| Degree | Bachelors |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Science in Optometry |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Age | The minimum age limit to enroll in the course is 17 years. |
| Minimum Percentage | 50-60% aggregate in 10+2 examination for general category students and 5% relaxation for reserved category students. |
| Average Fees | INR 40,000-2,00,000 per year |
| Average Salary | INR 2.60 LPA (Source:Ambition Box) |
| Employment Roles | Optometric Technician, Contact Lens Specialist, Optometrist, etc. |
| Top Recruiters | Lenskart Solutions, Titan Eye Plus, ASG Eye Hospital, etc. |
BSc Optometry or Bachelor of Science in Optometry focuses on theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of optometry, which is centered around eye and vision care. Top colleges like Dr. MGR Medical University, SVIET, Centurion University of Technology and Management, etc., offer a BSc in Optometry course. The courses fall under the umbrella of BSc courses.
B.Sc Optometry curriculum helps students gain hands-on experience in conducting eye examinations and prescribing corrective measures such as glasses and contact lenses so that they can work in roles like Low Vision Specialist, Optometrist, Refractive Surgery Coordinator, etc. The average salary of a BSc Optometry graduate is INR 2.60 LPA ( Source: Ambition Box).
The admission procedure for BSc in Optometry requires candidates to fulfill a certain set of basic eligibility criteria including merit marks, entrance exam scores, subject requirements, etc. Below listed are the common BSc Optometry eligibility criteria:
B.Sc in Optometry graduates are in high demand as the field of optometry is expanding due to developments in optometric technology. Nowadays, optometrists are capable of diagnosing and treating a greater variety of ocular diseases. Below listed are a few important pointers regarding why one should choose a BSc Optometry course:
The admission to BSs Optometry course is done through the entrance exam in colleges like Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeeth or on the basis of merit scores in PDM University, SVIET, etc. Below listed is the general BSc Optometry admission process:
The admission to BSc in Optometry course is done on the basis of entrance exams held at national and institute levels such as NEET, Amrita Entrance Examination, etc. Below listed are a few important BSc Optometry entrance exams along with colleges accepting the entrance exam:
BSc in Optometry Entrance Exams | Registration Date | Accepting Colleges |
April 2024 | Dr. MGR Medical University | |
September 2023 – October 2023 | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeeth | |
Era University Entrance Exam | May 2024-July 2024 | Era University |
The average BSc Optometry course fee is in the range of INR 40,000-2 LPA. The optometry course fees in government colleges range from INR 40,000-70,000 PA, whereas for private colleges the fee is between INR 50,000-2 LPA. Below listed are the best colleges for BSc in Optometry course with their average fees:
Name of the College | Average Annual Fees |
INR 90,000 | |
INR 1,32,000 | |
– | |
INR 1,05,000 | |
INR 1,10,000 | |
– | |
INR 94,500 | |
INR 80,000 | |
– | |
INR 40,000 | |
– | |
Apollo University | INR 97,800 |
Max Healthcare Education | – |
SRI Manakula Vinayagar School of Allied Science | INR 1,00,000 |
Read More: Top BSc Optometry Colleges in India
The BSc Optometry course can be pursued in full-time and distance mode in India. Below listed are BSc Optometry course details:
Types | BSc in Optometry Eligibility | BSc Optometry Duration |
Full-Time | 10+2 (High School Degree) with a minimum of 50-60% marks for the general category and 45% marks for the reserved category + Entrance Exam Score + GD/PI Performance | 3 Years |
Distance Education | 10+2 (High School Degree) with a minimum of 50% marks for the general category and 45% marks for the reserved category | 3-5 Years |
The UGC-DEB recognized distance learning B.Sc. in Optometry program aids students in comprehending course principles in a flexible and economical manner. A few crucial pointers for the distance learning BSc Optometry course are listed below:
The first-year BSc Optometry syllabus focuses on concepts and principles of optometry, basic sciences, and clinical skills. The second-year syllabus covers advanced ophthalmic optics, visual perception, and clinical rotations whereas the third-year syllabus focuses on clinical specializations such as geriatric optometry, contact lenses, pediatric vision, etc.
Below listed are a few important BSc Optometry subjects along with topics covered:
BSc Optometry Subjects | Topics Covered |
Anatomy and Physiology | Neuroanatomy, Visual Perception, Structure of the Eye, Ocular Blood Flow, Myopia, Hyperopia, and Astigmatism, etc. |
Optics and Refraction | Law of Refraction, Principles of Light, Lens System, Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity, Refraction Errors and Correction, etc. |
Ocular Pharmacology | Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Medication Safety and Administration, Common Ocular Medications, etc. |
Contact Lens Fitting and Management | Types of Contact Lenses, Contact Lens Materials and Designs, Keratometry and Topography, Contact Lens Prescription, etc. |
Read More: B.Sc Optometry Syllabus and Subjects
The BSc in Optometry course is offered by top colleges with a focus on equipping students with a foundation in optometry and practices that help them gain a license to work as an optometrist in their region. Below listed is the comparison of course for the top 3 colleges offering B.Sc Optometry course:
College Name | Dr. MGR Medical University | SVIET | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham |
Average Fees | INR 1.10 LPA | INR 90,000 PA | INR 2 LPA |
NIRF Ranking 2023 | 92 | NA | 7 |
Admission Process | The candidate needs to have 50% marks in 10+2 (high school degree) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English. | The candidate needs to have 50% marks in 10+2 (high school degree) in Physics and Chemistry as mandatory subjects and Biology or Maths as an additional subject. | The candidate needs to have 60% marks in 10+2 (high school degree) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English. |
Top Recruiters | Reliance Life Sciences, Omega Healthcare, Vertex, etc. | Bioclinica, Clicklabs, etc. | Healthcare Community in Government semi-government, and commercial sectors. |
Average Placement | INR 4 LPA | INR 4.50 LPA | NA |
BSc Optometry has a broader scientific approach, covering subjects such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and optics. On the other hand, B.Optom. is more specialized and focuses primarily on optometry-related subjects, such as visual science, clinical optometry, and ocular diseases.
The table below showcases the differences between a B.Sc in Optometry and B.Optom:
Course | BSc in Optometry | B.Optom. |
Full Form | Bachelor of Science in Optometry | Bachelor of Optometry |
Course Overview | The emphasis is more on optometry’s science and theory. | A comprehensive program that blends theoretical understanding with significant clinical practice in eye care and vision correction. |
Stream | Science | Science |
Duration | 3 Years | 4 Years |
Eligibility | 10+2 (high school degree) with a minimum of 50% marks in PCM. | 10+2 (high school degree) with a minimum of 50% marks in PCM/B. |
Entrance Exams | GAT, NEET, Amrita Entrance Exam, etc. | CUET, TJEE, KCET, IUET |
Top Colleges | SVIET, Dr. MGR Medical University, SGRR University | SRM University, Chandigarh University, AIIMS Delhi, RIMT, etc. |
Fees | INR 40,000-2 LPA | INR 20,000-2 LPA |
Average Salary | INR 2.60 LPA | INR 2-4 LPA |
Job Role | Optometrist, Speciality Lens Consultant, Refractive Surgery Consultant | Vision Care Researcher, Optician, Ophthalmologist |
Read More: B.Optom
The BSc Optometry salary in India on average is INR 2.60 LPA (Source: Ambition Box). Graduates after having three-plus years of experience can earn up to INR 6 LPA. Below listed are job roles for BSc in Optometry graduates along with their average entry-level salaries:
BSc Optometry Jobs | Entry Level Average Salary | Salary After 3 Years of Experience |
Vision Therapist | INR 4 LPA | INR 6-8 LPA |
Clinical Optometrist | INR 3.10 LPA | INR 7.60 LPA |
Public Health Optometrist | INR 2.70 LPA | INR 5-6 LPA |
Speciality Lens Consultant | INR 3.30 LPA | INR 5.60-7 LPA |
Read More: BSc Optometry Salary
The graduates after completing a BSc Optometry can enroll in a higher education program or advanced certification courses to enhance their skills and domain knowledge. Below listed are a few courses that a B.Sc Optometry graduate can pursue:
The career options after BSc in Optometry are vast, graduates can work in top organizations like Titan Eye Plus, Lenskart, SIMS Hospital, ICARE Eye Hospital, etc. Below listed are a few BSc Optometry job roles offered to graduates along with their job designation, top companies, and average salaries:
Job Designations | Hiring Companies | Average Salary |
Contact Lens Specialist | Lenskart Solutions, Advanced Eye Hospital and Institute, etc. | INR 4 LPA |
Optometrist | Titan Eye Plus, Vasan Eye Care, Specsmakers, John Jacobs, etc. | INR 4.20 LPA |
Low Vision Specialist | ASG Eye Hospital, Vision Express, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, etc. | INR 3.20 LPA |
Ocular Disease Specialist | Bombay Hospital, JSS Hospital, Vasan Eye Care Hospital, etc. | INR 4-5 LPA |
The B.Sc Optometry graduates are hired by various private and government departments or organizations in fields like hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, optical chains, school, special education centers, etc. Below listed are a few top recruiters for graduates:
Top Recruiter | BSc Optometry Monthly Salary (Average) |
Lenskart Solutions | INR 25,000 |
Titan Eye Plus | INR 26,000 |
Specsmakers | INR 29,282 |
Optum | INR 16,000-25,000 |
Essilor | INR 32,000 |
[Source: Glassdoor]
The students who want to study BSc Optometry can get scholarships from government initiatives, private and government colleges based on merit score, annual income, and other related factors. Below listed are a few scholarships for BSc Optometry course:
Scholarship | Eligibility Criteria | Amount |
Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities |
| INR 4,000 |
The Global Minority Scholarship |
| INR 50,000 |
To excel as an Optometrist BSc graduate a combination of domain knowledge and practical skills is required. Below listed are a few skills required by the graduate:
The BSc in Optometry syllabus focuses on training the students on all aspects of theoretical and practical knowledge related to the human eye. The course also equips the students with the required skills in operating the various medical equipment to carry out medical procedures. The course covers both fundamentals and skill-based subjects. Listed below are the semester-wise breakdown of BSc Optometry Syllabus
B.Sc Optometry 1st year syllabus includes subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology etc. Listed below are the BSc Optometry 1st year syllabus:
Semester I | Semester II |
General Anatomy | General and Ocular Biochemistry |
General Physiology | General Anatomy and Physiology |
Geometrical Optics | Physical Optics |
Environmental Physics | General Biochemistry & Ocular Biochemistry |
Practical Topics in the First-Year BSc Optometry Syllabus:
Given below are the practical topics in the BSc in Optometry syllabus:
The BSc Optometry second-year syllabus focuses on more advanced subjects such as General Physiology and Ocular Physiology, Hospital Procedures, General Anatomy and Ocular Anatomy etc. Listed below are the BSc Optometry Syllabus for semester III and semester IV:
Semester III | Semester-IV |
Visual Optics (Optics III) | Visual Optics (Optics IV) |
Lighting & the Eye | Ophthalmic & Optical Instrumentation & Procedure II |
Medical pathology & Microbiology (General & Ocular) | Clinical Refraction I |
Ophthalmic & Optical Instrumentation & Procedure I | Ocular Disease I (Anterior Segment Disease) |
Pharmacology | Ophthalmic Lens & Dispensing Optics |
Practical Topics in the Second-Year BSc Optometry Syllabus
Given below are the practical topics in the BSc in Optometry syllabus:
BSc Optometry third-year syllabus focuses on subjects such as Binocular Vision & Ocular Motility, contact lenses, visual aids and management etc. Tabulated below are the BSc Optometry Syllabus for semester V and semester VI:
Semester-V | Semester-VI |
Binocular Vision & Ocular Motility | Systemic Condition & the eye |
Contact Lens I | Public Health & Community Optometry |
Clinical Refraction II | Biostatistics |
Ocular Disease II (Posterior & Neuro-eye Disease) | Contact Lens II |
Low Vision Aids & Visual Rehabilitation | Professional Practice Management |
– | Applied Optometry & Orthoptics |
Practical Topics in the Third-Year BSc Optometry Syllabus
Given below are the practical topics in the BSc in Optometry syllabus:
BSc Optometry Subjects foster a holistic understanding of the concepts of optometry, anatomy and physiology, optometry hospital procedures, pharmacology etc. B.Sc Optometry subjects first year covers the basics such as Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, etc. BSc in Optometry subjects are classified into core and elective subjects. Given below are the subject details:
The BSc in Optometry core subjects helps the students understand human anatomy and physiology, drugs related to optometry, pharmacological effects of each drug, biochemistry, etc. Given below are the core subjects for BSc Optometry course:
The BSc Optometry elective subjects can be chosen by the students based on their area of interest, scope for higher studies, job opportunities etc. Listed below are the elective subjects for BSc Optometry courses:
BSc in Optometry subjects covers both basic and advanced topics such as the composition of blood, cell structure, cardiovascular system, oculomotor system, nervous system, Anatomy of the muscular system, and Gametogenesis, Structure of DNA- Physical and chemical properties of DNA & RNA, etc. Given below are some of the important BSc Optometry subject lists along with the topics covered:
BSc Optometry Subjects | Topics Covered |
General Physiology | Biophysical & Biochemical Principles, Cell Structure, Blood Vascular system, Genetics |
Biochemistry | Oxygen transporting protein, Vitamins, Amino Acids, Protein Structure, Basic outline of hormone action |
Ocular Anatomy | Embryology –ocular, Orbit, Embryo, Cornea, Lens, Zonules, Uveal Tract & its vascular supply |
Lighting and the Eye | Eye and Vision, Photometry, Guild Flicker photometer- Photocells photo multipliers, Light Sources, Light Installation |
Pharmacology | Preparation and packaging of ophthalmic drugs, Drug action and effectiveness, Ocular penetration, Ophthalmic diagnostic drugs, Topical anaesthetics, Ophthalmic Drugs – antibiotics, corticosteroids, anaesthetics, viscoelastic agents. Antiglaucoma drugs. |
The syllabus for the BSc Optometry course may differ from college to college depending on the curriculum and program objectives. To learn in detail about a particular college BSc in Optometry syllabus, students can visit the college website and download the BSc Optometry Syllabus 2023 PDF. Below listed is the syllabus for BSc Optometry from top colleges in India:
The Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences syllabus focuses on three years of theory-based learning along with 6 months to 1 year of practical training with internships which enables the students to equip themselves with the industry-required skills and knowledge. Tabulated below is the BSc Optometry Syllabus in Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences:
Semester-I | Semester-II |
General Anatomy & General Physiology | Computer Basics & Computer Programming |
Basic Biochemistry & Nutrition | Functional English & Communications |
Ocular Anatomy, Ocular Physiology & Biochemistry | Basic Accountancy |
Physical & Geometric Optics & Principles of Lighting | Mathematics |
Semester-III | Semester-IV |
Optometric Optics & Dispensing Optometry | Medical Psychology |
Pharmacology, Microbiology & Pathology | Clinicals |
Clinical Examination Of Visual System & Optometric Instruments Optometry | – |
Visual Optics | – |
Semester-V | Semester-VI |
|---|---|
Contact Lenses | Paediatric Optometry, Advances In Optometry & Binocular Vision |
Systemic and ocular diseases | Clinical Posting |
Low Vision Aids & Geriatric Optometry | Research Methodology & Biostatistics |
Practice management, law in optometry & occupational optometry | – |
The BSc Optometry syllabus at the University of Mysore focuses on the fundamentals and skill-based subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology. Lighting and Eye etc. Given below is the University of Mysore B.Sc Optometry Syllabus:
Semester-I | Semester-II |
Physical Optics | Geometric Optics |
Anatomy and Physiology | Ocular Anatomy and Physiology |
Biochemistry | Microbiology |
– | Physical and Geometric Optics |
Semester-III | Semester-IV |
Optometric Optics | Dispensing Optics |
Visual Optics-I | Visual Optics-II |
Optometric Instruments and Examination of Visual System | Systemic Disease |
Pharmacology | Examination of Visual System (Practicals) |
– | Pathology (Practicals) |
Semester-V | Semester-VI |
Ocular Disease-I | Occupational Optometry |
Binocular Vision-I | Contact Lenses-II |
Low Vision Aid | Ocular Disease-II |
Contact Lenses-I | Binocular Vision-II |
– | Geriatric and Pediatric Optometry |
– | Contact Lens and Low Vision Aid (Practicals) |
To gain a better understanding of the BSc Optometry syllabus and subjects, students are required to submit project or research work on topics related to B.Sc in Optometry. Listed below are some of the trending topics for project or research work:
The BSc Optometry course structure is a blend of theoretical concepts and industry-driven applications which includes an understanding of anatomical structure, standards and optometric procedures in healthcare facilities, clinical training, assessment and diagnostic studies, etc. Below is the BSc Optometry syllabus structure, which includes:
