Diploma in Optometry Course, Admissions, Eligibility, Syllabus, Fees, Career

Diploma in Optometry is a full-time diploma course with a duration of two to three years. This course focuses on eye health, vision care, diagnosis, and the treatment of various eye-related conditions. The optometry curriculum includes subjects like patient management, optometric retail practices, and basic psychology relevant to visual health.

To be eligible, candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects, securing at least 55 per cent aggregate marks from a recognised board. After completing the course, graduates can take up entry-level roles in the healthcare and eye care industries.

Admission is primarily merit-based, considering Class 12 marks, although some institutions may conduct their own entrance exams. The average course fee for a Diploma in Optometry ranges between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 2.0 lakhs.

Diploma in Optometry- Highlights

The Diploma in Optometry is a two- to three-year polytechnic course designed for students from the science stream. It offers in-depth knowledge of vision care, diagnosis, and eye treatment. Here are some of the key highlights of the programme, including duration, eligibility, admission process, course fees, average salary, and job roles.

Diploma in Optometry Eligibility Criteria

To gain admission into the Diploma in Optometry programme, candidates must meet specific academic requirements. While exact criteria may vary slightly across institutions, most colleges follow standard norms. It is recommended that candidates check the official website of the respective institution for precise details. Below are the general eligibility parameters:

Diploma in Optometry Admissions Process

Admission to the Diploma in Optometry programme is generally merit-based, although a few institutions may conduct entrance examinations. The process can be carried out in either online or offline mode, depending on the policies of the respective colleges. Below is a typical step-by-step admission procedure followed by many institutions in India:

Step 1: Eligibility Check- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, which typically include passing Class 12 with a minimum of 55 per cent marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Step 2: Application Submission- Visit the official website of the preferred institution or submit the application form offline. Fill in accurate academic and personal details and ensure timely submission before the deadline.

Step 3: Merit List Preparation- Most colleges do not require entrance exams and prepare a merit list based on Class 12 marks. Candidates with higher scores are given preference in seat allocation.

Step 4: Entrance Test (If Applicable)- Some universities, such as those conducting IUET, may require candidates to appear for an entrance exam. Check with the college for such requirements.

Step 5: Document Verification and Fees- Shortlisted candidates must attend the verification process with relevant documents. Upon successful verification, candidates need to pay the course fee to confirm their admission.

Diploma in Optometry Syllabus

A Diploma in Optometry is typically a two-year course, and some institutions may include an additional 6-month internship for hands-on training. The syllabus is designed to cover both theoretical and practical aspects of optometry, including optical science and human biology. Below, we have provided the syllabus followed by CMJ University, Shillong:

Note: A 6-month internship in a hospital or nursing home is included in the Diploma in Optometry curriculum.

Diploma in Optometry Fees

The fee structure for a diploma in optometry varies for every institution. Government colleges generally charge lower fees as compared to private colleges. The diploma in optometry course average fees are around Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 2 lakh for the entire course duration.

Scope of Diploma Optometry Course

There is a huge scope of diplomas in optometry courses in terms of employability as well as higher academic studies. After completing the diploma in optometry course, students opt for higher education such as B.Optom, followed by M.Optom and PhD.

Candidates can choose to work in a free setup by setting up their own eye care facility, lens manufacturing unit, or optical shop. They can also choose to work in multinational companies dealing with eye care products as an expert or supervisor. In addition to this, students can take up various marketing roles within the eye care industry.

Career Options After Diploma in Optometry

After completing a Diploma in Optometry, candidates can explore diverse career opportunities in both clinical and non-clinical settings. The course opens doors to roles in hospitals, optical clinics, and eyewear companies, offering stable job prospects and competitive pay. Below are some of the common job roles available to graduates.

Optometrist: An Optometrist is a healthcare professional who specialises in examining, diagnosing, and treating visual disorders and eye-related conditions. He or she also prescribes corrective lenses and guides eye care and visual health.

Sales Executive: A sales executive is a professional who is responsible for building contact between the company and customers. Some of the most important work of a sales executive includes answering customer queries and presenting products.

Optometry Technician: An optometry technician is a professional who is responsible for performing a variety of tasks to help optometrists during eye examinations and operations. He or she is responsible for keeping a record of the medical history of patients and helping them during their vision examinations.

Lab Technician: A lab technician is a professional who is responsible for performing practical hands-on work in laboratories during research and experiments. He or she is responsible for working in fields that include medical services, industry, research, and educational institutions.

Top Recruiters

• Medtronic
• Stryker
• Scripps Health
• Philips
• Amway
• Max Healthcare
• Fortis

Benefits of Diploma in Optometry

There are various benefits of studying for a diploma in optometry, and various reasons as to why one should study this course. This optometry degree is beneficial since it produces highly skilled and professionally efficient optometrists. Skilled optometrists are highly sought after since there is a rapid increase in myopia in children and an ageing population.

A diploma in optometry is essential to gain knowledge and skills in contributing to the optical healthcare industry. The course entails knowledge for students of basic clinical, biomedical, and behavioural sciences, particularly eye and vision care.

Diploma in Optometry Salary Trends

The salary after a Diploma in Optometry varies based on job role, work experience, location, and employer. Skilled professionals often earn higher packages, especially in reputed hospitals or private clinics. Entry-level roles may start modestly but grow with experience. Here are the average salary figures for various optometry roles.

Source: AmbitionBox

Top Private Diploma Optometry Colleges in India

Many private colleges in India offer diploma courses in optometry. Among them, some stand out for their excellent education quality, strong placement records, and hands-on practical training. Below is a list of top private diplomas in optometry colleges in India, highlighting these reputable institutions.

Top Government Diploma Optometry Colleges in India

Several government colleges across India offer the Diploma in Optometry course, ensuring quality education at an affordable cost. These institutions are known for their experienced faculty, practical training, and infrastructure. Below is a list of some top government diploma optometry colleges in India, along with their respective fee structures.

The opportunities for graduates are not limited, and they can become optometrists and work as occupational healthcare professionals in eye care facilities with industrial experts. Graduates also have the option to work in local optical shops and companies that work in the fabrication of lenses and ophthalmic instruments.