In order to pursue a career in Optometry or Ophthalmic Technology one needs to be well trained in the subject of interest. When it comes to the question of how to become an optometrist, the steadiest way is to pursue B.Sc. in Optometry and Ophthalmic Techniques. Some of the universities also categorise the course under Bachelor of Science Honours in Optometry and Ophthalmic Techniques. This undergraduate Optometry course is a gateway for jobs in the healthcare profession. The coursework instills the knowledge of using modern technologies concerned with eyes and its related branches of study. An optometry career will equip the candidate in dealing with professions of:
Vision
Visual systems
Vision information processing.
Bachelor of Science Honours in Optometry and Ophthalmic Techniques can be pursued for three years of academic study, skill development and training. There are many universities such as Sharda University which offer optometry courses. Some of the universities also provide a diploma in optometry dealing in Optometry and Ophthalmic technologies.
The course work is well structured and thoroughly professional. It is quite a job-oriented because it deals with specific skill sets required in the field of Optometry . After pursuing the course, many options are available for the students to make a career after Optometry and Ophthalmic Technology.
In order to seek admissions in B.Sc. in Optometry and Ophthalmic Techniques, the candidates must meet the minimum eligibility:
10+2 or its equivalent exam in Science stream with English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The candidates must secure 45% marks in the aggregate.
The minimum marks for seeking admission for this course may vary for different colleges and universities.
The candidates must keep a track of the entrance or admission tests of various universities and colleges which offer the desired course.
A career in Optometry and Ophthalmic Technology
B. Sc. in Optometry and Ophthalmic Techniques makes the students well prepared to go for various job avenues. There is a tonne of scope in optometry as a field because the candidates can also conduct jobs that require operating machines for work; such as polishing edges, hardening and adjusting the sizes of lenses.
There is always a potential for growth in seeking a higher degree program in the respective subjects such as further research work. The graduates manage any optical related trade including primary dispensing of spectacles and professional education in Ophthalmic Optics (Optometry).
The field also opens chances of starting one’s own eye clinic, optical shop, lens manufacturing unit, etc. This is a much more viable option for people with entrepreneurial skills and acumen.
Jobs after B.Sc. in Optometry
Jobs after B.Sc. in Optometry and Ophthalmic Techniques open a wider variety of sectors and industries. Here is a list of sectors which welcomes candidates with a degree or a diploma in Optometry and Ophthalmic Techniques:
Commercial, Optometric or Industrial Spin-offs
Consulting
Health & Ergonomic Design and Regulation
Health Services Organizations
Imaging Technology Design, Sales & Consulting
Optical and Maintenance
Resource Management Division
Science Outreach & Communication
B.Sc.in Optometry and Ophthalmic Techniques offer not just an optometrist career but is also directed towards other professions. This increases the overall scope and potential of the career path that the candidates choose. Here is a list of professions that one may pursue after studying Optometry and Ophthalmic Techniques:
Adjutant General
Biomedical Systems Analyst
Budget Officer
Chief Manager
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Executive Officer
Health Care Administration Officer
Health Services Administration Assistant
Health Services Management Analyst
Health Services Program
Optometrist
Stock Control Officer
The job prospects are not limited by the number of accredited optometry schools. Licensed optometrists have good job prospects. But this, in turn, makes admission to professional degree programs in optometry highly competitive. The candidates completing the residency program gain additional experience during or after the completion of their coursework. This tends to further their job prospects. In addition, there is a dearth of professionals in the field; this creates new opportunities for upcoming graduating optometrists. This has indeed created a fertile territory for the students pursuing optometry currently.