Careers in Optometry – Scope, Jobs & Salary, Demand

Optometrists are the one who helps in the improvement of vision and eye care. They perform vision tests and prescribe corrective lenses and medicines to improve vision. Graduates of Optometry get to work in the healthcare sector, lens manufacturing industries and education sector. They can become Optometrist, Vision consultants, Private Practitioner, Researcher, Senior Optometrist, Vision consultants, Private Practitioner, Researcher, professors, etc.

Why Become an optometrist

Vision is one of the best gifts to humans by the Gods. As an optometrist, you will improve the vision of people and make a long-lasting impact on patients. Optometrists should have excellent communication skills, a strong desire to improve people’s lives, work with precision, have knowledge of new instruments and equipment, and handle nervous patients with ease. The future of optometrists is very bright and this can be clearly seen in these facts 

• Optometry jobs are expected to grow by 9% between 2020- 2030 (U.S. BLS).
• The average salary of an optometrist in India is 3.12 LPA.

Education Requirements for Optometry

Those students who want to pursue a career in Optometry can get admitted to the B.Optom and B.Sc Optometry at the UG level. One can also go for Diploma and Certificate courses in Optometry at the UG level. At the PG level, Optometry aspirants can pursue a Master of Optometry (M.Opto) or Master of Science (M.Sc) in Optometry.

• Certificate Course in Optometry: Students should have completed 10+2 with PCB. This is a 1 Year course.
• Diploma in Optometry: Students should have completed 10+2 with PCB. This is a 2 Year course.
• B.Sc in Optometry: You should have passed the 12th examination with a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. This is a 3 years Course.
• B.Optom: You should have completed H.S.C./10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. This is a 4 years course.
• M.Sc or M.Opto in Optometry: Students should have passed Bachelor’s degree in Optometry. These Courses are of 2 years’ duration. 
• PhD in vision care:  Students should have completed a master’s in Optometry or a master’s in the relevant stream.

Salary Insights of Optometry

After completion of a B.Sc or M.sc degree in Optometry, students can work in sectors like the eyecare industry, Hospital, Education and Research & Development. The starting salary of an optometrist ranges between Rs.20, 000 to Rs.40, 000 on monthly basis. The job positions that Optometry graduates can get are mentioned here in detail

• Ophthalmologists: Their main job role is to treat illnesses, diseases, injuries, and disorders related to the eyes.
• Optician: The optician’s main job role is to suggest people for eyeglasses and contact lenses seeing the prescriptions from optometrists or ophthalmologists.
• Optometrist: They perform vision tests and prescribe corrective lenses and medicines to improve vision.

The average salary of Optometrists according to their experience 

The average salary of Ophthalmologist according to their experience 

Future Scope of Optometry

Optometry is one the best course to pursue in modern days as a number of peoples having vision problems is increasing day by day. Optometry graduates can get various job opportunities to work in different sectors at a high package. They can work as an Optometrist, ophthalmologist, Optician, Professor, and Vision Consultant. They can also pursue higher education and go for these degrees

• Master of Science (MSc) in Optometry
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Optometry or vision Care

Fees for Optometry Course

There are many colleges like All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi; St.Xavier’s College, Mumbai; Christian Medical College, Vellore; SRM University, Chennai that offer B.Sc and M.sc in Optometry.

Average fees along with the duration of the Optometry Courses are mentioned here