B.Sc. (Optometry)


Why B.Sc. (Optometry)

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
General anatomy and Physiology
General and ocular biochemistry
Geometrical optics
Nutrition
Basics of computers

Second year

Semester – II

Prose, extensive reading, and communication skills
Ocular Anatomy
Ocular Physiology
Physical Optics
Microbiology & Pathology
Environmental Studies

Second year

Semester – III

Communicative Skills
Visual Optics
Ocular Disease I
Optometric Instruments I
General and Ocular Pharmacology
Clinical Examination of Visual System

Third year

Semester – IV

Employability Skills
Optometric Optics
Ocular Diseases – II
Optometric Instrumentation – II
Value added education

Third year

Semester – V

Contact Lenses – I
Binocular Vision – I
Paediatric Optometry and Geriatric Optometry
Dispensing Optics
Public Health and Community Optometry
Biostatistics

Fourth year

Semester – VI

Contact Lenses – II
Binocular Vision – II
Low Vision Aids
Occupational Optometry
Systemic Diseases Affecting the Eye

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.

 Eligibility

ADMISSION IN FIRST YEAR
Students who have Passed 10th, 12th Higher Secondary Examinations from a Recognized Board with a minimum aggregate of Eligibility

  • ADMISSION IN FIRST YEAR
    Students who have Passed 10th, 12th Higher Secondary Examinations from a Recognized Board with a minimum aggregate of 60% and Students of science stream with biology subject.
  • LATERAL ENTRY
    A diploma from university accepted by IOA/OCI. A two-year ophthalmic assistant course from a reputed hospital with a clinical experience of at least two years. Transcript of the course studied.
  • and Students of science stream with biology subject.
  • LATERAL ENTRY
    A diploma from university accepted by IOA/OCI. A two-year ophthalmic assistant course from a reputed hospital with a clinical experience of at least two years. Transcript of the course studied.