What is B.Optom?
Optometrists are primary eye-care professionals. They test vision, find out whether you need glasses or contact lenses, check eye coordination, screen for problems like glaucoma, cataract and diabetic eye disease, and refer patients to ophthalmologists when treatment or surgery is needed.
In B.Optom you study ocular anatomy and physiology, optics, refraction, contact lenses, low vision, binocular vision and paediatric eye care, along with general sciences like biochemistry and microbiology. Clinical training in eye hospitals and a final-year internship build your hands-on skills.
How it differs from close alternatives: an ophthalmologist is a doctor (MBBS + MS/MD) who treats eye disease medically and surgically; an optometrist does not operate or treat with most medicines. A diploma in optometry or ophthalmic assistance is shorter and narrower. Optometry is listed under the NCAHP, which has notified a national curriculum.
Who is this course for?
- Science students interested in eyes, vision and optics
- Students who like patient contact but prefer a shorter path than MBBS
- Those who may want to run an optical or eye-care clinic
- Students with both Biology and Physics interests
- People who are precise and good with instruments
- Those interested in public health work like school and community eye screening
What you study
- Year 1
- General and Ocular Anatomy
- General and Ocular Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Geometrical Optics
- Physical Optics
- Communication skills
- Year 2
- Ocular Microbiology and Pathology
- Visual Optics
- Optometric Optics and dispensing
- Clinical Examination of Visual System
- Ocular Pharmacology
- Year 3
- Contact Lenses
- Binocular Vision and Orthoptics
- Low Vision Care
- Ocular Diseases
- Paediatric and Geriatric Optometry
- Public Health and Community Optometry
- Year 4 (Internship)
- Clinical rotations in refraction, contact lens, low vision, binocular vision and specialty eye clinics
- Research project
Specialisations and electives
Contact lensesPaediatric optometryBinocular vision and vision therapyLow vision rehabilitationOphthalmic dispensingCommunity and public-health optometrySports and occupational visionMyopia control
Eligibility & admission
- Pass in Class 12 (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry and Biology; some institutes also accept Mathematics in place of Biology.
- Usually at least 50% aggregate in the science subjects (relaxation for reserved categories as per rules).
- Minimum age is usually 17 years.
- Some reports say NEET-UG will be required for several allied courses including optometry from 2027-28; check NCAHP for the official rule.
- Diploma holders in optometry may get lateral entry at some universities.
How admission works
- Pass Class 12 with the required science subjects and marks
- Shortlist institutes and note each one's route: entrance test, CUET-UG, state counselling or merit
- Apply online and appear in the entrance test or interview where required
- Attend counselling or check the merit list
- Verify documents, complete an eye/medical check if asked and pay fees
Entrance exams
JIPMER allied health admissionfor B.Optom at JIPMER, Puducherry
Elite School of Optometry entrancetest plus interview for ESO, Chennai
CUET-UGused by some central and private universities
University entrance testse.g. Manipal (MAHE) and other private universities
State paramedical counsellingfor government seats in some states
Planning to study B.Optom?The AISEE merit scholarship can cover up to 100% of tuition fees at participating colleges. One online exam, results by rank.
Apply for AISEE-2027
Top colleges for B.Optom
| College | City | Why it stands out |
|---|
| JIPMER | Puducherry | B.Optom among allied health courses; NIRF 2025 Medical rank 4 |
| Elite School of Optometry (Sankara Nethralaya) | Chennai | dedicated optometry school since 1985 |
| Christian Medical College (CMC) | Vellore | optometry training with a large eye department; NIRF 2025 Medical rank 3 |
| Manipal College of Health Professions, MAHE | Manipal | allied health school with B.Optom |
| Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | Chennai | deemed university with optometry |
| Jamia Hamdard | Delhi | deemed university offering B.Optom |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth School of Optometry | Pune | established optometry school |
| Lotus College of Optometry | Mumbai | specialist optometry college |
Ranks are from the NIRF 2025 India Rankings where shown. Check each college’s official website for this year’s seats, fees and cut-offs.
Careers & salary
Clinical optometristPerforms eye exams and refraction in eye hospitals and clinics.
Contact lens specialistFits and manages routine and specialty contact lenses.
Optical store optometrist / ownerTests vision and dispenses spectacles in retail chains or your own shop.
Binocular vision and vision therapistTreats squint, lazy eye and eye-coordination problems with therapy.
Low vision specialistHelps people with poor vision use aids and adapt daily tasks.
Ophthalmic industry professionalWorks in lens, instrument or pharma companies in training or product roles.
Community eye-care coordinatorRuns screening camps and programmes with NGOs and the government.
Top recruiters & sectors
Government hospitals and AIIMS-type institutesAravind Eye Care SystemL V Prasad Eye InstituteSankara NethralayaDr. Agarwal's Eye HospitalLenskartTitan Eye+Essilor / EssilorLuxotticaBausch & LombEye-care NGOs and Vision 2020 programmes
Salary
Freshers typically earn ₹2.5–5 LPA (approx.) in eye hospitals and optical chains. Corporate and industry roles can pay more, while small clinics may pay less.
Pay grows with specialisation (contact lenses, binocular vision, myopia control), a master's degree and experience. Optometrists who run their own clinic or optical store can earn well beyond salaried roles; experienced professionals commonly reach ₹6–12 LPA (approx.). Figures vary; check current placement reports.
Scope & higher studies
India has a large burden of uncorrected refractive error and a growing need for eye screening, especially for children (with rising myopia), people with diabetes and the elderly. There are far fewer optometrists than the population needs, so trained graduates are in demand from hospitals, retail chains and public programmes.
Formal regulation under the NCAHP is expected to make a recognised degree and registration more important, which favours B.Optom graduates over people without proper qualifications.
After this course
- M.Optom (Master of Optometry)
- Fellowships in contact lenses, paediatric optometry or low vision
- M.Sc in Vision Science or Clinical Optometry
- MBA in Healthcare Management
- Licensing and master's programmes abroad (e.g. UK, Australia, Canada)
- PhD in optometry or vision science
B.Optom FAQs
Is an optometrist a doctor?
No. An optometrist is an allied health professional who examines eyes and prescribes lenses. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who treats eye diseases and performs surgery.
Can I take B.Optom with PCM?
Some institutes accept Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, while others require Biology. Check each college's prospectus before applying.
Is NEET needed for B.Optom?
For 2026-27, most colleges admit through their own tests, CUET-UG or merit. NCAHP has indicated NEET-UG for several allied courses from 2027-28, so check the latest notice.
How long is B.Optom?
Most programmes run for four years, usually three years of study and one year of clinical internship.
Can I open my own optical clinic after B.Optom?
Yes, many optometrists run their own clinics or optical stores. You will need registration as required by NCAHP and your state allied health council.
AISEE - 2027 Online Scholarship Application Available 
