What is the scope of optometry course in Kerala?.

After 12th class one can join in B.Sc. Optometry. It is a full-time 3-year course. How to measure the eyesight? How to decide on the requirement of the lenses? Is the eye having any other diseases and how to cure them? These subjects will be taught in this course.

The eligibility criteria for joining in this course are a pass in +2 course or Intermediate course. All eligible candidates have to write an entrance test and based on the rank obtained in the entrance test students will be called for counselling and based on the availability and your interest the seat will be allotted.

The course fee will depend on the institute the candidate joined and it will be between Rs2,00,000/- to Rs.6,00,000/-,

The candidates qualified in this will have many job opportunities. There are government jobs and private jobs also. Starting Salary will be between Rs.20.000/- to Rs.30.000/- per month. The Salaries will be more for the experienced. Various jobs are available in

1. Eye clinics,
2. Optician showrooms
3. Contact lens and ophthalmic lens industry
4. Hospital eye department

Various institutes are available in Kerala and the following are a few from the available lot.

1. Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala.

2. Amrita Vishva Vidyapeetham Kochi Campus, Kochi, Kerala.

3. Jain University, Kochi, Kerala,

4.Medical Trust Institute of Medical Sciences (MTIMS), Kochi, Kerala

5. Kerala University of Health Sciences., Thrissur, Kerala.

This profession is in high demand these day. An optometrist do visual screening, visual problem diagnosis, check lenses and contact lenses and counselling of patients. As they are licensed. Sometimes they may prescribed some eye medicines also. An optometrist earn approximately 4-5 leaks per annum and a licenced and experienced optometrist can get more up yo 8- 9 lakh per annum.
There are many courses in Optometry are available across India.
A candidate, passed out 10+2 with physics, chemistry, biology and English is eligible to take admission in these courses. He should scored have more than 70% marks.
Courses available for Optometry
1. Diploma in optometry: 2 year course available after 10+2
2. Bachelor degree courses: A candidate can do B.Sc. or Bachelor of Optometry after 10+2. Duration is 3-4 years.
3. Master degree courses: A candidate may take admission in M.Sc or Master of Optometry after completing bachelor degree. It is of 2 years duration.
4. Some certificates courses are also available.
5. After master degree one can also do Ph.D or Doctorate in Optometry.
Career Opportunity:
After completing course in Optometry, one can start his career as optometrist in any eye hospital or as optician in any shop or a showroom. You can also work as a private practitioner or visual consultant.
Following institutes in Kerala are offering courses in Optometry:
1. Susruta School of Optometry and Visual Sciences
Adddress: Ravindran Rd, Tagore Nagar, Giri Nagar, Kadavanthra, Ernakulam, Kerala 682020
Cpntact: 0484 4000586

2. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Address: Health Sciences Campus, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Elamakkara P.O., Kochi - 682 041, Kerala, India
Contact: 9400998635

3. Lotus Bausch Lomb Institute of Optometry
Address: Netaji Road, Sahodaran Ayyappan Rd, Kadavanthra Junction, Indira Nagar, Kadavanthra, Kochi, Kerala 682020
Contact: 9995034567

4. SRS Private College
Address: Pallichal Rd, Valummel, Kochi, Kerala 682005
Contact:9751211130

5. RCM School Of Optometry
Address: Tripunitturra, Kerala
Contact:7025310002

6. Alsalama College of Optometry
Address: Kozhikode - Palakkad Hwy, Shanti Nagar, Perintalmanna, Kerala 679322
Contact:9072555222

7. Al Salama college of optometry and Management studies
Address: Azhakodi Temple Road, Thiruthiyad, Kozhikode, Kerala 673004
Contact:9072555222

8. Kerala University of Health Sciences
Address: Medical College, P.O, Kerala 680596
Contact: 04872207664

9. Vasan Institute Of Ophthalmology And Research
Address: Up Hill, Malappuram, Kerala 676505
Contact: 7034656666

Optemetry is the branch of science dealing with test of vision - correctness of individual patient and any disease connected with the eye may be revealed from the optician so as to corrective steps. Some of the deformities connected with eyes are myopia, hyper myopia, squint, alternate divergent squint, Catract etc. In that way, they assist the eye - specialists in detecting the abnormalities which if not treated may cause total vision - loss.
An aspirant can start the career of optician with a certification course of one and half year after completion of 10+2 course from Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
However, to have the better prospects as an optician, one would require to take up B.Sc in Optemetry wth some renowned university and in that case, one needs the minimum qualifying marks of the university to be shortlisted for the admission apart from clearance of both written and oral test so as to be included in the list of successful candidates. B.Sc in Optemetry is three year duration covering the entire syllabus related to eye - hygiene and related to eyes - disease such as infections, damage of cornea apart from correction of vision acuity. In fact, the optician helps the eye - specialist to diagonise the problems related to eyes.
M.Sc in Optemetry and further a doctorate degree can be persued if one would like to opt for teaching line or have the passion for research after attaining a Doctorate - degree.
In respect of emoluments, the aspirants can earn from a band of Rs 20000/- to Rs 40,000/- depending upon the experience of the individuals and place of posting.
They may get assignment in Medical - colleges as opticians or refractionist, in a private eye - clinic or in some optical centres as visual - consultants.
Some of the leading institutions in Kerala offering Optemetry courses are as follows -
1) SRS Private College, Kochi
2) Amritha Viswa Vidyapeetham Kerala.
3)Kerala University of Health - science, Kerala.
4) Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala.
5) Jain University, Kochi.
6) Vasan Institute of Opthalmology and Research, Kerala.

"Optometry" is derived from the Greek words "opsis" which means "view" and "metron" which means "to measure". Optometry is a profession that focuses on eye care, vision and visual system that includes testing, detecting, nursing and guides people with visual diseases and disorders of eyes using optical instruments to improves human vision and helps to correct it with lenses and spectacles.

Eligibility Criteria: To take-up Optometry(Diplom, Bachelor's degree(B.Sc.) or Master's degree) course one needs to have passed or appeared his higher secondary or 10+2 in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics and English from a recognized state or national board with a minimum aggregate score of 60%. The candidate needs to have attended 17 years of age and some have passed the entrance exams NEET-UG(National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Under Graduate). Many colleges have their own entrance exams and you can approach the college for more details. It is a 4 years course, 3-year full-time semester pattern undergraduate course, i.e six semesters of six months each and a 1-year internship.

Job opportunities for an optometrist: After studying Optometry, one can make their career as optometrists, ophthalmologists or opticians.
- An Optometrist examines the internal and external structure of the eyes and focus on regular vision care and prescribe eyeglasses and contacts.
- An ophthalmologist is one who specializes in the surgical and medical care of the eye vision system and offers complete eye care services like Diagnosis and treatment of eye, Plastic surgery, etc.
- An Optician who uses a prescription that is written by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist and is trained to design, verify fit eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices to correct eyesight.
- As a Professor and teach optometry in colleges
- As a Private Practitioner and Vision Consultant and provide optometric counseling to patients with partial sight and hereditary vision defects.
- As a Customer Care Associate and help detect diseases or fit contact lenses or Low Vision Aids
- As a Trainee Optometrist and help in eye tests, contact lenses, exercises
- As an Optometry Researcher and collaborate with opticians, ophthalmologists, lens manufacturers
- Start their own eye clinic, optical shop, lens manufacturing unit and practice as an Optician.

Salary of an optometrist: A fresher can earn an average salary in a range between Rs.25, 000 to Rs.40, 000. An experienced and skilled optometrist salary can go up to at least Rs. 5 to 7 lacs in a year depending upon the hospital/company, clinic location, etc.

Institutes in Kerala offering courses in Optometry are:
i) Name: Al Salama College of Optometry
Address: Hospital Road, Perintalmanna, Malappuram, Kerala 679322
Phone/Mobile No.: 04933 393363 / 9072 555222
Email id:info@alsalamaschools.in

ii) Name: Al Shifa College of Paramedical Science
Address: Lemon valley, Angadipuram PO, Perintalmanna, Malappuram, Kerala 679321
Phone/Mobile No.: 04933 228088 / 229820 / 9745 105620
Email id:alshifaacpms@gmail.com

iii) Name: Kerala University of Health Science (KUHS)
Address: Medical College PO, Thrissur, Kerala 680596
Phone/Mobile No.: 0487 2207 616 / 664 / 9847 210788
Email id: helpdesk@kuhas.ac.in

iv) Name: Regional Institute of Ophthalmology
Address: Govt. Ophthalmic Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695001
Phone/Mobile No.: 0471 230 4046 / 7749
Email id:

v) Name: Little Flower Institute of Medical Sciences and Research(LIMSAR)
Address: 7th floor, St. Alphonsa Block, Little Flower Hospital Campus, Angamaly, Ernakulam, Kerala 683572
Phone/Mobile No.: 0484 - 2454846
Email id: limsarangamaly@gmail.com

vi) Name: Rayhan College of Optometry
Address: Kuttipuram Road, Edappal, Thrissur, Kerala 679576
Phone/Mobile No.: 0494 268 5699 / 4299 & 9388456600 / 9388556600
Email id: rayhaneyehospital1@gmail.com

Note: Always join Colleges that are affiliated to recognized universities. Don't join Institutions that are not affiliated or recognized and check the details of college and the university as some universities are not valid.