Optometry and take up the job of teacher/lecturer in several universities and colleges.

After passing the course, they can establish an independent practice by starting their own eye clinic, optical shop, lens manufacturing unit, etc.

Why Choose B.Sc Optometry?

Here are the primary reasons why candidates should opt for a B.Sc Optometry Course.

Students post-graduation become well-adept professionals, all thanks to hands-on training. Graduates can indulge in optometric practices, grasp pediatric optometry, study aspects of clinical optometry contact lenses, and learn more about how to treat binocular vision eye diseases.

B.Sc Optometry course degree serves as the groundwork for further higher studies in this field like M.Sc., M.Phil, or Ph.D. 

Candidates get to explore a dynamic and challenging career where they can achieve personal growth and receive appreciation from society.

One can also join the research community and assist in making a true impact on the field.

What is the Admission Process for B.Sc in Optometry?

Admission to the students in the B.Sc in Optometry course is granted based on the candidates’ performance in the entrance exam and according to the marks obtained in the 10+2 level. Some universities also grant admission based on merit.

Step 1: The candidates who are considering applying to this course at a particular college/university should check the eligibility and the kind of entrance exams conducted to shortlist the students.

Step 2: Students can apply online or visit the college to fill out the application form, which is necessary to apply for the course.

Step 3: Give the entrance exam

Step 4: Admission to B.Sc in Optometry is granted based on the entrance exam and the application forms are made available in May on the completion of the application form the universities and colleges start declaring their respective cut-off, which is the minimum required percentage for admission to B.Sc in Optometry program.

The cut-off list will be announced by the colleges and the shortlisted students will be called for the next round of counseling as well.

Step 5: Final Admission Round: For this course, the colleges conduct different rounds aiming to test the individual’s ability and skills through counseling.

Documents required for B.Sc in Optometry admission

• Mark sheet and pass certificate of Class X or XII examination.
• Proof of date of birth.
• School leaving certificate
• Transfer certificate
• Domicile certificate/ residential proof or certificate
• Provisional certificate
• Character certificate
• Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe/Other Backward Caste certificates
• Proof of disability (if any)
• Migration Certificate

B.Sc Optometry Eligibility Criteria

B.Sc Optometry course eligibility criteria is as follows:

Candidates need to have done class 12th from any recognized board in India.

Candidates must have scored minimum aggregate marks in any stream ie. Arts and Humanities, Commerce or Science stream. 

Different colleges have different eligibility criteria but it is compulsory to have scored at least 45% marks in class 12th board exams.

Various B.Sc optometry colleges conduct entrance exams to provide admission to the candidates in B.Sc Optometry courses.

Candidates are selected based on a merit list that is issued by the different colleges after the culmination of the entrance examination.

Candidates who have qualified for the entrance examination are then called for the counseling process by B.Sc Optometry colleges. 

B.Sc Optometry Course Entrance Exams

Candidates need to qualify for entrance exams to get B.Sc Optometry admission in various colleges in India. Below are some of the important exams that are conducted to provide B.Sc Optometry admission to the eligible candidates:

AIIMS: All India Institute of Medical Sciences is one of the reputed institutes for medical science in India. AIIMS conducts its entrance exam at the national level.AIIMS provides a very limited number of seats for B.Sc optometry courses and hence is one of the toughest exams in the field of B.Sc Optometry. Know more about AIIMS MBBS Admissions 2022

NEET: National Eligibility cum Entrance Test is conducted at an undergraduate level for all medical students. Formerly it was known as the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT). NEET is an all-India pre-medical entrance test for students who wish to pursue a career in the medical field. It is one of the most challenging exams for the students. Candidates who wish to get admission in B.Sc Optometry must clear the entrance exam to find a seat in a good B.Sc optometry college in India. Know more about the NEET 2022 Exam

Jain University Entrance Test: Jain University is a private university which is located in Bangalore, Karnataka. Jain University conducts an entrance exam to provide a B.Sc Optometry admission. Candidates must have secured a minimum of 60% to apply for admission to this university. The official website of Jain University is www.jainuniversity.ac.in.

CMC Entrance Exam: Christian Medical College, Vellore, also known as CMC, Vellore, is a private, Christian community-run medical school, hospital, and research institute. To be admitted to Christian Medical College, candidates need to qualify for the entrance exam which is conducted by the college authorities every year. The official website of CMC College is www.cmch-vellore.edu.

CUET: The Common University Entrance Test (CUET), earlier known as Central Universities Common Entrance Test (CUCET) is an all-India test being organized by the National Testing Agency for admission to various Undergraduate, Integrated, Postgraduate, Diploma, Certification courses and Research Programmes in 45 Central Universities of India. To be admitted to the B.Sc Optometry course, candidates need to qualify for the CUET entrance test. Know more about the Common University Entrance Test (CUET)

B.Sc Optometry Course Syllabus

B.Sc Optometry Course Syllabus for Semester 1

1. General Anatomy
2. English & Communication
3. General Physiology 
4. Geometrical Optics – I
5. General Biochemistry
6. Physical Optics – I 
7. General Pathology and Microbiology

B.Sc Optometry Course Syllabus for Semester 2

1. Ocular Anatomy 
2. Computers for Optometrists
3. Ocular Physiology
4. Hospital Procedure
5. Ocular Biochemistry
6. Geometrical Optics – II
7. Nutrition
8. Ocular Pathology and Microbiology

B.Sc Optometry Course Syllabus for Semester 3

1. General Pharmacology
2. Visual Optics – I
3. Clinical Examination of Visual System
4. Optometry Optics – I
5. Ocular Disease – I
6. Optometric Instruments

B.Sc Optometry Course Syllabus for Semester 4

1. Visual Optics – II
2. Medical Psychology
3. Optometric Optics – II
4. Ocular Pharmacology 
5. Clinical Examination of Visual System – II
6. Ocular Disease – II
7. Clinical Examination of Visual System - Practical

B.Sc Optometry Course Syllabus for Semester 5

1. Clinics – I
2. Contact Lens – I
3. Research Methodology and Biostatistics
4. Low Vision Care
5. Systemic Diseases and the eye
6. Pediatric Optometry
7. Binocular Vision – I

B.Sc Optometry Course Syllabus for Semester 6

1. Clinics – II
2. Contact Lens – II
3. Occupational Optometry
4. Binocular Vision – II
5. Medical Law and Ethics
6. Public Health and Community Optometry
7. Geriatric Optometry

How to Prepare for the B.Sc in Optometry Entrance Exam?

One of the most important steps to crack the entrance exam is to study dedicatedly as per the latest exam pattern and syllabus. The students taking the entrance exams for the B.Sc in Optometry course need to prepare for four subjects namely, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.

The main points to keep in mind while preparing for the Entrance Exams:

The students must devote at least 2-3 hours each day to prepare for the exam in a dedicated way.

The students should refer to the latest test papers and by solving them, they will be able to understand the course content and the latest style of the entrance exam as well.

They should attempt mock test papers to understand their mistakes, weaknesses, and strong points.

They should have enough time to focus on the revision part as well; focusing only on the stronger sections while leaving the weaker sections might impact the performance greatly.

Effective time management is very important to qualify for an entrance exam as an expert.

B.Sc Optometry Career Options and Job Prospects

Candidates with a B.Sc Optometry degree have a great scope on successful completion of their degree as Optometrists are constantly in demand. A large number of people need eye care including children, adults, and the old. This course enables aspirants to cater to the needs of those who need vision and eye care. This is one field where private ventures flourish at an excellent rate.

There are several employment opportunities for B.Sc Optometry graduates in India, in both the private and government sectors. Each sector and employment opportunity will offer different opportunities. Here are some of the B.Sc Optometry employment opportunities in India.

1. Corporate sector
2. Basic research and integrated professional areas
3. Private practice
4. Public health
5. Industries/ Companies
6. Work for an optical chain or under an optical store
7. Eye care hospitals & institutions
8. Scientific research
9. Education sector

Skills Needed to Pursue Optometry Course

To flourish in the job market and build a successful professional career, candidates need to use these skill sets to their advantage.

• Active Listening
• Interpersonal Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Verbal Communication
• Curiosity to learn on the go
• Service Mindedness 
• Supervisory Skills

What is the Future B.Sc in Optometry Scope?

This degree course enables the students to go for various optometry jobs and they can establish an independent practice by starting their own eye clinic, optical shop, lens manufacturing unit, etc. A graduate of B.Sc in Optometry will find that there are many scopes in today’s market. 

These professionals can assist ophthalmologists in hospital clinics, practice in optical establishments, run optical shops, and have excellent job opportunities overseas.

They can offer clinical services to multinationals dealing with companies, with the manufacturing and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, contact lenses, and ophthalmic instruments. B.Sc in Optometry graduates can also start manufacturing units for optical lenses.