A Bachelor of Optometry or B Optometry is a 4-year undergraduate course to become an Optometrist. The course trains students to diagnose the severity of the issue in the eye. After a Bachelor of Optometry, students cannot perform surgeries but they can provide any care related to the detection of the disease, suggesting glasses or contact lenses.
Students who have completed their 10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate in the Science stream (PCMB) are eligible for B Optometry. Colleges offer admission through merit mostly, but only very few conduct entrance exams. Check: B Optometry Admission 2024
A student who has completed a B.Optom has career opportunities in health care services. The students who graduate from this B Optometry can work as an Optometrist, Vision Specialists, Orthoptists, and Opticians.
The average annual salary of a B Optometry graduate is around INR 4,00,000 per annum while the highest salary of a B Optometry graduate is around 8,00,000 per annum which is based on the experience level of the candidate.
Further study options post-completion of B.Optom include a Master of Optometry and a Master in Science in Optometry.
Table of Contents
1.2 Why Study?
2.1 Eligibility
2.2 Entrance Exams
2.3 How to get admission in a good college?
4.1 Books
B Optometry Course Highlights
The major highlights of the B Optometry Course have been tabulated in the table given below.
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Full-Form | Bachelors in Optometry |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Examination Type | Semester |
| Eligibility | 50% in 10+2 science |
| Admission Process | Direct Admission |
| Course fees | INR 10,000 to INR 2,00,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 4,35,000 |
| Top Recruiting Places | Eye hospitals, clinics, and opticians’ outlets or with multinational vision care companies. |
| Job position | Optometrist, Trainee Optometrist, Optometry Researcher, Vision Care Associate, Vision Consultant, Private Practitioner, Optician |
What is a B Optometry?
B Optometry equips students with the skill to identify vision-related problems and the technology to combat them. Therefore, it is a field that focuses on the study of the eye, vision, and diseases that affect the eye.
- It focuses on the eyes and all the diseases and disorders that the visual system can suffer.
- In simple terms, it equips students to diagnose the inflictions and how to treat those inflictions.
- B Optometry curriculum involves topics like Optics, Anatomy and Physiology, Eye Diseases, etc.
- This course is perfect for those who want to specialize in the medical field but don't want to be a doctor or a nurse.
- This course will also equip students with the skills to be people-friendly as well as handle sophisticated machines.
Know More About Optometry Courses
Why Should One Study B Optometry?
The B Optometry course has multiple benefits. Some of the benefits of this course are discussed below.
- Respectable Profession: It will give you respect in society as you will be involved in helping with one of the important organs of human beings.
- Multiple Further Study Options: Students can go into further studies by taking up a Master in Optometry, Master in Science, PhD, etc. depending on one's interest.
- Multiple Job Opportunities: This degree offers careers in a wide variety of fields. The candidates can get jobs in Hospitals, Eye Clinics, Optical Centres, etc.
- Opportunity to Learn Wide Variety of Skills: Students learn a wide variety of skills through this course like how to handle patients, how to analyze lab tests, handling of sophisticated machines, etc.
- Opportunity to turn Entrepreneur: After completing B Optometry, the students will also be able to open their own eye care showrooms and start their own businesses.
B Optometry Admission Process
- The universities follow the system of direct admission but few colleges might have an entrance exam.
- The exam will assess the candidate’s knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology, and maths.
- Most colleges have an online application system where once the link is opened you can apply through the prescribed link.
- Application is processed based on the result of the marks of the qualifying exams of the candidates along with their character certificates and letters of recommendation.
- Colleges that have an entrance exam for B Optometry will publish the admit card once the application is processed.
Steps to follow for applying for B Optometry admission:
- Step 1: Go to the website of the college that you are interested in and create an ID as prescribed.
- Step 2: Fill in the details and pay the prescribed fees. Submit the required documents if needed.
- Step 3: The admit card will be provided soon after the application is processed. Please keep track of the dates of the exams (if applicable).
- Step 4: Finally, keep checking the college website for recent updates and notifications with regard to the same.
Check the Admission Process of AIIMS in detail.
B Optometry Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant should have completed a 10+2 in Science stream from a recognized board or university.
- The applicant must study Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects at the 10+2 level.
- The candidates must have a minimum of 50% of aggregate marks in the +2 science stream.
- The candidates must be medically fit to be eligible for B Optometry.
B Optometry Entrance Exams
The colleges that have an entrance exam generally test your basic knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Maths. A few colleges that conduct exams are AIIMS and CMC.
| Entrance Exam | Application Date | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| AIIMS BSc Nursing Entrance Exam | February 2024 | June 8, 2024 |
| BVP EYECET | To be Announced | To be Announced |
| GCET (Goa Common Entrance Test) | To be Announced |
To be Announced |
How to Prepare for the Entrance Exams?
- The exams are usually online mode.
- The test would be on the basics of Science studies at the 10+2 level.
- Revise your 11th and 12th syllabus, especially Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Points to keep in mind while preparing for the entrance exams:
- Go for entrance exams and crash courses if available in your area.
- Allocate at least 4 hours every day for studying.
- Make notes while studying. These can help with last-minute quick revisions.
- Focus on your weak subjects and allocate more time to them.
- If previous years' question papers are available, then it is good to solve them as it will build up your confidence. While solving the previous papers, keep in mind that there are negative marks so attempt accordingly.
Check the NEET Question Paper Pattern in detail.
How to get Admission to a Good College?
- Follow all the rules for the admission process properly without any mistakes.
- Try to score as much as you can in the entrance exam. A minimum of 50% must be scored in NEET to qualify for admission.
- Make sure all the required documents are there and that those documents are up to date.
- In case of doubt, call the management and get updated information.
- Ensure that you attempt your board exams well.
- Attend crash courses and keep doing revisions.
Read more on Top B.Optom Colleges in Tamil Nadu.
B Optometry Syllabus
The table below highlights the subjects that you would learn over the period of this course. Subjects might vary slightly depending upon the colleges. These are the subjects that one should expect to be taught.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Basic Sciences and Clinical Optometry | Orthoptics & Vision Therapy |
| Community Optometry & Public Health | Clinical Optometry-II |
| Advance Dispensing Optics | Neuro Optometry |
| Elective - Advanced Glaucoma and Pediatric Optometry | Business and Clinical Aspects in Optometry |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| Cornea & Contact Lens 2) Low Vision & Rehabilitation | Special Clinic-II |
| Recent Advancements in Optometry | Project Dissertation-II |
| Special Clinic –I | NA |
| Project / Dissertation | NA |
B Optometry Recommended Books
There are a few books that one should read if pursuing B Optometry. These are highly suggested books.
| Book | Author |
|---|---|
| Clinical Optics | Troy Fenin |
| Physical and Geometric Optics | Micheal Keating |
| Ocular Diseases | Kanski and Parsons |
| The Wills Eye Manual | Nika Bagheri |
| Vision For Life | Meir Schneider |
Top Colleges for B Optometry
Many top Medical Colleges and Technical Universities in India offer B Optometry courses. Below we have mentioned some of them.
| College Name | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| AIIMS | INR 1,145 |
| Christian Medical College | INR 23,255 |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education(Kasturba Medical College) | INR 2,03,000 |
| Shri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education | INR 1,50,000 |
| SRM Institute of Technology | INR 1,30,000 |
| Chitrakara University | INR 1,14,000 |
| Sharda University | INR 1,26,000 |
| Ansal University | INR 1,28,000 |
| ITM University | INR 1,20,000 |
| NSHM Knowledge Campus | INR 4,13,500 |
| Institute Management Studies | INR 65,000 |
| George Group of Colleges | INR 88,300 |
| MAKAUT | INR 90,000 |
Source: College Websites
B Optometry College Comparison
A comparison between the best colleges offering B.Optom in India has been mentioned in the table below. Three colleges have been taken for comparison. This is done to give a more comprehensive idea as well as to show the similarities and differences between the colleges:
| Parameters | AIIMS | SRM University for Science and Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | All India Institute of Medical Sciences is a group of 15 highly renowned autonomous Public Medical Colleges. They are often regarded as one of the best medical colleges in India. They provide many medical and paramedical courses from UG to the research level. | SRM University of Science and Technology is a deemed university that offers courses in various fields of Science, Paramedical Science, Technology, and Management. It offers both UG and PG courses. |
| NIRF Medical Ranking 2022 | 1 | 31 |
| Location | Delhi and 14 other cities. | Chennai |
| Eligibility | 50% of 10+2 qualifying exams | 50% of 10+2 qualifying exams |
| Admission Process | Entrance | Merit |
| Average Fees | INR 2,020 | INR 1,00,000 |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 7,00,000 | INR 4,80,000 |
Source: College Websites
B Optometry vs BSc in Optometry
B Optometry and BSc Optometry are two most popular bachelor degree courses in the field of Optometry. While B.Optom is more of a professional course, BSc Optometry is more focused on studying the field theoretically. The major differences between these two courses are given in the table below.
| Parameters | B Optometry | BSc in Optometry |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Bachelor in Optometry | Bachelor of Science in Optometry |
| Course Overview | It’s an undergraduate degree that will give you an in-depth understanding of the working of the eyes and the treatment of the same in cases of infliction. | It’s an undergraduate degree that will give you an in-depth understanding of the machines and the eyes by giving paramedical training to the students. |
| Eligibility Criteria | 10+2 with a minimum of 50% in PCBM | 10+2 in PCBM |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 15,000 to INR 1,50,000 | INR 10,000 to INR 1,00,000 |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 4,30,000 | INR 2,50,000 to 8,00,000 |
| Colleges | AIIMS, SRM University for Science and Technology, Sanskriti University, Chitrakara University, | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, JNU, Abhaya College of Nursing |
Source: College Websites
Also, go through the full list of top BSc Optometry Colleges in India.
B Optometry Salary
Students who have completed this course can work as optometrists, Opticians, Vision Care Associates, Trainee Optometrists, Optometry Researchers, Vision Consultants, Private Practitioners, etc.
| Job Position | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Optometrist | The medical examiner examines the eye. | INR 3,50,000 |
| Optometry Researcher | A person who researches different ailments affecting the eyes and how to treat them | INR 5,00,000 |
| Ophthalmologist | A doctor who specializes in eyes and visual systems. | INR 6,00,000 |
| Optician | A technician who verifies the prescription given by an eye doctor and who is trained to correct lenses according to the eye defect. | INR 4,00,000 |
| Vision Consultant | Checking the vision and vision-related problems of people, and suggesting the proper medicines and lenses. | INR 3,00,000 |
Source: Payscale
B Optometry Future Scope
The degree helps you to work closely with an important organ of the human body. B Optometry has various career options which therefore makes it easier for you to choose accordingly, based on the area of preference. You can also go for higher studies.
You can choose one of the following career options after completing a B in Optometry:
- You can work in Health care services and connected fields.
- You can work as an optician, optometrist or start your own private practice
- You can also work as an Optometry Researcher.
Also, for the students who wish to study further, the following are the study options available.
- Master of Optometry
- Masters in Science in Optometry
- PhD Optometry
B Optometry: FAQs
Ques. What is B optometry?
Ans: B optometry stands for Bachelor of Optometry. It is a four-year undergraduate program that covers a wide range of subjects related to eye care. Eye anatomy, physiology, optics, vision science, and eye-related diseases are the main subjects covered in B optometry. B optometry is an ideal course for students who want to become professional eye care specialists. Read More: About B Optometry
Ques. What are the eligibility criteria for applying to B optometry?
Ans: The eligibility criteria for applying to a B optometry program may vary depending on the university or college offering the course. However, to be eligible for admission to B optometry, students should have finished their 10+2 education in the Science stream from a recognized board or university. Additionally, students need to have a minimum aggregate score of 50% in their 10+2 Science stream. Also Check: B Optometry Admission 2024
Ques. Do we need NEET for B optometry?
Ans: No, the NEET score is not typically required for admission to a B optometry program in India. The NEET score is primarily required for admission to undergraduate medical fields such as MBBS and BDS.
Ques. Is BSc optometry called Doctor?
Ans: No, BSc optometry graduates cannot be addressed as “Doctors”. The candidates who have completed a doctor-level degree in a healthcare field, such as a Doctor of Optometry (OD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Optometry are referred to as Doctors while the BSc optometry graduates are referred to as ‘Optometrists’.
Ques. Can I become a doctor after B optometry?
Ans: Yes, it is possible to become a doctor after completing a Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optometry) program, but it involves pursuing a high-level degree like a Doctor of Optometry (OD). This is a four-year professional doctoral degree that provides clinical training and education in optometry. After completing the OD program and obtaining the required licensure, you will be recognized as a Doctor of Optometry.
Ques. Which is better B Pharm or optometry?
Ans: Both B Pharm and B Optometry have distinct areas of focus. The choice between these two fields depends on the interests, career goals, and personal preferences. B Pharm may be a good choice for students seeking careers in hospital pharmacy, drug regulation, clinical research, and the pharmaceutical industry, while B Optometry is taken by students who wish to work in ophthalmology hospitals, optometric research and development, and eye care centers.
Ques. What is the future of B optometry?
Ans: B Optometry has a good scope and appears to be a promising career in India. The demand for eye care specialists is increasing in both private and public medical centers. Optometry sector is expanding through various advancements in eye care technology and related diagnostic tools. Optometrists play an important role in the vision healthcare industry. Check: B Optometry Future Scope
Ques. What is the salary of a BSc optometry graduate in India?
Ans: The salary of a BSc optometry graduate ranges between INR 3-8 LPA in India. An optometrist's salary depends on several factors, such as type of job, experience, location, and skills. Read More: B Optometry Salary
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