Optometry is the branch of health science that deals with the defects of vision and diagnosing and treating such conditions. Optometrists help in correcting vision through spectacles, contact lens and other similar accessories. They also detect and treat conditions like glaucoma and cataract. In addition they guide and counsel people on the correct use and proper care of eyes, supervise exercises and training programs that are designed to treat vision problems and help rehabilitate people who have very poor or restricted vision.
Bachelor of Optometry
The degree of optometry is of undergraduate level and of 4 years duration under regular education pattern with one year intern-ship. Upon successful completion of this course, a person can work as optometrist, optician, vision care associate, trainee optometrist, researcher, vision consultant, private practitioner etc.
Course
The course basically deals with eye and vision care. It covers a wide variety of subjects like Human Anatomy and Physiology, Basic Biochemistry, Ophthalmic Optics, Ocular Microbiology, Visual optics, Mechanical Optics, Instruments etc. The fourth year is dedicated to internship only.
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum qualification required is the completion of 10+2 from a recognised board with science as the stream.
The minimum pass percentage is 45% and 17 years or more is the age requirement.
University level entrance exams are conducted for candidates to participate.
After the entrance exams, universities and colleges will release lists containing the names of candidates with their respective ranks.
Based on the ranks and scores further selection process like interview/group discussion takes place.
The overall performance of the candidate is taken into consideration, and admissions are granted for Optometry.
Many colleges and universities conduct an online entrance exam to secure a seat in the B.OPTOM course. The exam is conducted on subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.
Few colleges that conduct exams are AIIMS and CMC.
AIIMS Entrance Exam: This is an entrance exam conducted for admission to medical and paramedical courses in All India Institutions of Medical Sciences all over India. The exam is based on the basics of physics, chemistry and biology.
CMC Entrance Exam: This is an entrance exam conducted by Christian Medical College for admission to the same. The exam pattern is similar to NEET.
NEET: This is the national level entrance exam conducted for admissions to top medical colleges for all medical and related courses.
Preparation
The exam is based on the syllabus of 11th and 12th standard. Question papers of previous years are available that will help to prepare for the entrance and also give an idea about the question pattern. Simultaneously entrance exam crash courses do help. The preparation is similar to that of the entrance exams of medical and para-medical wherein dedicated long hours need to be devoted.
A very bright future can be predicted for this highly satisfying job. With multinationals entering the scene, there is quantum growth of optical products. Furthermore digitalization has resulted in increased addiction to mobiles and computers resulting in a consistent increase of vision problems. This is therefore an emerging new prospective career in the upcoming days.
