Ophthalmic Technology courses are not just limited to UG courses, but also, there are diploma courses that make a candidate eligible for a good job. In this article, we will look into both diploma and UG degree courses in Ophthalmic technology.
While diploma course is not as good as UG program, both the courses offer a candidate equal job chances. But the pay and job title might be different. Now, let us not waste time, let’s look into each course.
In this article, we will look into
- Diploma in Ophthalmic technology
- B.Sc. Ophthalmic technology
Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology
As the course name itself suggests, this is a diploma course that is designed in such a way that it offers the candidate with training and knowledge adequate for assisting qualified Ophthalmic technology professionals. Most commonly, a candidate who has completed a diploma in Ophthalmic technology assists ophthalmologists in diagnosing and treating patients.
Once the DOT (Diploma in Ophthalmic technology) course is completed, the candidate will have strong basic knowledge of the eye care fundamentals and can have the practical knowledge to perform basic ophthalmic procedures with efficiency.
Diploma in Ophthalmic technology: Course duration –
This is a diploma course and therefore, the course duration could be no longer than 2-years. Commonly, each year is split into semesters and each semester ends with a written evaluation and practical exam.
Diploma in Ophthalmic technology: Eligibility criteria –
Different colleges, institutions, or universities could follow different eligibility criteria. However, in general, the most commonly used eligibility criteria are listed below.
- The candidate should have passed 12th with at least 45% marks.
- The candidate must have studied chemistry and physics in 11th and 12th along with maths or biology.
While this is a general eligibility criterion, some of the colleges, institutions, or universities might add some extra criteria, which includes.
- The candidate should attend and pass the entrance test conducted at the state or national level.
- The candidate should attend and pass the entrance test conducted by the college, university, or institution.
Some establishments offer direct admission, but, such admissions might involve capitation fees.
Diploma in Ophthalmic technology: Course fee –
A candidate could peruse this course in a government or private college. The annual fees in a government college at an average could be as low as INR 1500 and maximum INR 35000. On the other hand, in private colleges, the annual fee could minimum of INR 45000 and a maximum of INR 175000.
Diploma in Ophthalmic technology: Course syllabus –
The 2-year course could be split into two years or these two years could be further split into semesters. It depends on the college, institution, or university. In the same way, the syllabus followed could also differ. However, the most common subjects taught are.
- Basic physics of light
- Basic human science
- Basic orthoptics
- Visual optics
- Communication skills
- Computer science
- Basic pharmacology
- Dispensing optics
- Optometry instruments
- Hospital training
- Optometry practices
- Ocular diseases and conditions
- Community optometry
- Contact lenses
Diploma in Ophthalmic technology: Job opportunities and career –
If you complete and pass the DOT course, you could get employed in eye care hospitals, optical shops, eye clinics, community healthcare centres, and hospital administration.
Now, when it comes to the job profile, a candidate could decorate the job titles as an ophthalmic assistant, ophthalmic technician, optometry assistant and lab assistant, an ophthalmic nurse.
The job could be in private or public sector. While the salary package in public sector might not be very good, they are permanent job. On the other hand, in private sector the salary could be better or almost the same.
Diploma in Ophthalmic technology: Salary package –
In general, most of the candidates who have completed the course and are employed today draw an average salary of INR 150000 to 250000 per annum.
B.Sc. Ophthalmic Technology
B.Sc. in ophthalmic technology course is far better than diploma course, but, it does not mean diploma course is inferior. Both the courses are good. However, this is a UG course and the level of knowledge and skills acquired from this course is comparatively very high.
B.Sc. ophthalmic technology is an undergraduate degree program that is in demand today. With the use of smartphones, laptops, and other mediums, the number of people having eye issues has been increasing each year, so does the demand for an ophthalmologist.
B.Sc. ophthalmic technology is considered a paramedical course that is designed to produce qualified technicians who could assist specialists before, during, and after eye-related surgery. The course focuses on processing, treating various diseases and illnesses of the human eye.
As the optometry field is evolving every year, the course also gets updated to meet the new technology and procedures. Those candidates who peruse B.Sc. ophthalmic technology course would be able to gain knowledge on processes and methodologies used to treat a diverse range of eye disorders and diseases.
B.Sc. Ophthalmic technology: Course duration –
As you know, this is an Undergraduate degree program and therefore, the course duration is 3-years. The 3-year course duration is split into 3 different years and each year a set of different subjects are taught along with some practical’s.
B.Sc. Ophthalmic technology: Eligibility criteria –
The eligibility criteria for different colleges, institutes, or universities could differ. However, in general, the below mentioned are the eligibility criteria to enroll for this course.
- The candidate should have passed 12th
- The candidate should be from a government recognized board of education
- The candidate should have secured at least 50% marks in the 12th board exams
- The candidate should have perused physics, chemistry, and biology as major subjects in 11th and 12th. Some colleges or universities allow maths instead of biology.
Apart from these general eligibility criteria, the candidate should satisfy the below-mentioned criteria.
- Some colleges or universities conduct their own entrance test, the candidate should attend and score qualifying score in such test.
- Some colleges or universities demand the candidate to attend and pass state or national level entrance exams.
- Some colleges or universities offer direct admission based on the 12th marks.
B.Sc. Ophthalmic technology: Course syllabus –
1st year –
- Human anatomy
- Orthoptics
- Optics
- Physiology
- Clinical pathology
- Practical’s
- Ocular microbiology, anatomy, and pathology
2nd year –
- Refraction
- Pharmacology
- Ophthalmic investigation
- Ophthalmic instruments and appliances
- Practical’s
3rd year –
- Eye bank
- Clinical refraction
- Investigative ophthalmology
- Ophthalmic technology management
- Advanced optics and orthoptics
- Contact lens
- Community ophthalmology
- Clinical optics and orthoptics
- Practical’s
B.Sc. Ophthalmic technology: Course fee –
The course fee of B.Sc. ophthalmic technology could differ based on the college and university. If it is a government college or university, then the fee could be comparatively low. On average, the annual course fee is around INR 30000 to 100000.
B.Sc. Ophthalmic technology: Admission process –
Unlike other paramedical courses, no state or national level entrance test ae conducted for B.Sc. Ophthalmic course. Therefore, most commonly, colleges or universities conduct their own set of entrance exams. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of seats available, acquiring the top rank is important to get admitted. However, the first thing you need to do is to keep track of the college or university official website after the 12th board exam is concluded. Once, the application form is published, fill in the form and submit it offline or online as instructed. If the application is accepted, you could get direct admission or attend an entrance test based on the college or university.
B.Sc. Ophthalmic technology: Job opportunities and career –
If you haven’t noticed, the demand for B.Sc. ophthalmic technology graduates is increasing every year, therefore, immense job opportunities are waiting.
A graduate in B.Sc. Ophthalmic technology could get employed in the private or public sector. Most commonly, the recruiting establishments are listed below.
- Educational institutions
- Health safety programs
- NGOs
- Government hospitals
- Private eye hospitals
- Private eye clinics
A graduate in B.Sc. ophthalmic technology could find a job as
- Nursing executive
- Clinical supervisor
- Ophthalmic assistant
- Ophthalmic technologist
- Medical technologist
- Ophthalmic photographer
B.Sc. Ophthalmic technology: Salary package –
The salary of a B.Sc. ophthalmic technology graduate could vary based on the sector he/she is working in. The salary package offered in the public sector in India could be comparatively lower than in the private sector. However, abroad, the salary could be double.
In general, in India, on average, the salary could be between 2 to 10 lakh per annum. As with any other job, as the skills, experience, and reputation improve, the salary also increases.
Before you join any course in this field, you must make sure you are joining for the right course. There are different courses in this field that almost sound the same, but are different. For example, B.Sc. Ophthalmic technology is a 3-year course. While B.Sc. The ophthalmic technique is a 4-year course. In the same way, there are optometry courses too. Therefore, check each course and then join the one you are interested in.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the important details about Ophthalmic Technology Course?
Ophthalmic Technology course is a certificate program that leads to a diploma. The course will take three years to complete (for Xth passed students). The educational year is split into semesters in the majority of institutions that offer this course, for each semester lasting a total of six months.
- What is the admission process of this course?
The majority of institutions use a direct admissions process. Candidates who are interested in applying must complete an application form. Depending on the institute’s intake capacity and the marks earned by deserving candidates in their board examinations, seats will be assigned to deserving candidates.
Some institutes also conduct their private certification exam and/or interview in addition to the public ones.
- What are the career prospects after the DOT course?
Graduates after the DOT course are capable of performing patient tests and examinations, preparing prescriptions and dispensing glasses and contact lenses, and operating ophthalmology equipment/instruments and optometric practices.
DOT professionals with the skills listed above may find employment in a variety of settings, including eye medical centers (where they may work under the supervision of an eye specialist), optical stores, care homes, units producing lenses and other optical support, units manufacturing optometry equipment, and testing labs.
- List down top recruiting companies that accept DOT graduates?
The list includes:
- Orphanage
- Fortis hospital
- AIIMS
- Max hospital
- Metro Hospital
- Kailash Hospital
- Nursing council both Indian and state
- Red Cross Society of India
- List the top DOT entrance exams?
Listed below are some of the common and popular Diploma Ophthalmology entrance exams.
- NATA
- NIFT
- JEE Advanced
- CPT
- What are the benefits of the ophthalmic technology course?
Ophthalmology has a promising future in India and foreign countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Gulf countries.
The demand for ophthalmologists is significant in both the public and private sectors, and the supply is limited. Occupational opportunities for ophthalmology specialists are plentiful both in the public & private sectors, respectively.
Ophthalmology experts can also consider a career in non-profit organizations, missionary hospitals, and other similar settings.
- What can I do after the Ophthalmology technology course?
After completing a Certificate in Ophthalmology, you can start a career as a product manager, specialty consultant, associate professor, Sales Executive, or Zonal Sales Manager, among other positions of responsibility. They can find employment in a variety of settings in both the public and private sectors, including health facilities, food manufacturing industries, and private health clinics.
- Is it beneficial to pursue a DOT course from a private college?
Yes, studying Diploma in Ophthalmology at a private college is unquestionably advantageous. There are numerous placement and job opportunities with private colleges, and deserving students end up doing exceptionally well as a result of scholarships.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
