Nandadeep School of Optometry: Giving Wings to your Career
Introduction
Are you passionate about the Healthcare Industry, especially Eye Care? Optometry could be the best option for you.
In India, where over 30% of people need vision correction and 50% of cases of myopia are predicted to occur by 2050, there is an urgent need for certified optometrists. However, we have only 45,000+ optometrists, so there is a gap between demand and supply. After finishing 12th grade with a science background, a B.Optom could be a great choice to get a career ahead in the Eye Care Industry.
This blog will guide you through information to become an optometrist, from course details, costs of the course, internships, further career growth, income, and specialisations.
What is Optometry?
Optometry is an autonomous profession dedicated to diagnosing eye conditions, primarily refractive errors, and treating them with corrective lenses, exercises, or visual rehabilitation. It plays a crucial public health role by eliminating uncorrected refractive errors, the leading cause of vision impairment, and by identifying serious eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, as well as health issues like hypertension and diabetes. By managing and referring cases in collaboration with other eye care professionals, optometrists help to combat blindness at every level of care.
Principal Duties of an Optometrist:
- Conduct eye examinations.
- Diagnose refractive errors.
- Prescribe corrective lenses.
- Provide vision therapy.
- Detect eye diseases.
- Collaborate with health professionals.
- Educate on eye health.
Why is optometry becoming more and more popular in India?
The need for optometrists in India has been rapidly increasing due to:
- Increasing related health issues: Because of the increase in digital screen usage, Myopia and Computer Vision Syndrome have become more common in people.
- The ageing population: As old people have problems like Presbyopia, Glaucoma, and Cataracts, more people require expert eye care treatments.
- Expanding eye care infrastructure: New clinics, hospitals, and optical chains are opening throughout India.
- India needs more skilled optometrists to fulfil the growing demands.
A career in optometry offers job stability, growth potential, and the chance to improve people’s lives by improving their eyesight.
After 12th grade, how can I become an optometrist?
1. Select the Proper Course in Optometry
You can pursue a four-year degree called the Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom), but you need to score at least 50% of your possible points in the 12th grade of Science (PCB/PCM). This program consists of three years of coursework and one year of clinical internship.
2. Enroll in a Reputed Optometry Institute
Selecting a reputable optometry school is essential for high-quality instruction and practical training, for example, the Nandadeep School of Optometry.
Nandadeep School of Optometry: Why Choose It?
- Affiliated with the Maharashtra State Government Health University (MUHS)
- Clinical internship at one of the most cutting-edge eye care facilities, Nandadeep Eye Hospital
- Modern facilities and knowledgeable faculty
- Career counselling and help finding a job
- Reasonably priced fees with a strong return on investment
3. Clinical and Academic Education
B.Sc. Optometry has a very vast syllabus, covering a wide array of subjects. Below are just a few of the key topics included in the program:
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye and the Body
- Optics, Visual Science, and Refractive Procedures
- Ocular Examination and Diagnostic Techniques
- Contact Lens Fitting and Dispensing
- Detection and Management of Ocular Diseases
- Vision Therapy and Low Vision Rehabilitation
- Practical Clinical Training and Internship Opportunities
4. Internship & Hands-on Training:
In the final year of B.Sc. Optometry students get a chance to do a one-year clinical internship at Nandadeep Eye Hospital, where they get hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists.
Fee Structure for B.Optom at Nandadeep School of Optometry
- Annual Fees per Year till 3rd Year: ₹80,000*/- per year
- Internship Year: No tuition fees
- Additional Expenses: Hostel & food charges (if applicable)
(Subject to revision. Contact the institute for a detailed fee structure.)
Career Opportunities in Optometry
Optometry is a versatile profession that offers various career paths, including:
- Clinical Practice: Offering comprehensive eye care in private practices, hospitals, or multi-disciplinary settings by diagnosing and managing ocular diseases and vision disorders.
- Academic and Research Roles: Advancing optometric science through teaching, clinical research, and technological innovations.
- Specialised Clinical Fields: Focusing on niches such as pediatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation, sports vision, geriatrics, and ocular disease management.
- Industry and Corporate Careers: Engaging in optical product development, sales, marketing, clinical trials, and research within the optical manufacturing and eyewear sectors.
- Public Health and Community Outreach: Developing and implementing eye health programs, preventive campaigns, and community screening initiatives to reduce preventable blindness.
- Tele-optometry and Digital Health: Utilising emerging digital platforms and telemedicine to provide remote services, diagnosis, and patient monitoring.
- Regulatory and Policy Roles: Influencing standards and policies through roles in government agencies, professional associations, or global health organisations.
- Consultancy: Advising health organisations or technology companies on best practices and innovative approaches in eye care.
- Entrepreneurial Ventures: Establishing innovative clinics or startups that pioneer new service models and technologies in optometry.
- Interprofessional Collaboration: Working alongside other healthcare professionals to offer integrated and comprehensive patient care.
Salary & Career Growth in Optometry
- Entry-Level: New graduates should anticipate earning between ₹3 and ₹5 lakhs annually.
- Mid-Level: Optometrists make between ₹6 and 10 lakhs a year with experience.
- Senior-Level: Highly skilled professionals can make ₹12–20 lakhs a year or more, particularly those working in corporate or private practice.
The Income depends upon the experience level, specialisation and the organisation they are working in.
Types of Specialisations Available:
- Treating binocular vision abnormalities using orthoptics and vision therapy
- Specialist in fitting speciality and therapeutic lenses for contact lenses
- Assisting individuals with significant visual impairment is the responsibility of a low-vision specialist.
- Neuro Vision Rehabilitation specialises in treating vision impairments related to neurological conditions using targeted therapies and exercises.
- Creating and fitting artificial eyes is known as ocular prosthetics.
- Academic & Research: Promoting the discipline via instruction and creativity
How to Apply for Nandadeep School of Optometry?
Step 1: Check the eligibility criteria for admission (12th Science with PCB 50% marks)
Step 2: Apply for the Admission Process
Step 3: Submit your educational and other necessary documents and complete all the formalitiesAnd you are ready to go into this rewarding field!
For Admissions & Inquiries:
Visit the Nandadeep School of Optometry, located on Madhavnagar Road, Sangli, opposite the Circuit House.
Our phone numbers are 8484943001, 9220001000, and 9511809433.
Conclusion
Optometry is a profession that aims to enhance people’s lives by improving their eyesight, not just by prescribing glasses. If the Eye Care as a Career Option excites you, this might be your chance to get the best possible options.
At Nandadeep School of Optometry, you will receive education from highly experienced staff, successful optometrists & ophthalmologists, hands-on experience with the checkup tools & gadgets, and practical application of your knowledge through an internship. This might be your chance to take steps towards your dream career.
