Optometry
Optometry is a healthcare profession dealing with eye and vision care. Optometrists are the primary healthcare practitioners whose responsibilities include refraction and dispensing, assisting in detection and management of eye conditions, and the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system.
BSc Optometry is a full-time undergraduate program. It is a four-year degree program which is divided into eight semesters of study. Out of these eight semesters, six semesters are theory-based and undertaken in a classroom and remaining two semesters are training based and undertaken at a tertiary eye care hospital. Dr. Agarwals Institute of Optometry is the best among BSc Optometry colleges in TamilNadu. It is a unit of Dr. Agarwals Group of Eye Hospitals & Eye Research Centre. It was started in the year 2006 in collaboration with Alagappa University. Being under the aegis of Dr. Agarwals eye hospitals, students get exposure to recent advancements and technology in the ophthalmic industry. Alagappa University is a state University accredited with A+ grade by NAAC (CGPA: 3.64) in the third cycle and graded as category – I university by MHRD – UGC. This collaboration of pioneers in eye care and state-of-the-art university makes this program unique and different from others.
BSc Optometry course opens a wide variety of career opportunities to the graduates. They can work in a variety of settings such as primary healthcare, corporate, public sector or even move into research and academics.
Earlier optometry was limited to fitting eyeglasses, whereas today, the optometrists also examine and help diagnose diseases of the eye. In addition to providing glasses, Optometrist provide corrective devices such as contact lenses and devices to support low vision. Optometrists, as primary healthcare
practitioners are often the first ones to catch the changes in the eye due to diseases such as diabetes and arteriosclerosis, leading to early diagnosis and treatment. Today ophthalmologists and optometrists work as team. Optometry students can choose general practice or select such specialties as contact
lenses, vision therapy, and orthotics, learning disabilities, pediatrics and occupational vision.
Scope of Optometry as a profession is increasing in India as vision related problems including refractory issues such as Myopia is increasing in the county. Myopia prevalence in India is on an increasing trend both among children and adults. As per studies,1 out of 6 children aged between 5-15 years are
suffering from myopia. To counter and deal effectively with this. this, India will need more trained ophthalmologist, optometrist and opticians.
As per MoHFW, student completing optometry program less than 4 years will be considered as ophthalmic assistant not OPTOMETRIST. An ophthalmic assistant can practice only under the supervision of an ophthalmologist unlike optometrist who can practice independently.
Here is a snapshot of the Bachelor of Optometry course details at Dr.Agarwals Institute of Optometry.
Course name | Bachelor of Science in Optometry |
Collaboration | Alagappa University / PRIST University |
NAAC | A+ grade (CGPA: 3.64) |
Specialization | Optometry |
BSc Optometry course duration | 4 years program (3 years academics + 1 year internship) |
Academic pattern | Academic year is divided into two semesters |
Eligibility | 10th / 12th with PCBM or pure science |
Admission Process | Entrance exam and interview (for first year entry) For Lateral entry – A diploma from university accepted by IOA/OCI. A two year ophthalmic assistant course from a reputed hospital with a clinical experience of at least two years. Transcript of the course studied. An Entrance exam for all students will be conducted and followed by a personal interview. Students should produce all the original documents for verification at the time of joining. Shortlisted candidates will be called for personal interview in the college. |
BSc Optometry fees | Rs. 1,10,000 per year (can be paid as Rs. 55,000 per semester) |
Employment Opportunities | Independent set up, hospitals, clinics, specialty clinics (vision therapy, contact lens, neuro optometry and myopia control clinic), dispensing labs, corporate, trainer, professional service, academician & research. |
BSc Optometry Salary Expectations |
Salary is always not a constraint for right candidate, average salary ranges from 2.5lakhs to 3.60lakhs for freshers. |
DAIO is one of the best BSc Optometry Colleges in Chennai with excellent faculty, opportunities for exposure and training.
The BSc optometry program is a full-time professionally accredited collaborative program with Alagappa University. The college is a registered body under the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) and the course structure is standardized as per the latest guidelines of ASCO & MoHFW. Dr.
Agarwal’s Institute of Optometry offers students outstanding optometric education and clinical exposure under the guidance of Dr. Agarwals eye hospitals.
Each year is divided into two semesters. A brief description of subjects for each year is given below.
Year | Semester | Subject |
First year | Semester – I | Prose and Communication Skills General anatomy and Physiology General and ocular biochemistry Geometrical optics Nutrition Basics of computers |
Second year | Semester – II |
Prose, extensive reading and communication skills |
Second year | Semester – III | Communicative Skills Visual Optics Ocular Disease I Optometric Instruments I General and Ocular Pharmacology Clinical Examination of Visual System |
Third year | Semester – IV | Employability Skills Optometric Optics Ocular Diseases – II Optometric Instrumentation – II Value added education |
Third year | Semester – V | Contact Lenses – I Binocular Vision – I Pediatric Optometry and Geriatric Optometry Dispensing Optics Public Health and Community Optometry Biostatistics |
Fourth year | Semester – VI |
Contact Lenses – II |
Fourth year | Semester – VII | Research Project – I |
Fourth year | Semester – VIII | Research Project – II |
In the fourth year, students are trained to handle patients and all instruments under the expertise of Optometrist and Ophthalmologist of Dr. Agarwal’s eye hospital which helps in developing self-confidence to handle the patient independently after completion of internship.
Private Practice |
Run and operate a private practice and provide direct care to patients. |
Specialty Practice |
vision therapy, contact lens, neuro optometry and myopia control clinic |
Retail/Optical Setting |
Practice as an independent consultant in a retail setting like Lawrence & Mayo, Titan Eye+, Lenskart and specs maker. |
Corporate |
Participating in clinical research and in creating eye-related products. |
Government jobs |
In the armed forces, public health center, UPHCs and different government hospitals. |
Academics |
Working in a university/college as a teacher/mentor to optometry students. |
Research |
Research to further ophthalmic technology |
Optometric / Ophthalmologic Professional Settings |
Working as a team with an ophthalmologist to co-manage patients. |
Professional Services |
Providing services to government bodies, specialty sports teams etc. |
Bachelor of Science in Optometry is a four year program. Each year is divided into two semester.
ADMISSION FEES
₹20,000
COLLEGE FEES
₹1,10,000/- Per Year (₹55,000/- Per Semester)
The provisionally selected candidate has to pay the prescribed fees through DD in the name of EYE RESEARCH CENTRE or through online transfer.
An Entrance exam for all students will be conducted and followed by a personal interview. Students should produce all the original documents for verification at the time of joining. Shortlisted candidates will be called for personal interview in the college. For more information on online entrance exam call: +91-9789060444
Availability of application form - 15th March 2023. Interested candidates can obtain the application form on payment of INR 1000 from:
146, Ranganayaki Complex, Opp. Post Office, Greams Road, Chennai 600 006.
X mark sheet (Xerox Copy) | XII mark sheet (Xerox Copy)
The duly filled in application form along with required enclosures can be submitted at
#146, 3rd Floor, Ranganayaki Complex, Greams Road, Chennai - 600 006.
COURSE COORDINATOR
Dr. Agarwals Institute of Optometry
146, Ranganayaki Complex, Opp. Post office, Greams Road, Chennai 600 006.
Contact: