Bachelor Of Science In Optometry (B.Sc In Optometry)
About B.Sc Optometry
B.Sc Optometry full form is Bachelor's of Science in Optometry. defines Optometry as, “Optometry is a health care profession that involves examining the eyes and applicable visual systems for defects or abnormalities as well as prescribing the correction of refractive error with glasses or contact lenses and the treatment of eye diseases. Traditionally, the field of optometry began with the primary focus of correcting refractive error through the use of spectacles. Modern-day optometry, however, has evolved through time so that the educational curriculum additionally includes significant training in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease, in most of the countries of the world, where the profession is established and regulated.” It is a very independent profession and students post-graduation have a lot of scope in building a successful career in this field.
BSc Optometry is a field of study that deals with the study of the human eye. In BSc 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 the eye, the candidate also learns about how to use various kinds of tools and equipment related to eye treatment.
BSc 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 BSc Optometry course is four years. The internship is a compulsory program without which a BSc 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, World Health Organization, and about 75 optometry organizations, optometry and optometrist 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”.
BSc Optometry Course Highlights
BSc Optometry is a total four year undergraduate course. The course duration is a three-year and one year compulsory internship program after the completion of the three year degree program. Any candidate who has completed class 12th degree from any recognized board is eligible for taking admission in BSc Optometry course. BSc optometry course admission is based on the entrance examination basis. There are various BSc Optometry colleges in India which provide the best training and internship in this particular course. Below are some of the important highlights related to the BSc Optometry course.
| Name of the Course | BSc Optometry |
| Full Form of the Course | Bachelor of Science in Optometry |
| Level of the Course | Undergraduate |
| Specialization provided by the Course |
|
| BSc Optometry Total Course Duration | 3 Year Undergraduate Program along with 1 year compulsory Internship Program |
| Eligibility for BSc Optometry Course | Must have done Class 12th from a recognized board of education in India |
| Admission Process for BSc Optometry Course | Entrance Exam is conducted; Some colleges also conduct an interview round |
| BSc Optometry Course Fees | INR 10,000 to 1 Lakh per annum |
| Jobs offered to Candidates with BSc in Optometry |
|
| Top recruiting areas for BSc Optometry |
|
| BSc Optometry Salary in India | INR 3 to 9 Lakhs per annum |
BSc Optometry Syllabus
The BSc Optometry course curriculum is designed in such a way that it covers all the important aspects to train the students to make a career in the optometry industry. The BSc Optometry duration is divided into 6 semesters of study.
A semester wise breakup of BSc Optometry syllabus is given below in the table listing the important subjects:
| SEMESTER 1 | SEMESTER 2 |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER 3 | SEMESTER 4 |
| SEMESTER 5 | SEMESTER 6 |
| Basic Accountancy | Contact Lens |
| Clinical Psychology | Functional English and Communication |
| Community and Occupational Optometry | Geriatric Optometry and Paediatric Optometry |
| Computer Basics | General Biochemistry & Ocular Biochemistry |
| General Physiology and Ocular Physiology | Hospital Procedures |
| General Anatomy and Ocular Anatomy | Low Vision Aids |
| Geometrical Optics | Mathematics |
| Hospital Procedures | Nutrition |
| Ocular Diseases and Eye & Systemic Diseases | Physical Optics |
| Optometric and Dispensing Optics | Public Relations |
| Optometric Instruments and Clinical Examination of Visual System | Research Methodology and Statistics |
| Pathology & Microbiology | Squint and Binocular Vision |
| Pharmacology | Visual Optics |
BSc Optometry Books
Tabulated below are some of the important BSc Optometry books.
| Name of the Book | Author |
|---|---|
| Optometric Optics: Clinical Optics | Troy Fenin |
| Physical & Geometric Optics | Micheal Keating |
| Ocular Diseases | Kanski and Parson |
| Binocular Vision | Edith Pearlman |
| Contact Lenses | Ken Daniels |
Top BSc Optometry Colleges
A significant number of top universities/colleges across the country offer a BSc Optometry course to candidates who have successfully passed class XII examinations from a recognized board. Some of the top BSc Optometry colleges in India are given below.
| College | City | Fee Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Teerthanker Mahaveer University | Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh | INR 76,400 |
| Centurion University of Technology and Management | Bhubaneswar, Orissa | INR 90,000 |
| Jawaharlal Institute of PostGraduate Medical Education and Research | Pondicherry | INR 3,760 |
| DY Patil University | Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra | INR 1.10 Lakh |
| Pt. Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences | Rohtak, Haryana | INR 12,395 |
| JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research | Mysore, Karnataka | INR 1.04 Lakh |
| Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | INR 1.05 Lakh |
| Hamdard Institute of Medical Science and Research | New Delhi, Delhi NCR | INR 2.04 Lakhs |
| CMJ University | Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya | INR 65,000 |
| Royal Global University | Guwahati, Assam | INR 1.01 Lakh |
| Dr. M.G.R Educational & Research Institute | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | INR 1.40 Lakh |
BSc Optometry : College Comparison
The comparison of the top three BSc Optometry colleges is given below in a tabular form along with their average annual fees, and average placement package offered:
| Parameter | DY Patil University | JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research | Dr. M.G.R Educational & Research Institute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | DY Patil International University, [DYPIU] Pune was established by the Maharashtra State Government and has recently become operational as a State Private University. The University is approved by UGC and is one of the units of DY Patil Group. DYPIU, Pune courses include B.Tech, M.Tech, B.Sc., B.Com, BBA, BCA, BA and PG diploma programs. The University believes in giving world-class education with long-standing commitment towards quality teaching and learning. It aims to aspire and create experimental learning. | JSS Medical College, Mysore provides various undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs. The JSS Medical Colleges admission is offered for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in medicine. They have experienced and qualified staff, a well-equipped library, laboratories and classrooms with modern teaching aids. It has an intake of 200 students for MBBS and about 20 medical specializations in MD/ MS. | Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai is a constituent of Tmt. Kannammal Educational Trust. MGRERI is a Deemed University in 2003 as per UGC and MHRD, New Delhi. It is accredited with 'A' Grade by NAAC and approved by the NBA. It facilitates undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The college has good infrastructure and good surroundings. The college has the well-equipped classrooms which are efficient to deliver top-class infrastructural facilities to the students. |
| NIRF 2020 ranking | 101 | 54 | 151 |
| Location | Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra | Mysore, Karnataka | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Admission process | Entrance exam | Entrance exam | Entrance exam |
| Average annual fees | INR 1.10 Lakh | INR 1.04 Lakh | INR 1.40 Lakh |
| Average annual package | INR 4.5 Lakhs | INR 5.5 Lakhs | INR 3 Lakhs |
| Top recruiters | Quick Heal, Wipro, TATA Technologies, Pin Click, Swiggy, Capital First Limited, Reliance Life Sciences etc. | Sunpharma, Strides, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Himalaya, Milan, Micro labs etc. | Infosys, IBM, TCS, L&T, Caritor, Accenture, Satyam, Wipro, etc. |
BSc Optometry Vs B. Optometry
B. Optometry and BSc Optometry are two most popular bachelor degree programs in the Optometry field. Bachelor of Optometry is more of a professional course and the objective of BSc Optometry course is focusing more on studying the field theoretically.
The major differences between these two courses are given in the table below on the basis of fees, admission process, salary and so on.
| Parameters | BSc Optometry | B. Optometry |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Bachelor of Science in Optometry | Bachelor of Optometry |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 3 years | |
| About | The Bachelor of Science in Optometry course provides an extensive training and medical knowledge about the human eye. | It’s an undergraduate degree which will give you an in-depth knowledge of the working of the eyes and the treatment of the same in cases of inflictions. |
| Eligibility | 10+2 in PCBM completed from a recognized board of education | 10+2 in PCMB with a minimum of 50% aggregate. |
| Admission Process | Entrance exam followed by a counselling | Direct admission |
| Average Course Fees | INR 10,000 to 1 Lakh | INR 15,000 to INR 1.5 Lakh |
| Job options | Optometrist, Optician, Sales Executive, Teacher, Eye Doctor, etc. | Optometrist, low vision specialist, orthoptist, optician etc. |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 2.5 Lakhs to 8 Lakhs | INR9 Lakhs |
What after BSc Optometry ?
An BSc Optometry graduate has ample opportunities waiting around, all one needs to do is to grab it. All of this is because of the diverse skill set one possesses.
There are many job opportunities for BSc Optometry graduates. The students become eligible enough to get job opportunities in various private and public sectors in relevant sectors.
They can find jobs in lens manufacturing units, optician showrooms, multinational companies dealing with eye care products, etc.. Some of the posts are Optometrist, Optician, Sales Executive, Teacher, Eye Doctor, etc. The salary of the graduates depends on various factors including experience, skills and job profile.
Some of the popular jobs available to a BSc Optometry graduate along with the corresponding salaries are provided in the table given below:
| JOBS | DESCRIPTION | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
|---|---|---|
| Optometrist | Optometrist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the eyes and they conduct vision exams and diagnose the conditions based on exam results and then they also determine the course of treatment for said conditions. | INR 3.5 Lakhs |
| Optician | A technician who verifies the prescription given by an eye doctor and who is trained to correct lenses according to the eye defect, advise patients on any necessary repairs or adjustments, maintain displays, and works with sales professionals from vision care suppliers. | INR 4 Lakhs |
| Sales Executive | Sales executives promote products and services for customers and negotiate contracts with the aim of maximising the profits. | INR 2.50 Lakhs |
| Teacher | A teacher's responsibility is to develop curriculum and lesson plans, and present those lessons to their students, individually or in groups and they track the progress of their students and create reports to inform students’ parents about their progress. | INR 3.01 Lakhs |
| Optometry Researcher | Optometry researcher duty is to research about different ailments affecting eyes and how to treat them. | INR 5 Lakhs |
What is the Future BSc 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 BSc 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. BSc Optometry graduates can also start manufacturing units for optical lenses.
Lastly, the students who are interested in higher studies can join for MSc and PhD. programs in the relevant field and can take up teaching as a career.
Bachelor Of Science In Optometry (B.Sc In Optometry) Admission Process
For admission in the college of their choice, students must ensure that they know about the eligibility criteria. They must clear the Entrance exams and 10+2 from a recognized board. The admission selection process tends to be on a merit basis, and so students should obtain a minimum aggregate of 50% in their higher secondary. The course falls under the umbrella of B.Sc and henceforth has a similar admission process.
How to Apply?
For admission in Bsc Optometry colleges, students must register themselves in the online application for the entrance examination. There is a specific national exam for the course, many colleges tend to host their own specific entrance exam for the course. After the completion of the form, they will have to provide the colleges with all the documents and certificates. Students must also find out information about the examination hall and its location.
Selection Process
The selection process for admission in the BSc Optometry course is on the college. But generally speaking, most colleges tend to follow the same process to deciding whom to admit. Most colleges have their own specific entrance exams, and they give admission on the basis of that. Some colleges give admission purely on the basis of high school marks.
BSc 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.
- There are various BSc optometry colleges which conduct entrance exams also in order to provide admission to the candidates in BSc Optometry course.
- Candidates are selected on the basis of merit list that is issued by the different colleges after the culmination of entrance examination.
- Candidates who have qualified the entrance examination are then called for the counseling process by BSc Optometry colleges.
Top Entrance Exams
There are many entrance exams that students need to give to get admission in a college of their choice. The entrance exam plays an important role in the eligibility criteria for the admission process. Some popular exams conducted by the universities are:
- EYECET
- AIIMS MBBS
- JNUEE
- DUET
- CMC
A Quick Glance at the B.Sc Optometry Entrance Exam
Knowing the exam pattern for the entrance exam can really help the students get a better idea about how they should prepare for the entrance exam. The students should also put effort in going through the previous year’s questions,as they can practice time management due to that.Below is a generic pattern for entrance exams:
- The exam tends to be of 120 minutes or 2 hours
- The questions are of MCQs
- 30 questions in each section
- Total Four sections, but students can choose between Biology and Mathematics- Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics
Preparation Tips for B.Sc Optometry Graduate
Students should put effort to understand the course structure before starting the course beforehand. The syllabus of the course is one of the essential factors which can help students get a better idea about what to expect when they get admitted in a course.They should do research about what all syllabus would be taught to them in the college they get admission in.
Why Choose B.sc Optometry?
B.Sc in Optometry is a very promising course for students who are interested in the field of optometry. To properly understand the reason why students decide to pursue this route, we should make it simpler by breaking it down into three short questions
Syllabus and Subjects for B.Sc Optometry
The syllabus and subjects for B.Sc Optometry is decided by the colleges keeping in view that this education will help future specialists perform key treatments that people might need. The course is a three year long, spread across six semesters.The course has both core subjects and electives that the students can study. Core subjects are subjects which are considered essentials and therefore, students don't have a choice but to study these subjects. Whereas, the electives are optional subjects that make the course diverse. Listed below are some of the generic syllabi which all colleges cover:
- General Physiology
- Practical Lab
- Visual Optics
- Optical Instrumentation
- Eye Disorder Analysis
The B. Optom degree is in itself a specialization dealing with the specialized field of visual health and eye care. The profession afterwards focuses upon regular care of vision along with eye contact and glass prescriptions, etc. However, as the eye health is not a confined concept but vast because the system is much interrelated, the following specializations are offered sometimes:
Optometry- A specialist course in optometry involves training in conducting eye examinations, understanding and prescribing corrective eye lenses, diagnosing and treating the disorders, etc.
Operation Theatre Technology - Under this specialization, students are taught about handling the work and management in the operation theatre including the surgical instruments, dressing, and other arrangements required in an eye operation.
Ophthalmic Technology - A specialized course in Ophthalmic Technology specifically deals with the focus upon eye care. The various topics taught under the programme include eye examination, ocular diseases, vision defects, corrective surgery, optics etc.
With a course in specialization, the aspirant gains specialized knowledge and this adds to the futuristic career opportunities.
Bachelor Of Science In Optometry (B.Sc In Optometry) Admission Process
For admission in the college of their choice, students must ensure that they know about the eligibility criteria. They must clear the Entrance exams and 10+2 from a recognized board. The admission selection process tends to be on a merit basis, and so students should obtain a minimum aggregate of 50% in their higher secondary. The course falls under the umbrella of B.Sc and henceforth has a similar admission process.
How to Apply?
For admission in Bsc Optometry colleges, students must register themselves in the online application for the entrance examination. There is a specific national exam for the course, many colleges tend to host their own specific entrance exam for the course. After the completion of the form, they will have to provide the colleges with all the documents and certificates. Students must also find out information about the examination hall and its location.
Selection Process
The selection process for admission in the BSc Optometry course is on the college. But generally speaking, most colleges tend to follow the same process to deciding whom to admit. Most colleges have their own specific entrance exams, and they give admission on the basis of that. Some colleges give admission purely on the basis of high school marks.
BSc 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.
- There are various BSc optometry colleges which conduct entrance exams also in order to provide admission to the candidates in BSc Optometry course.
- Candidates are selected on the basis of merit list that is issued by the different colleges after the culmination of entrance examination.
- Candidates who have qualified the entrance examination are then called for the counseling process by BSc Optometry colleges.
Top Entrance Exams
There are many entrance exams that students need to give to get admission in a college of their choice. The entrance exam plays an important role in the eligibility criteria for the admission process. Some popular exams conducted by the universities are:
- EYECET
- AIIMS MBBS
- JNUEE
- DUET
- CMC
A Quick Glance at the B.Sc Optometry Entrance Exam
Knowing the exam pattern for the entrance exam can really help the students get a better idea about how they should prepare for the entrance exam. The students should also put effort in going through the previous year’s questions,as they can practice time management due to that.Below is a generic pattern for entrance exams:
- The exam tends to be of 120 minutes or 2 hours
- The questions are of MCQs
- 30 questions in each section
- Total Four sections, but students can choose between Biology and Mathematics- Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.
Preparation Tips for B.Sc Optometry Graduate
Students should put effort to understand the course structure before starting the course beforehand. The syllabus of the course is one of the essential factors which can help students get a better idea about what to expect when they get admitted in a course.They should do research about what all syllabus would be taught to them in the college they get admission in.
Why Choose B.sc Optometry?
B.Sc in Optometry is a very promising course for students who are interested in the field of optometry. To properly understand the reason why students decide to pursue this route, we should make it simpler by breaking it down into three short questions
Syllabus and Subjects for B.Sc Optometry
The syllabus and subjects for B.Sc Optometry is decided by the colleges keeping in view that this education will help future specialists perform key treatments that people might need. The course is a three year long, spread across six semesters.The course has both core subjects and electives that the students can study. Core subjects are subjects which are considered essentials and therefore, students don't have a choice but to study these subjects. Whereas, the electives are optional subjects that make the course diverse. Listed below are some of the generic syllabi which all colleges cover:
- General Physiology
- Practical Lab
- Visual Optics
- Optical Instrumentation
- Eye Disorder Analysis
The B. Optom degree is in itself a specialization dealing with the specialized field of visual health and eye care. The profession afterwards focuses upon regular care of vision along with eye contact and glass prescriptions, etc. However, as the eye health is not a confined concept but vast because the system is much interrelated, the following specializations are offered sometimes:
Optometry- A specialist course in optometry involves training in conducting eye examinations, understanding and prescribing corrective eye lenses, diagnosing and treating the disorders, etc.
Operation Theatre Technology - Under this specialization, students are taught about handling the work and management in the operation theatre including the surgical instruments, dressing, and other arrangements required in an eye operation.
Ophthalmic Technology - A specialized course in Ophthalmic Technology specifically deals with the focus upon eye care. The various topics taught under the programme include eye examination, ocular diseases, vision defects, corrective surgery, optics etc.
With a course in specialization, the aspirant gains specialized knowledge and this adds to the futuristic career opportunities.