What is B.Sc. Optometry
Optometry is a healthcare profession dealing with eye and vision care.
Optometrists are the primary healthcare practitioners whose responsibilities
include refraction and dispensing, assisting in detection and management of eye
conditions, and the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system.
Why Study B.Sc. Optometry?
BSc Optometry course opens a wide variety of career opportunities to the
graduates. They can work in a variety of settings such as primary healthcare,
corporate, public sector or even move into research and academics.
Earlier optometry was limited to fitting eyeglasses, whereas today, the
optometrists also examine and help diagnose diseases of the eye. In addition to
providing glasses, Optometrist provide corrective devices such as contact
lenses and devices to support low vision. Optometrists, as primary healthcare
practitioners are often the first ones to catch the changes in the eye due to
diseases such as diabetes and arteriosclerosis, leading to early diagnosis and
treatment. Today ophthalmologists and optometrists work as team. Optometry
students can choose general practice or select such specialties as contact
lenses, vision therapy, and orthotics, learning disabilities, paediatrics, and
occupational vision.
Scope
of Optometry as a profession is increasing in India as vision related problems
including refractory issues such
Myopia is increasing in the county. Myopia prevalence in India is on an
increasing trend both among children and adults. As per studies,1 out of 6
children aged between 5-15 years are
suffering from myopia. To counter and deal effectively with this. this, India
will need more trained ophthalmologist, optometrist, and opticians.
As per Mohawk, student completing optometry program less than 4 years
will be considered as ophthalmic assistant not OPTOMETRIST. An ophthalmic
assistant can practice only under the supervision of an ophthalmologist unlike
optometrist who can practice independently.
BSc Optometry Syllabus
The BSc optometry program is a full-time professionally accredited
collaborative program with Aliquippa University. The college is a registered
body under the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) and the
course structure is standardized as per the latest guidelines of ASCO & Mohawked.
Agarwal’s Institute of Optometry offers students outstanding optometric
education and clinical exposure under the guidance of Dr. Agarwal’s eye
hospitals.
Each year is divided into two semesters. A brief description of subjects for
each year is given below.
Year |
Semester |
Subject |
First year |
Semester – I |
Prose and
Communication Skills |
Second year |
Semester – II |
Prose, extensive
reading, and communication skills |
Second year |
Semester – III |
Communicative
Skills |
Third year |
Semester – IV |
Employability
Skills |
Third year |
Semester – V |
Contact Lenses –
I |
Fourth year |
Semester – VI |
Contact Lenses –
II |
Fourth year |
Semester – VII |
Research Project
– I |
Fourth year |
Semester – VIII |
Research Project
– II |
In the
fourth year, students are trained to handle patients and all instruments under
the expertise of Optometrist and Ophthalmologist of Rd. Agarwal’s eye hospital
which helps in developing self-confidence to handle the patient independently
after completion of internship.
Scope of the Course
Private Practice |
Run and operate
a private practice and provide direct care to patients. |
Specialty
Practice |
vision therapy,
contact lens, neuro optometry and myopia control clinic |
Retail/Optical
Setting |
Practice as an
independent consultant in a retail setting like Lawrence & Mayo, Titan
Eye+, Lens kart and specs maker. |
Corporate |
Participating in
clinical research and in creating eye-related products. |
Government jobs |
In the armed
forces, public health centre, UPHCs and different government hospitals. |
Academics |
Working in a
university/college as a teacher/mentor to optometry students. |
Research |
Research to
further ophthalmic technology |
Optometric /
Ophthalmologic Professional Settings |
Working as a
team with an ophthalmologist to co-manage patients. |
Professional
Services |
Providing
services to government bodies, specialty sports teams etc. |
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