Optometrist
Examines eyes for vision problems, prescribes glasses and lenses, and refers serious cases on.
Overview
Optometrists are healthcare professionals who examine eyes for vision problems and other issues. They can provide prescription for glasses and lenses. They are not medical doctors but can prescribe medications for eye related issues. Optometrists generally refer patients to ophthalmologists in serious cases.
Where they work
- Eye Hospitals
- Eye Clinics
- Glasses and Lens stores
Work environment
If you work in a clinic, the timings are 6 to 7 days a week for 8 to 9 hours per day. Shift system might be available. Entrepreneurship: Optometrists can also set up private practises.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are comfortable in communicating with others
- You pay attention to details while working
- You are good with gadgets
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Optom/B.Sc.) in Optometry.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.Sc./M.Optom) in the same field.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Optometry. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar
- Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Uttar Pradesh
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University, New Delhi
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Amity University, Gurugram, Haryana
- Chandigarh University, Chandigarh
- Chitkara University, Patiala, Punjab
- Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Institute of Management Study, Kolkata, West Bengal
- The Assam Kaziranga University, Jorhat, Assam
- Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal, Karnataka
- Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed to be University, Haryana
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Junior Optometrist
- 2Optometrist
- 3Senior Optometrist
Related careers to explore
Ophthalmologist
Medical eye specialist trained in surgical eye procedures and extensive eye care.
Medical Technician
Runs medical equipment and procedures — MRI, X-ray, ECG, EEG — and keeps instruments working.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Jameel H Rizwana — President of the Optometric Association of Tamil Nanbargal (OATN). She was also a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. She has completed her M.Phil and Ph.D in optometry and has become the first Indian to be awarded the prestigious Fellowship from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (FCOVD), USA. She is now the head of the Rivoli Vision Academy.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 387 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Optometrist/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The printed card places Amity University's Gurugram campus in Uttar Pradesh; Gurugram is in Haryana, and the state is corrected here.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.