Introduction

In the rapidly evolving world of the healthcare domain, one field that is becoming day-by-day more crucial than ever is vision science. The study of optometry is a healthcare discipline that centers around the examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of eye diseases and visual disorders. The professionals who work in the area are known as optometrists. They are eye care professionals who are responsible for identifying and treating eye abnormalities.

As the digital age advances, 95% of people—including young children—spend a considerable amount of time in front of screens like computers, tablets, and smartphones. Although these devices help us stay informed and engaged with the outside world, they also cause visual problems and eye strain. As a result, more and more people are coping with issues including dry eyes, poor vision, and even irreversible eye damage. This growing concern has led to a greater requirement for trained eye care professionals to maintain and improve eye health. In today's blog, we'll talk about vision science, covering developments in optometry, the range of careers available, and pay and perks.

A Growing Interest: Optometry Among Aspiring Medical Students

Master of Optometry is a PG course that provides in-depth education and training in optometry. It is generally followed by a bachelor’s degree in optometry. Many medical aspirants choose this field of study, a specialized branch of eye care and vision science. Vision therapy careers have a huge scope in India, which demands expert professionals. To build a strong educational and practical knowledge base, a Master of Optometry is considered the most reasonable and ideal choice.

Top 10 reasons to choose a Master of Optometry

• Huge Demand in the Eye Care Industry: Master of Optometry graduates are in high demand in hospitals, clinics, and optical chain stores. They employ M.Optom graduates directly.
• Diverse Career Roles: After a Master of Optometry, career opportunities can vary from a clinical optometrist to a vision therapist.
• Strong Scientific Foundation: This course provides extensive scientific research in vision science, optics, and ophthalmology.
• Lucrative Salary Packages: The graduates are offered competitive salaries in specialty clinics and private clinics.
• Suitable for Science Background Students: The biggest perk is that it accepts students from all science backgrounds. Biology/health students can switch directly to optometry.
• Advanced Clinical Training: Master of Optometry trains you with intensive clinical knowledge, which prepares you for higher-level positions with hands-on exposure.
• Government & Academic Scope: After the master's degree, you will be exposed to various opportunities in research, teaching, and public health.
• Exposure to Latest Eye Tech: The course trains you with the latest eye technology, such as computer eye exam training, specialty lenses, and devices.
• Route to Advanced Studies: It will lead you the way to a Ph.D., fellowships, and specialization courses.
• Global Career Range: The course is highly renowned in the global healthcare sector, which also offers various job prospects abroad.

Top 10 career opportunities after completing a Master of Optometry

• Clinical Optometrist: You can practice in private clinics, eye hospitals, or private practice, diagnosing and treating eye diseases.
• Contact Lens Specialist: Work as a specialist in prescribing and fitting customized contact lenses.
• Vision Therapist: Treat patients with disorders of binocular vision, lazy eye, and various vision disorders.
• Pediatric Optometrist: Specialize in children's eye care, identifying and treating childhood vision issues.
• Low Vision Specialist: Help rehabilitate and provide visual aids to patients with low vision or blindness.
• Ocular Disease Consultant: Co-manage and treat diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.
• Academic Faculty: Teach optometry students at colleges and universities.
• Optical Industry Consultant: Provide technical assistance and product development support to eyewear companies.
• Researcher in Vision Science: Conduct research on eye care technology, treatments, and innovations.
• Public Health Optometrist: Work with government or NGOs to promote community eye health initiatives.

Salary after a Master of Optometry

The salary scope after a Master of Optometry can vary with experience and expertise. For an entry-level professional, it can range from ₹300,000 to ₹500,000 per year; for a specialist in contact lenses and ocular disease, it can range from ₹700,000 to ₹1,200,000 per year; and for a senior consultant & manager, it can range from ₹1,000,000+ per year.

• Master of Optometry at SGT University: Overview
  
  • Course Duration: 2 years (4 Semesters)
  • Course Fees: INR 100,000 (Per Annum)
  • Course Eligibility: Bachelor of Optometry with 55% marks
  • Key Subjects:
    • Epidemiology, Public Health, and Community Optometry
    • Binocular Vision and Paediatric Optometry
    • Ocular Diseases and Diagnostic Procedures
    • Low Vision Care
    • Research Methodology and Biostatistics