Eying a bright future

Aruna Singh

The term optometry is derived from the Greek word ‘optos’ which means eye or vision and ‘metria’ which means measurement. 

Optometrists  conduct eye examination, diagnose vision conditions, and prescribe corrective therapy. These health professionals have a specialisation in eye care and deal with patients suffering from partial sight, hereditary vision defects, squint, weakening of eye muscles etc. 

The scope for optometric practice in India and abroad is extensive. A dynamic and challenging career offers medical professionals job flexibility, financial success and unlimited opportunities.

Optometrists are experts at determining one's refractive error and prescribing appropriate correction. They deal with vision screening, diagnosis of visual problems, orthotics and vision training, optometric counselling of patients with partial sight, colour blindness and hereditary vision defects. They deal with designing and fitting of spectacles, contact lenses and low-vision aids. They also prescribe vision therapy, eye exercises to patients complaining of eye conditions, such as squint etc.

Though optometry and ophthalmology deal with vision disorders, there is a stark difference between the two. An optometrist performs all tasks of an ophthalmologist but not surgery.

Vision issues in India

Recent statics show that every third vision-impaired person in the world is an Indian. Millions of people in our country are suffering from various eye defects. Optometry is the right career option for those who hope to alleviate human suffering. In a populated country like India, the demand for optometrists is very high and is expected to rise further in the coming years. A recent survey conducted in India shows that there is only one optometrist for two lakh people, whereas the ratio is 10,000 to one in a developed country like the US. It is estimated that there is a requirement of over two lakh qualified optometrists as opposed to the current availability of a meager 5,000.

The way ahead

Students who aspire to study degree or diploma courses in ophthalmic technology should have cleared Class XII or equivalent examination with a minimum of 50 per cent marks in physics, chemistry and biology. To become a licensed optometrist, one must have an aptitude for it. Self-discipline, patience, willingness to serve others, dedication and persistence and the ability to deal tactfully with patients are a few qualities to become a successful optometrist. say Aruna Singh. 

Job prospects

Optometrists conduct eye tests to examine a patient's vision and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses and provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation. After completing the course in optometry, an optometrist can explore various career options. You can establish an independent practice by starting your own eye clinic, optical shop, lens manufacturing unit, etc. You can work at an optician's showrooms, or assist an ophthalmologist. You can even be a part of contact lens and ophthalmic lens industry. 

An optometrist can also seek employment in any multinational company dealing with eye-care products as professional services executives or take up teaching as a career. You can pursue higher education or can go for further research in the field of optometry. You can also take up the work of occupational health specialists who monitor vision of industrial workers. 

Currency check

Optometry is one of the top ten high-income professions in the country today. An optometrist's earning is determined by several factors, including the cover under provincial medical programmes, fee structure in an organisation, working hours, practice location, services provided and patient population. The initial salary of an optometrist in a government firm is Rs 18000 per month or above plus other allowance. Salaried optometrists tend to earn more initially as compared to those who set up their own practices. However, those in the private practice earn more in the longer run.

The writer is principle of Delhi Paramedical and Management Institute