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Certainly, after Covid-19, various eye diseases are continuously increasing rapidly in the country. Due to watching computer and television for a long time, the eyes of not only children but also of youth and senior citizens are getting affected. According to the new report of the world famous Vision Loss Expert Group and International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, there are about 7.9 crore people in India whose eyesight is weak and whose risk of becoming blind is increasing. In such a situation, the career of optometry related to eye care and treatment is seen growing rapidly.
There is a need of around 2 lakh optometrists in the country
A recent survey can also give an idea of how rapidly the career of optometry is likely to grow in the country. According to the survey At present, there is only one optometrist for every two lakh people in India , whereas in the US and European countries there is one optometrist for every ten thousand people. According to an estimate , India needs about two lakh qualified optometrists. In view of this , the demand for qualified optometrists is going to increase tremendously in the coming years in India.
Various functions of an optometrist
Optometry is a science that deals with the functioning of the human eye. It deals with optical systems , the use of lenses and other optical aids , refractive errors and their correction. This health care profession deals with the correct examination , diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions. An optometrist is a doctor of optometry (OD) , He is not a medical doctor. He uses various vision therapies to correct eye abnormalities and can prescribe eye medications. The duties of an optometrist include recognizing the ocular and visual symptoms of eye diseases , understanding the many problems affecting the eyes, and referring patients to appropriate specialists for treatment. Thus, an optometrist plays an important role in identifying and diagnosing eye problems . The optometrist fabricates lenses according to the prescribed specifications and fits them according to individual requirements. The optometrist uses high-tech machines to make lenses hard or soft and also polishes them. In India, optometrists are not allowed to perform surgery. That is, he can do everything related to eye treatment except eye surgery.
Multifaceted Career Opportunities for Optometrists
Just as career opportunities are increasing in the healthcare sector, similarly there are very good career prospects in the field of optometry. If you want to brighten your career by saving the eyesight of others, then a career in optometry will definitely suit you , because you will get mental peace by filling the dark or weak eyes with bright light . Not only this, in this career you will be able to earn enough with prestige. This will give you a lot of money. Economic satisfaction You will also get this . Being an emerging career, there are immense possibilities in this. One reason for the increasing demand for optometrists is that the demand for spectacles , goggles and contact lenses is also increasing very fast these days. The best part is that there are career opportunities for optometrists both in India and abroad. As an optometrist, you can offer your services in hospitals and clinics where you assist ophthalmologists. According to government rules, optical shops also have to employ trained optometrists. An optometrist can get a job as an assistant to an ophthalmologist in hospitals or clinics. Apart from this, apart from working in private optical setups, one can also start his own clinic. Optometrists provide necessary assistance to patients of cataract etc. before and after the operation . If you want, you can also open your own optical shop. Apart from this, you can join spectacles or lens manufacturing companies as a product executive. You can offer your services to any NGO.
Optometrist Career Skills
There are some important skills to make a career in the field of optometry . The first skill is related to having an interest in biology and human service. Special technical skills are also necessary for a career in this field. With practical qualities like restraint, patience and evaluation skills, one can climb the career ladder rapidly in this field of optometry.
Educational Requirements for an Optometrist Career
To become an optometrist, one has to do a course in optometry. To do this course, it is necessary to have passed 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology and English with 50 percent marks. To get admission in optometry course, some institutes conduct centralized joint entrance examinations. These include AIIMS, BBP, ISET, which are valid all over the country. This is a four-year course, in which theoretical education is given in the first three years and internship is done in the last year, if you want, you can also do a diploma in optometry, which is of two years. Many medical and technology related institutions of the country give admission in courses like BSc in Optometry on the basis of their own entrance examinations or merit. For this also, one must have passed 12th from PCB or PCM. During the course, information about optical equipment, physical optics, physiology, anatomy, eye asymmetry, measuring vision defects, methods of correction etc. are taught. Basic science is taught to the students . Along with practical training in clinical subjects, internship is also provided in various hospitals , specialty eye clinics and other related technical institutions .
Where to do optometrist course
Degree and diploma courses in optometry are available in various medical and technical institutes of the country including Madhya Pradesh. You can pursue a career in this field by pursuing a course in optometry from a suitable institute as per your interest, qualification and abilities.
Dr. Jayantilal Bhandari ( Career Counselor) 111, Gumasta Nagar , Indore- 9 ( Phone- 0731 2482060, 2480090)
