NIMS University, Jaipur
- Fees: ₹ 90000
What is Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine which deals with the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases pertaining to the eye and the visual system as a whole. The eye is the most crucial organ in the visual system and is sensitive to many different clinical conditions. Doctors who specialise in ophthalmology are known as ophthalmologists, and their work revolves around the therapy of these conditions.
As the population ages, eye care becomes more important with the higher risks of age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. The field of ophthalmology is dedicated to the extensive study and research of these conditions and incorporates relevant technologies to treat them efficiently. More than 500 colleges in India offer Ophthalmology courses.
In addition to medical and surgical treatment, ophthalmology also involves preventive eye care, rehabilitation, and vision enhancement techniques. With advancements in laser surgery, imaging technology, and microsurgical tools, the field continues to evolve rapidly. Students pursuing ophthalmology receive both theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical training to become proficient eye care professionals.
Ophthalmology Course Highlights
Ophthalmology offers a wide range of academic and career opportunities through undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Admissions are primarily entrance-based, and fees vary by institute and level. With promising job roles and attractive salaries, the field continues to grow steadily in both the government and private healthcare sectors. Here are the key highlights
| Particulars | Values |
|---|---|
Branch Name | Ophthalmology |
Degree | |
Duration | UG: 3-4 years PG: 2 years |
Eligibility | UG: 10+2 with a minimum 50 per cent aggregate with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects. PG: Bachelor’s degree in related disciplines |
Admission Process | Entrance Examination or Merit-Based |
Entrance Exam | CUET UG, NEET PG, GATE, INI CET |
Course Fees | Rs. 4,600 to Rs. 135 lakh for the entire duration |
Top Colleges | PGIMER, JIPMER, JSS Medical College, SRM Institute of Technology |
Career Options | Ophthalmologists, ENT Specialists, Ophthalmology Surgeons, Clinical Assistants, Medical Consultants, Professors |
Average Salary | Rs. 12 LPA (Ophthalmologist) |
Recruiting Companies | AIIMS, Fortis Healthcare Ltd., SIMS Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Rotary Narayana Eye Hospital, Violet rays, Bangalore |
Top Private Ophthalmology Colleges in India
India has over 300 private colleges offering Ophthalmology courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These institutions provide advanced facilities, experienced faculty, and industry-relevant training. The fee structure in private colleges is generally higher compared to government institutions. Here are some of the top private colleges offering Ophthalmology courses in India.
| Top Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|
Rs. 79.20 Lakhs | |
Rs. 36.67 Lakhs | |
Rs. 79.20 Lakhs | |
Rs. 19 Lakhs | |
Rs. 19.50 Lakhs | |
Rs. 96 Lakhs | |
Rs. 90 Lakhs | |
Rs. 106 Lakhs | |
Rs. 24,130 | |
Rs. 3.99 Lakhs |
Note: The fee structure provided above can be for any particular Ophthalmology (Diploma/ Degree/PGD).
Top Government Ophthalmology Colleges in India
Around 210 government-funded medical institutes are the top choices for students who are interested in pursuing Ophthalmology courses. These government colleges not only offer high-class academic curricula but also high placement offers. Here are some of the top government colleges listed below, along with their fee structure:
| Top Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|
Rs. 1,200 | |
Rs. 12,410 | |
Rs. 43,580 | |
Rs. 1.12 Lakhs | |
Rs. 1,200 | |
Rs. 94,500 | |
Rs. 1,200 | |
Rs. 38,000 | |
Rs. 57,370 | |
Rs. 1.08 Lakhs |
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Ophthalmology
Aspirants who wish to specialise in Ophthalmology will first have to complete a UG course like MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery), followed by a postgraduate degree in Ophthalmology like MD (Doctor of Medicine), and MS (Master of Surgery), depending on what practice they would like to build a career in.
For Undergraduates:
Aspiring candidates must have passed their 12th Board examination with a minimum aggregate of 50 per cent.
The core subjects in the said examination must be Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Top Entrance Exams for UG Courses
In India, admission to undergraduate Ophthalmology courses is primarily based on national-level entrance exams. One of the key exams is CUET UG, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Though options are limited, CUET UG serves as a common pathway for candidates aspiring to enter this specialised medical field.
| Exan Name | Exam Level | Conducting Body | Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
National | NTA |
For Postgraduates:
Aspiring candidates must possess an MBBS or other related degree.
They must sit for PG-level entrance examinations and procure a good score in the same.
Top Entrance Exams for PG Courses
Admission to postgraduate Ophthalmology courses in India is primarily through national-level entrance exams. The major ones include NEET PG conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and INI CET conducted by AIIMS. These exams assess candidates’ medical knowledge and are essential for securing seats in top medical institutions.
| Exam Name | Exam Level | Conducting Body | Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
National | NBE | ||
National | AIIMS |
College Predictors VIEW ALL
Scope of Ophthalmology in India and Abroad
A career in ophthalmology requires multiple special skills, such as patient care, surgery, and medicine, because the discipline has many subfields. There are many good reasons to opt to study Ophthalmology after an MBBS, one of them being that the discipline maintains a good balance between medical and surgical practice, giving aspirants the choice to focus on either.
With the right training on either track combined with basic eye-hand coordination, one can adapt easily to this field. The demand for Ophthalmologists is high in both the private and public sectors. Railway-run departmental hospitals and hospitals run by PSUs provide fantastic work opportunities to ophthalmologists.
NGOs, charitable hospitals, and missionary hospitals are also explored by many, and there is plenty of scope for ophthalmologists to set up their clinics as well. Ophthalmologists have plenty of career scope and scope for career growth in India as well as in foreign countries, particularly the UK, USA, Australia, and the Gulf countries.
Course Fees Ophthalmology
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| UG |
50.00 K
B.Sc. in Ophthalmology at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai
|
16.50 K
B.Sc. in Ophthalmology at Dr NTR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada
|
35.11 Lakhs
M.S. in Ophthalmology at Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal
|
2.01 Lakhs
B.Sc. in Ophthalmology at Institute of Paramedical Science and Management, Delhi
|
| PG |
---
Data not available
|
1.20 K
M.S. in Ophthalmology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi
|
1.65 Crores
M.S. in Ophthalmology at Pacific Institute of Medical Sciences, Udaipur
|
55.92 Lakhs
M.S. in Ophthalmology at Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research, Surat
|
| DOCTORAL |
90.00 K
Ph.D in Ophthalmology at NIMS University, Jaipur
|
67.92 K
Ph.D in Ophthalmology at University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
|
33.00 Lakhs
Ph.D in Ophthalmology at BLDE University, Bijapur
|
67.92 K
Ph.D in Ophthalmology at University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
|
| DIPLOMA |
5.00 K
Diploma in Ophthalmology at Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad
|
1.50 K
Diploma in Ophthalmology at Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital, Gaya
|
75.00 Lakhs
Diploma in Ophthalmology at MGM Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai
|
11.94 Lakhs
Diploma in Ophthalmology at Government Cuddalore Medical College, Annamalainagar
|
Course Subjects
The Ophthalmology course covers a wide range of subjects across the UG and PG levels. UG subjects include ocular anatomy, physiology, optics, and eye diseases. At the PG level, students study advanced topics like ophthalmic surgery, neuro-ophthalmology, retinal disorders, and clinical ophthalmology. These subjects provide students with expertise in vision care and eye treatment.
For UG Courses
The candidate can pursue an Ophthalmology course at the undergraduate level. The B.Optometry syllabus offered at MAKAUT Kolkata provides a structured mix of theory and practical training. Subjects range from anatomy, physiology, and optics to clinical refraction and ocular disease management, offering students a strong foundation in eye care and vision sciences.
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Geometrical Optics (Optics I) | Physical Optics (Optics II) |
Physiology (General) | Physiology (Ocular) |
Anatomy (General) | Anatomy (Ocular) |
Biochemistry (General & Ocular) | Environment & Ecology |
Professional Communication in English | Computer Fundamentals & Programming |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Visual Optics (Optics III) | Visual Optics (Optics IV) |
Lighting & the Eye | Ophthalmic & Optical Instrumentation & Procedure II |
Medical pathology & Microbiology | Clinical Refraction I |
Pharmacology | Ocular Disease I (Anterior Segment Disease) |
Ophthalmic & Optical Instrumentation & Procedure I | Ophthalmic Lens & Dispensing Optics |
Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
Binocular Vision & Ocular Motility | Systemic Condition & the eye |
Contact Lens I | Public Health & Community Optometry |
Clinical Refraction II | Biostatistics |
Ocular Disease II (Posterior & Neuro-eye Disease) | Contact Lens II |
Low Vision Aids & Visual Rehabilitation | Professional Practice Management |
- | Applied Optometry & Orthoptics |
For PG Courses
For the candidate’s reference, we have mentioned the semester-wise MAKAUT Kolkata’s syllabus of MOptom below. The course covers advanced concepts in clinical optometry, including diagnostic procedures, therapeutic practices, contact lens specialisations, and vision rehabilitation. It also integrates research, biostatistics, and business aspects to prepare students for professional and academic excellence.
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Applied Optometric Optics | Applied clinical optometry |
Advanced ophthalmic diagnostic procedures & instrumentation | Advanced contact lens practice -I |
Epidemiology and Community Optometry | Geriatric optometry & Low vision rehabilitation -I |
Research Methodology & Biostatistics | Ocular Diseases & Therapeutics |
Business aspects in optometry | Paediatric Optometry and Binocular Vision I |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Recent advances in Optometry | Speciality Clinics |
Occupational optometry | Dissertation |
Geriatric optometry and low vision rehabilitation II | - |
Paediatric optometry & binocular vision II | - |
Advanced contact lens practice II | - |
Careers in Ophthalmology
The fear of losing eyesight to blindness is tremendous among people. Nothing seems to be more terrifying than the idea of going about life without the ability to see. We know that as people enter old age, their chances of suffering from eye diseases or other visual system problems increase exponentially. Today, this isn’t true only of the elderly.
In lifestyles where we spend between 50-90 per cent of our days looking at screens, the risks of eye problems are high for people of all ages. It starts from preteens who have just begun to understand the technology and receive their first smartphones. And goes to working professionals whose jobs are majorly contained within a laptop/monitor screen.
With this growing fear of the risk of losing one’s eyesight spreading through the population, the need for ophthalmology is at its peak. A career in ophthalmology means taking on immense responsibility. As a good ophthalmologist, one can probably never run out of patients. The field is highly lucrative and can be extremely rewarding to those who take pleasure in helping others.
Upcoming trends
The current trends in Ophthalmology focus on key areas such as lens implantation and cataract surgery, corneal and external eye disorders, oculoplastic and orbital surgery, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, and refractive surgery. Some of the upcoming trends are as follows:
- Robotic Surgery
- Nanotechnology
- Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)
- Personalised Medicine
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Teleophthalmology
- Gene Therapy
- Minimally Invasive Surgeries
- Regenerative Medicine
- Smart Contact Lenses
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
After completing a degree in Ophthalmology, candidates often wonder about their next steps. While becoming an Ophthalmologist is the most common path, the field also offers various other career options. Graduates can explore roles in surgery, research, consulting, or academic backgrounds based on their interests and specialisations.
| Job Profiles | Job Description |
|---|---|
Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat all eye diseases, prescription contact lenses and spectacles, as well as medicines for eye-related problems. | |
ENT Specialists provide treatment for a wide range of head and neck conditions. They can treat problems in nerves that control vision, among other problems. | |
Ophthalmology Surgeon | Ophthalmology Surgeons perform surgery to treat glaucoma and cataracts and correct refractive errors. Diagnosis of medical conditions impacting the eye. |
Clinical Assistant | Clinical Assistants perform the role of assisting doctors with patient management, record keeping, and conducting basic diagnostic tests. They support healthcare teams by ensuring smooth patient care and accurate documentation. |
Medical Consultant | Medical Consultants is involved in research, managing resources and practising development, training junior doctors and other healthcare professionals, and leading members of the ophthalmology team. |
Professor | The Professor performs the role of teaching Ophthalmology in various colleges and universities. They provide in-depth knowledge to candidates about various subjects covered under Ophthalmology. |
Top Recruiters
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, multiple cities
- Fortis Healthcare Ltd.
- SIMS Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
- Rotary Narayana Eye Hospital
- Violet rays, Bangalore
- Sri Ganesh Vinayak Eye Hospital, Dehradun
- Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya
Average Salary
The salary in Ophthalmology depends on factors like experience, job role, institution type, and location. Entry-level professionals may earn modestly, while specialists and surgeons can draw significantly higher packages. Academic and research roles also offer stable incomes. The average annual salaries of different Ophthalmology roles are approximated as given below.
| Job Profiles | Average Salary |
|---|---|
Ophthalmologist | Rs. 12 LPA |
ENT Specialist | Rs. 16.2 LPA |
Ophthalmology Surgeon | Rs. 15 LPA |
Clinical Assistant | Rs. 7.4 LPA |
Medical Consultant | Rs. 8.6 LPA |
Professor | Rs. 16.1 LPA |
Source: AmbitionBox
Note: Salary may vary depending on various circumstances.
Required Skillset for Ophthalmology
To build a successful career in Ophthalmology, a postgraduate degree is only one of many pillars necessary. For specialists in surgery, precision and plenty of practice are required, whereas in medicine, having a broad base of knowledge is necessary. Some of the other essential skills in Ophthalmology include:
Good eye-hand coordination.
Significant proficiency in Mathematics and Physics.
Excellent knowledge of medicine.
Working knowledge of all the visual system-related diseases, the anatomy of the eye, and all its functions.
Up-to-date knowledge of ongoing research topics in the field.
Strong decision-making, organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication skills.
Ability to perform administrative and managerial functions well.
Course Curriculum for Ophthalmology
After acquiring an undergraduate degree, students can opt to pursue a postgraduate course in Ophthalmology, typically in either the Master of Surgery / Doctor of Medicine domain. Usually, either of these courses has some common curriculum which is aimed at providing the student with knowledge and skills such as:
- Basic knowledge of the human body structure and functions related to the visual system, along with factors that may disrupt/cause harm to these mechanisms
- Ability to handle day-to-day ophthalmology problems independently, with full recognition of the limitations of one’s clinical knowledge
- Understanding of environmental effects on health and familiarity with the epidemiology of common diseases in the ophthalmology field.
- Ability to integrate promotive and preventive methods with curative and rehabilitation measures in disease treatment
- Familiarity with and understanding of common eye-related problems occurring in rural areas where facilities are limited
- Familiarity with current developments and research topics in the field.
Popular Ophthalmology Entrance Exams in India
Popular Ophthalmology Colleges in India VIEW ALL
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SGT University
- Fees: ₹ 412500
SKIMS Srinagar
- Exams: NEET PG
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What to expect during the Ophthalmology Residency?
Answer :
60 percent of resident training for Ophthalmology in India is done under government organisations, while the remaining are private organisations. Training imparted during this period is in various settings, mostly medical colleges and private institutes. The training does not follow a coherent system, as a result, the quality of training can vary enormously from institute to institute.
Question: How are Internship, Residency, and Fellowship different?
Answer :
Residency in any medical discipline is a training programme, typically lasting about three years. The first year of training immediately after medical school is known as the internship or postgraduate year one. After completing a residency, the training that students undergo in a subfield or sub-specialty is known as the fellowship.
Question: What is the scope of Ophthalmology?
Answer :
As long as people have eyes, the scope of Ophthalmology is indeed great and a necessity that should be explored to ensure a better, healthier life.
Question: Why is ophthalmology so important?
Answer :
Ophthalmologists are important and a necessity because human eyes face a lot of strain due to constantly seeing light which causes the human eye to have more strain.
Question: What are the subspecialties in Ophthalmology for which I can do a fellowship?
Answer :
Some of the fellowship programmes offered by top institutes are Cornea and Ocular Surface, Cataract, Medical Retinal, Vitreo Retina, Retinopathy of Prematurity, Glaucoma, Oculoplasty, and Pediatric Ophthalmology.
Questions related to Ophthalmology
Showing 134 out of 134 Questions
71 Views
What are the closing ranks for st category for ophthalmology seat in all aiims institutes?
11th Dec, 2024
Hello,
The closing ranks for ST category seats in ophthalmology at AIIMS institutions, based on recent years' trends from INI-CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test), vary across different campuses. Here are some insights:
-
AIIMS Delhi : Known for the highest demand, closing ranks for ST candidates in ophthalmology typically fall within the top few thousand ranks in INI-CET exams, depending on seat availability.
-
AIIMS Bhubaneswar and Bhopal : Closing ranks for MS Ophthalmology have hovered around 564 to 584 in recent years for general candidates, with ST category candidates receiving relaxation and often securing seats at lower ranks
-
AIIMS Jodhpur : Similar trends have been observed, with competitive ranks for ST candidates in specialties like ophthalmology being slightly higher than other newer AIIMS.
The exact closing ranks for 2023 or 2022 were not fully disclosed in the sources, but the general trend indicates significant relaxation for ST candidates compared to general and OBC categories.
Hope it helps !
Answer later 22 Views
Hello sir My rank is 21061 aiq can I get ms ophthalmology in this college
24th Sep, 2024
With an All India Quota (AIQ) rank of 21,061, it is quite challenging to secure an MS in Ophthalmology, as this specialty typically has higher cut-off ranks due to limited seats and high competition.
However, availability can vary based on the specific college, state quotas, and the number of applicants. It’s advisable to:
Check Previous Year Cut-offs: Look at the previous year's cut-off ranks for MS Ophthalmology in the college you're interested in to gauge your chances.
Participate in Counseling: Make sure to register for the counseling process to explore your options.
Consider Other Options: If not successful, consider related fields or lower-ranked colleges where you might have a better chance.
Always confirm with the official counseling body or the college for the most accurate and updated information.
91 Views
I have got a rank of 64k in neet pg 2024 which colleges can I get in pg diploma ophthalmology
24th Sep, 2024
Potential Course of Action:
Private Medical Colleges: The cutoff points for diploma programs may be lower at several private universities. Examine the particular universities in your state or the areas close by.
Government Colleges: There may be seats available at some government medical colleges, although there may be fierce competition. Seek out universities where there are more available seats.
Counselling: Take part in the counselling procedure to gain a better understanding of the seats that are available and the cut-off ranks for the Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmology.
Suggestions:
Investigative Universities: To determine your chances, check the particular cutoffs for the PG Diploma in Ophthalmology at different colleges from prior years.
Think About Different Specialities: If you are not accepted into ophthalmology, you may wish to look into less competitive specialisations or adjacent fields.
36 Views
what is the cutoff of air in 2023 for dnb ophthalmology h v desai pune
27th Aug, 2024
Hi there,
Hope you are doing well.
The cutoff for the DNB Ophthalmology program at H.V. Desai Eye Hospital, Pune in 2023 is influenced by several factors including the number of applicants, the overall difficulty of the entrance exams, and the number of seats available for that year. Generally DNB cutoff ranks can vary significantly from year to year based on these factors.
To get the most accurate and specific cutoff information for the DNB Ophthalmology program at H.V. Desai Eye Hospital for 2023, you can refer to the official DNB website or visit H.V. Desai Eye Hospital directly.
Hope this resolves your query.
113 Views
Hello, I have got 18k rank in Neet pg 2024. Which government college I can get if I would like it in GENERAL surgery /ophthalmology /psychiatry?
24th Aug, 2024
Hello aspirant,
Your rank is a very decent one that can get you into a government college. Every specialisation have different opening and closing rank. On the basis of the former statement, General Surgery usually have very low opening ranks, and closing ranks can go upto 20,000. So, you will have to wait a little bit. To know more about cutoffs of your favoured specialisation in various government colleges, kindly go through the given link.
https://medicine.careers360.com/articles/neet-pg-cut-off
I hope you will do good.
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