According to the National Library of Medicine, India approximately has 9000 four-year trained optometrist and in order to provide comprehensive vision care to all the people in the country, 115,000 four-year trained optometrists are required. The need for trained optometry professionals is significant, making the Bachelor in Optometry course very sought after. 

This blog contains everything that you need to know about optometry, from optometry course details to the career prospects that a candidate will enjoy after completing bachelor in optometry. 

What is Optometry? 

Optometry is a very respected and rewarding profession in the field of healthcare. If you are someone who wants to be associated with healthcare and patient care without being a doctor or nurse, then a career in Optometry might be the right choice for you. Optometry professionals monitor the patient’s eye health, work in treating, diagnosis, and managing treatments for visual disorders. An optometrist usually performs routine eye check ups to check the eyes’ health and look for changes in vision health.

How to become an optometry professional?

The most accessible and easiest way to enter the field of optometry is by pursuing Bachelors in Optometry. It is an undergraduate program of four years that is designed to prepare students for a career in the ocular field. It provides the students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and techniques required to examine, treat, and diagnose different vision health issues. There are a lot of colleges that provide this degree in India but one university that really stands out is MSU. Medhavi Skills University is one of the best universities in India offering Bachelors in Optometry. 

Career prospects after studying Bachelors in Optometry

The field of optometry is rapidly expanding and so is the need for trained professionals. Bachelors in Optometry graduates can expect good jobs with competitive salaries globally. Some of the many career opportunities for an aspiring optometry professional are as follow - 

• Optician - An optician is someone who provides or repairs eyeglasses. A manufacturing optician is concerned with making and repairing eyeglasses, making sure that lenses fit into frames. Whereas, a dispensing optician is someone who helps patients find their preferred frames or contacts and sells eyewear. 
• Clinical Optometrist - One very popular career path for Bachelors in Optometry graduates is clinical practice. Candidates may choose to work as an optometrist in various healthcare settings like hospitals, private clinics, or eye clinics. They are responsible for checking the eyes, prescribing corrective lenses and recognizing diseases like glaucoma and cataracts. 
• Ophthalmic Technician - An ophthalmic technician is someone who assists ophthalmologists in attending, diagnosing, and treating patients. They are responsible for conducting preliminary tests, operating specialized equipment, maintaining records and more. Ophthalmic technicians play a very important role in providing optimum patient care. 
• Public Health Eye Care - A Bachelors in Optometry graduate can choose to go the social work and welfare route as well and make a significant impact. Candidates may opt for health and community eye care programs by conducting eye camps, provide checkups, and provide awareness in underprivileged and underserved areas. One may even opt to work for an NGO.
• Entrepreneurship Opportunities - Students graduating with a Bachelors in Optometry degree can also explore entrepreneurship opportunities. They can choose to open their own business like opening their own optical store, or specialize in a certain field like an eye checkup expert, lens fitting expert or launch any app or website for eye services.
• Research and Academics - Optometry graduates eager to seek a more in depth knowledge and deeper understanding of the subject can opt for a postgraduate degree or even a PhD degree in the field. Someone who has a love for academics may choose to delve into the world of research and contribute to significant developments in the field of optometry. 
• Global Opportunities - The demand of trained optometry professionals is rising, not only in India but also globally. The skills and training acquired in the Bachelors of Optometry degree are very easily adaptable and transferable to other nations globally. Therefore, candidates can choose to explore their options globally. 

It is quite evident that the field of optometry is thriving and it is also certain that Bachelors in Optometry graduates can expect a good job with a competitive salary. Graduating from a reputed college or university gives the students an extra edge in the job market.

 Medhavi Skills University is the best university in India offering a bachelors in optometry degree in India. Therefore if you are someone who wants to start a rewarding career in the field of optometry, then MSU might be the right choice for you. Being a skill university, MSU focuses more on practical learning rather than only theoretical knowledge. 

Why Choose Medhavi Skills University for Studying Bachelors in Optometry?

Medhavi Skills University is the 1st university in India to integrate NEP 2020 in an industry-led format. MSU is also the youngest skills university to win medals at India Skills 2024, representing Sikkim on a national stage and preparing students for the World Skills Contest in France. Recognized by the Economic Times as the Best Brand in Education, MSU is one of two universities approved by the Directorate General of Training (DGT) to offer Work Integrated ITI (CTS) programs under the Flexi MoU Scheme. Among 1,200 Indian universities, MSU is one of four recognized “Awarding Body” by NCVET.

• It is a NEP 2020 aligned and UGC recognized Optometry degree course that focuses on outcome based learning emphasizing on industry requirements and standards. 
• Medhavi Skills University has partnered with top healthcare partners such as Apollo and Gayathri Hospitals to equip students with real-world exposure. These collaborations open doors to ample opportunities and real-world success for the students. 
• Medhavi also organizes workshops, seminars, and health camps for practical exposure of the students. In the health camps, students work and learn under the expert supervision of expert faculty members and seasoned professionals. 
• 60 to 70% of the curriculum includes skill components. Students receive on-job-training which ensures hands-on-learning and practical exposure to students. 
• In-House Eye Clinic at the campus for the students for best exposure to hands-on and  practical learning
• Students get trained with practical know-hows in both ‘industry as campus’ and ‘industry in campus’ settings. 
• This Optometry course also comes with additional industry and skill certifications. 

Here’s A Glimpse of How Optometry Students ‘Learn by Doing’ at Medhavi Skills University: