Diploma in Optometry

Last Updated on July 30, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

Hi readers! In this post, we will deal with a course related to optometry. Here, we will have an in-depth analysis of Diploma in Optometry course.

In this post, you will find all the important details that you need to know about this course. Here, I’ve covered the following details – duration, eligibility, colleges, fees, admission process, career prospects, scope and salary details.

Here is a quick overview of the course –

It is a Diploma certificate course. If you are interested in pursuing an even better course, check out – Bachelor of Optometry course. If you want the entire list of optometry courses, check out this guide – list of optometry courses after 12th.

In India, optometry education courses are available in formats such as –

• Diploma
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree
• Doctoral Degree

In this post, we will deal with the Diploma course format. In the next section, you will find basic details about Diploma in Optometry course. What is optometry all about? What’s the Diploma course format like? You will find answers to these questions in the next section. Here it is –

Diploma in Optometry: An Introduction

In simple terms, optometry deals with the health of eyes, visual system and its adjacent structures. This discipline focuses on eye care. An optometrist is a healthcare professional capable of diagnosing eye diseases/vision problems, prescribing lenses/spectacles, performing treatment (in some cases) and referring patients to an Ophthalmologist/relevant Doctor (if required).

An optometrist is capable of diagnosis of ocular diseases. But he/she will have to refer the case to a qualified Doctor, if the patient needs surgery or advanced treatment. If the problem can be corrected by lenses, spectacles or minor treatment procedures, an optometrist may take care of the patient.

An optometrist is capable of carrying out the following tasks –

• Examining eyes and visual system
• Diagnosing diseases, disorders and conditions of visual system
• Prescribe and dispense spectacles and contact lens
• Patient care
• Referring patients to ophthalmologists
• Assist ophthalmologists
• And more…

Diploma in Optometry course will train you in the above mentioned areas. It is a Diploma certificate course. On course completion, successful candidates will obtain a certificate of completion from relevant authorities or institute.

Diploma in Optometry course is not as valued as B Optom course. At the end of the day, a Bachelor’s Degree is much more valuable that a Diploma certificate. On the other hand, Diploma course can be wrapped up in relatively shorter period of time.

The Diploma program is two years long. Course duration may vary slightly from one institute to another. This course will cost you less, when compared to B Optom course.

I’d suggest my readers to go for B Optom course. It offers a more advanced qualification and is much more valued in the job market. But it will consume two extra years to complete! And the fees will be higher too!

Come, let us take a closer look at the course details. In the next section, you will find the following details – duration, eligibility, fees, colleges and more.

Course Details

Type of course

It is a Diploma certificate course.

Duration

The course is two years long. Course duration may vary slightly from one institute to another.

Eligibility criteria

Minimum educational qualification required is – passed 12th Science with PCB subjects.

Colleges

Here are some of the popular colleges offering this course in India –

• GTU
• ITM, Vadodara
• Parul University
• SU
• VNSGU

Syllabus

Here are some of the important subjects present in the curriculum –

• Anatomy
• Biochemistry
• Physiology
• Visual system
• Optics
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Visual optics
• Optometry
• Prescribing and dispensing optics
• Contact lenses
• Communication skills
• Practical training
• Relevant equipment

Admission process

Reputed institutes follow merit based admission process. Under this system, seats are distributed among deserving candidates on the basis of their performance in selection test/interview/board exam. Some colleges are also known to conduct direct or donation based admission process.

You may also check –

List of paramedical courses

List of medical courses

Fees

Tuition fees depends upon the following factors – type of college (Government or self-financing), scholarship status of the student, rating of the college etc. On an average, tuition fees could be anywhere between 25-40K INR per year.

Career prospects

After completing this course, you will be able to work at – eye care clinics, eye hospitals, eye care stores etc.

Vishnu Nambiar

I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.

I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.