Updated on Jun 16, 2022 04:55 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaAssistant Manager

Optometry is one of the most engaging and popular courses in medical science, with a high level of job satisfaction. An optometry degree focuses on the treatment and care of the eyes. General Physiology and Ocular Physiology, hospital procedures, low vision aids, geometrical optics, nutrition and other courses are covered in the BSc Optometry course. Optometrists enjoy their job because they can improve the lives of their patients while still maintaining a work-life balance.

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List of Optometry Subjects

Let us look at a tabular view of the core and elective subjects for Optometry from all six semesters.

Typical Core Subjects for Optometry

Optometry Subject Title

Optometry Subject Details

General Anatomy

It is the study of the human body's parts. General and microscopic anatomy are both included in this subject.

Ocular anatomy

Understanding basic eye anatomy helps understand the diseases and ailments that might damage the eye.

Physical Optics

Physical optics study the phenomena in which light behaves as a wave rather than a ray or particle.

Geometrical Optics

Light is described as rays in geometrical optics. Light beams are geometrical lines that emanate from sources, travel through media, and are detected by detectors.

Clinical Optometry

This focuses on the practice of diagnosing and treating eye disorders to improve vision.

Clinical examination of the visual system

The clinical optometry techniques covered are external and anterior and posterior segment examinations.

Geriatric Optometry

Geriatric optometry is all about the general and ocular physiological changes that occur as people age.

Binocular Vision

Binocular vision refers to how the brain takes visual input from each eye and combines it into a single, distinct 3D image.

Occupational optometry

Occupational Optometry is about an individual's visual efficiency and safety in the workplace.

Typical Elective Subjects for Optometry

Subject title

Subject details

Ocular prosthesis

An ocular prosthesis is also known as an artificial eye or a glass eye, is a craniofacial prosthesis.

Ocular imaging

Ocular imaging technologies allow a quantitative assessment of the posterior segment to detect glaucoma-related alterations in the optic nerve head.

Refractive surgery

The surgical repair of refractive defects in the human eye.

Detailed Syllabus for Optometry Course

The course is a three-year UG study covering eye disorders and treatments and pollution and ultraviolet rays. Orthoptics, vision theory, dispensing optics, clinical optometry, and other BOptom subjects are some of the most frequent.

Semester

Subject title

Sem -1

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Anatomy

General Physiology

General Biochemistry

Geometrical Optics

Nutrition

English & Communication

Sem-2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ocular Anatomy

Ocular Physiology

Ocular Biochemistry

Physical Optics

Geometrical Optics-II

Basics of Computers

Clinical Optometry-I

Sem -3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ocular Microbiology

Visual optics –I

Optometric optics-I

Optometric Instruments

Ocular Disease –I

Clinical examination of the visual system

Indian Medicine and Telemedicine

Clinical Optometry-II

Sem -4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Optometric optics – II & Dispensing Optics

Visual Optics- II

Ocular Disease –II and glaucoma

Pathology

Basic and Ocular Pharmacology

Introduction to Quality & Patient safety

Medical Psychology

Clinical optometry-III

Sem-5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact lens –I

Low Vision care

Geriatric Optometry & Paediatric Optometry

Binocular Vision- I

Systemic Disease

Research Methodology & Biostatistics

Clinical Optometry IV

Sem-6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Lens –II

Binocular Vision –II

Public Health & Community Optometry

Practice Management

Occupational optometry

Medical Law and Ethics

Research Project - I

Clinical Optometry V

Specialisations offered in Optometry Subjects

The specialisation movement is reshaping optometry, as it does many medical professions. Some specialities in optometry have been around for a long time, such as paediatrics and poor vision, while others, such as dry eye management and neuro-optometry, are relatively new.

Specialisations

Details

Vision Therapy

Vision therapy, which includes behavioural and developmental vision care and neuro-optometric rehabilitation, is a popular choice.

Neuro -Optometry

Patients with visual deficiencies due to physical disability, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological issues can benefit from neuro-optometry.

Sports vision

The practice of assessing a patient's visual system and optimising it for athletic performance has been termed sports vision optometry.

Senior Care

Senior vision optometrists specialise in diagnosing and treating vision loss caused by ocular illnesses that affect patients 65 and older.

Books and Authors Related to Optometry Course

Below are some of the best Optometry books. These books cover both common and uncommon eye problems. They offer advice on keeping your eyes healthy and address vision screenings and their limits. They also contain information on both normal vision development and normal ageing changes of the eye.

Subject

Book title

Authors

Vision Therapy

 Applied Concepts in Vision Therapy

 

Leonard Press

Binocular Vision

Clinical Management of Binocular Vision, 4th edition

 

Mitchell M. Scheiman And Bruce Wick

Strabismus & Amblyopia

Crossed & Lazy Eyes

 

Pilar Vergara Gimenez

Retinoscopy

Lens Power in Action

 

Robert Kraskin

Entrance Exams For Optometry

The main goal of an entrance exam is to test a student's ability, sharpness and knowledge. In an entrance exam, a student's aptitude is tested. The entrance exam has various applications since it provides the opportunity to lay a solid educational foundation.

  • BVP EYECET: It is an entrance exam for the Bachelor of Clinical Optometry program offered by Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University. It is held offline for three hours every year. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers on this 200-point exam.

  • NEET: It is the most prestigious medical entrance exam. Colleges accept NEET scores as part of the admissions process. In three hours, a student must attempt to answer 180 questions. For certain students, NEET could be beneficial.

  • AIIMS Paramedical: Entrance exams for courses such as optometry are conducted by All India Medical Sciences. The exam is conducted in a secure environment. To be considered for AIIMS, students must have a minimum of 50 per cent in their Class 12 Board.

  • JNUEE: For those interested in studying optometry, the JNU administers entrance tests. The exam is of three hours duration and is conducted online.

FAQs Regarding Optometry Subjects

Q. Who is an optometrist?

A. An optometrist may be a healthcare expert proficient in essential vision care. They aren't therapeutic specialists, but they are authorised to hone optometry, which incorporates giving eye exams, composing medicines for contact focal points and glasses, finding anomalies within the eye, and treating certain eye illnesses.

Q. What is the role of Optometry in the community?

A. The roles are many: providing vision screening and treatment at the secondary and tertiary levels; detection and care of disorders that can cause blindness, such as cataracts, diabetes, and glaucoma; the study of worldwide eye care requirements and solutions, particularly in vision correction and vision care service delivery.

Q. How much does it cost to study optometry in India?

A. Students may have to spend between INR 2.5 and INR 4 lakh per year for a Bachelor's degree course in optometry in Indian private universities. The annual price for the diploma program ranges between INR 2 and INR 2.5 lakh. The yearly college price for a Master's degree is between INR 4 lakh and INR 6 lakh.

Q. Does optometry require MBBS?

A. MBBS and MD are the only options if you want to be an eye doctor. BOptometry is a good option if all you want to do is become an Eye Optics Technician who can inspect your eyes and correct your vision with glasses and lenses. To become a doctor, you must complete an MCI-approved MBBS programme.

Q. Which is better, B optometry or BSc Optometry?

A. The subjects that are offered differ between BSc Optometry and Bachelor of Optometry. They also provide several degrees, with BSc Optometry requiring a year of clinical training/internship. The Bachelor's degree in optometry is a four-year programme.

Q. What is Diploma Optometry?

A. A three-year full-time diploma program in optometry covers various ideas in eye health, diagnosis, illnesses, and treatment of human eyes. This optometry course covers a wide range of topics related to eye health, including psychology, optometry retail management, and patient management.

Table of content
  • Popular Optometry Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Optometry Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Optometry UG Courses
  • Popular Optometry PG Courses

Popular Optometry Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Optometry Colleges in India. Learn more about these Optometry colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
1.2 K
24 LPA

#1 NIRF

1.8 K

#3 NIRF

1 Course
1.11 L

#13 NIRF

1 Course

#16 India Today

1 Course
3.6 K
8 LPA

#4 NIRF

48 K
5.0

#8 NIRF

Popular Private Optometry Colleges in India

1 Course
3.63 L
5.0
6.4 L
1.88 L - 4 L
3.6 - 4 LPA

Optometry Applications open. Apply Now

1.69 L
3 Courses
1.8 L - 3.6 L
5 LPA
6.9 L

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Optometry. Students interested in pursuing a career on Optometry, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

30 Sep ' 25 - 16 Oct ' 25

NEET 2025 Counselling Round 3 Choice Filling

16 Oct ' 25

NEET 2025 Counselling Round 3 Choice Locking

19 Aug ' 25 - 25 Aug ' 25

AIIMS BSc Paramedical Counselling: Online Accepta...

18 Aug ' 25

AIIMS BSc Paramedical Counselling: Seat allocatio...

Oct '25

Registration for NEET PG 2025 counselling round-1

TENTATIVE

Oct '25

Choice filling for NEET PG 2025 counselling round-1

TENTATIVE

15 Oct ' 25 - 24 Oct ' 25

AIAPGET 2025 counselling round-2 reporting

14 Oct ' 25

AIAPGET 2025 counselling round-2 result

Popular Optometry UG Courses

Following are the most popular Optometry UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Optometry PG Courses

Following are the most popular Optometry PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a month ago

BSC IN AGRICULTURE 

S

SOVANDEV MANDAL

Beginner-Level 1

Answered a month ago

The kind of clinical exposure students get in top Optometry colleges is:

  • Hands-on patient examination in eye hospitals

  • Training in refraction, vision therapy, and contact lenses

  • Exposure to advanced diagnostic tools

  • Internships in multi-specialty hospitals and eye institutes

Y

Yatendra Pradhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The way to choose the best Optometry college based on placements and facilities is:

  • Check hospital tie-ups and campus recruitment records

  • Look at lab facilities, diagnostic equipment, and clinical setup

  • Compare internship opportunities and alumni reviews

  • Evaluate faculty expertise and research exposure

M

Mani Sahni

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The Optometry syllabus includes a balance between classroom learning as well as applied and practical training. In the course, there are subjects like ocular physiology, contact lens technology and even optometric instruments that students study and also go through practical sessions.

Also, clinical

...Read more

P

Parul Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Both the courses include core subjects such as anatomy, optics and even ocular diseases. But there are also some key differences like BSc Optometry is more academically oriented which focuses more on the Science and theory behind eye care.

But B.Optom is more about the clinical practice and patient c

...Read more

K

Kanishk Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, Optometry courses place a strong focus on practical training and hospital exposure. Students go through laboratory work, clinical postings and even hands-on sessions with diagnostic equipment.

Most colleges make it sure that hospital internships are there during the final year, where students us

...Read more

L

Loveleen Choudhury

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Candidates can check the BSc Optometry fees in the best colleges below:

Colleges

BSc Optometry course fees (INR)

NIMS College of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, NIMS University

2.8 L

Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana

1.3 L

Era University

4.4 L

St.Joseph University

4.8 L

Al-Karim University

3.4 L

Note: The data has been taken from external sources and may vary.

P

Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The duration of a BSc Optometry course is typically 4 years. This includes three years of academic study and one year of compulsory internship, which provides hands-on training in hospitals, clinics, or eye-care centers.

The academic phase focuses on building theoretical knowledge in visual sciences,

...Read more

A

Aishwarya Rai

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The duration of a BSc Optometry course is typically 4 years. This includes three years of academic study and one year of compulsory internship, which provides hands-on training in hospitals, clinics, or eye-care centers.

The academic phase focuses on building theoretical knowledge in visual sciences,

...Read more

M

Mamona Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The salary after completing a BSc Optometry depends on the job role, location, and type of employer. Fresh graduates working in hospitals, eye clinics, or optical retail stores can expect an average starting salary between INR 2.5–4.5 LPA.

With experience and advanced skills, professionals may earn h

...Read more

N

Nishtha Chatterjee

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

A BSc Optometry is a four-year undergraduate programme that trains students to examine, diagnose, and manage eye-related problems. It covers subjects like ocular anatomy, physiology, optics, and visual sciences while also providing practical exposure through clinical training.

The course prepares stu

...Read more

M

Mani Sahni

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The skills important for a successful career after the Bachelor of Optometry course are:

  • Strong observation skills

  • Attention to detail

  • Communication and interpersonal skills

  • Problem-solving ability

  • Technical knowledge of eye care instruments

  • Clinical decision-making

  • Patience and empathy

  • Hand–eye coordinatio

...Read more

Y

Yatendra Pradhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, there is a direct admission option for the Bachelor of Optometry in India. The following are the best colleges:

Colleges

Bachelor of Optometry Course Fees (INR)

CMC 

1.8 K

Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal

4.8 L

Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana

1.65 L

Malla Reddy University

4 L

Rama University, Kanpur

2.16 L

Note: The data has been taken from the external source and may vary.

K

Kanishk Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, private colleges conduct their own entrance tests for the Bachelor of Optometry like:

Exams

Full form

MAKAUT CET

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology Common Entrance Test

SUAT

Sharda University Admission Test

GITAM GAT

Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management Admission Test

BVP CET

Bharati Vidyapeeth Common Entrance Test

IUET

Integral University Entrance Test

JET

Joint Entrance Test (conducted by various institutes/universities)

P

Parul Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, Optometry graduates can pursue research opportunities in vision sciences, optical devices, or eye-related technologies. With higher studies like M.Optom or PhD, research prospects increase further.

Bachelor of Optometry course graduates can work in labs developing advanced contact lenses, surgic

...Read more

L

Loveleen Choudhury

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, optometrists are often hired in the aviation industry for vision screening of pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff. Clear vision is a safety priority in this sector.

They conduct eye check-ups, refraction tests, and color vision assessments. Aviation medical centers, airlines, and airport health

...Read more

J

Jaya Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, both PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) students can apply. Since Optometry is science-oriented, having knowledge of physics and biology is useful.

Some colleges prefer PCB students, but PCM students with mathematics can also excel due to the optical and

...Read more

P

Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

No, NEET is not compulsory for admission to the Bachelor of Optometry course. Admission is usually based on Class 12 marks in Science subjects or entrance exams like CUET.

However, some universities conduct their own tests to assess eligibility. Unlike MBBS or Bachelor0 optometry falls under Paramedi

...Read more

A

Aishwarya Rai

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Fresh Bachelor of Optometry graduates usually earn between INR 2.5 to INR 4 Lacs per year in hospitals, clinics, or optical chains. With experience and specialization, salaries can rise significantly.

Optometrists working in private hospitals, MNCs, or the aviation industry often earn higher packages

...Read more

M

Mamona Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, many Optometry graduates open their own eye care clinics or optical shops after completing their degree. This allows them to be independent practitioners.

They can provide vision tests, prescribe corrective lenses, and even collaborate with ophthalmologists for patient referrals. Entrepreneurshi

...Read more

N

Nishtha Chatterjee

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, Optometry graduates can apply for government jobs in hospitals, healthcare centers, railways, and defense services. Public Health programs often hire optometrists to support community eye care.

Government opportunities may be competitive but provide job security, stability, and attractive benefi

...Read more

Y

Yatendra Pradhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Bachelor of Optometry balances both theory and practical learning. Initially, students study theoretical subjects like optics, ocular anatomy, and pathology to build strong foundational knowledge.

Gradually, the programme shifts towards clinical training, eye examinations, and patient interaction. By

...Read more

M

Mani Sahni

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, practical training is a core part of the Bachelor of Optometry curriculum. Students spend their final year as interns in hospitals, eye clinics, or vision centers.

This hands-on exposure allows them to practice refraction, contact lens fitting, and management of eye conditions under supervision.

...Read more

K

Kanishk Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, several universities and colleges now accept CUET (Common University Entrance Test) scores for admission into the Bachelor of Optometry program. This standardizes the process and makes it accessible to students across India.

However, admission policies vary. Some institutions also conduct their

...Read more

P

Parul Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

A Bachelor of Optometry trains students to examine eyes, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and detect vision-related problems. They focus mainly on diagnosis and corrective care.

An ophthalmologist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor (MBBS + specialization) who can perform surgeries and treat

...Read more

L

Loveleen Choudhury

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The MBBS. of Optometry is a healthcare course but not a full-fledged medical degree like MBBS. It is a paramedical programme focusing on eye care, diagnosis of vision problems, and prescription of corrective lenses.

Though optometrists are not doctors, they play a vital role in preventing blindness a

...Read more

J

Jaya Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The Bachelor of Optometry course in India usually takes 4 years to complete. This includes 3 years of academic study covering subjects like anatomy, optics, and eye diseases, followed by 1 year of compulsory clinical internship.

The internship helps students apply classroom knowledge in real-life set

...Read more

P

Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The following colleges provide a good balance of quality education and affordability, making them ideal choices for pursuing a Bachelor of Optometry in India.

Candidates can check the table below a list of the best affordable colleges for Bachelor of Optometry offering the course for less than INR 1

...Read more

A

Aishwarya Rai

Contributor-Level 10

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