Career in Optometry

Career in Optometry – In this episode, Ms. Mugdha Shetye talks about Optometry as a career. Doctors of Optometry are commonly known as Optometrists, who are independent primary health care professionals for the eyes. With the help of new technology, this profession has expanded both the scope and the efficiency of the practice. Optometrists and their patients are benefiting from the many advances in eye care and medical technology. For example, we have witnessed improvised contact lenses and lens treatments in recent years.

World Council of Optometry which is known as “WCO” has defined optometrists as: “Primary healthcare practitioners of the eyes and visual system who can successfully manage the leading cause of vision impairment”. Optometrists, examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases, injuries and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures. They also assist patients with eyeglasses and contact lenses

To get into this field, one should have completed 10+2 science stream with good scores in Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Mathematics to get admission in either Diploma of optometry which is two years course, or one can apply for Bachelors in Optometry which is three years course and one year internship or further can pursue a job or complete their post-graduation, i.e, Masters in Optometry which is two years course. Any candidate interested to further upgrade themselves; they can pursue M.Phil or Ph.D. in the same.

Optometrists either practices independently or joins practice along with an Ophthalmologist. Optometrists practices in different kinds of situations and with different types of employers, including hospitals, retail optical settings, and the military. Many optometrists set up a private or group practice with one or more other optometrists or with ophthalmologists. Some optometrists decide to go into research, after getting experience, optometrists may also decide to become a consultant to other ophthalmic industry like education, school or any professional sports and government sector. An Optometrician is a professional who will ensure that your future vision is powerful. So if u feel like helping people to expand their vision or make it more colorful you can consider Optometry as a career option.