The job sectors for optometrist, can be divided into the following areas:
- Corporate sector
- Private practice
- Work for an optical chain or under an optical store
- Public health
- Industries/companies
- Eye care hospitals & institutions
- Education sector
- Scientific research
The aims of the recommended curriculum are to produce Optometrist who are :
- Technically and clinically competent;
- Understand the theoretical basis for evidence based practice;
- Independently competent in vision care as defined;
- Effective members of the multidisciplinary team;
- Prepared to participate in or initiate research into practice;
- Can work according to registration requirements on the respective continents.
Learning Objective: At the completion of this course, the student should :
- Be able to develop skills to provide comprehensive eye examination
- To acquire knowledge on ocular structured, its functions and pathological changes.
- To carry out ophthalmic investigations.
- To impart knowledge with regard to common eye diseases.
- To impart knowledge on treatment modalities from the perspective of counselling.
- To acquire knowledge about the referral guidelines for ocular and systemic conditions.
- Be able to correct refractive error and provide a spectacle prescription.
- Be able to fit, evaluate, prescribe and dispense contact lenses for refractive correction and other ocular conditions.
- Be able to assess the low vision and provide comprehensive low vision care.
- Be able to have adequate knowledge to develop skill in manufacturing of spectacle lenses, contact lenses and low vision devices.
- Be able to do a complete binocular vision assessment, manage non-strabismic binocular vision anomalies and refer condition which warrants surgery.
- Be able to assess the visual demands for various occupations and match it to the visual capabilities. Also be able to advice on eye safety ware for various occupations.
- Have knowledge and skill for early detection of various ocular conditions and pathologies - Refractive error, Strabismus, Cataract, Diabetic retinopathy, Glaucoma etc.
- Have knowledge regarding organizations of eye banks and preservation of ocular tissues.
- Have knowledge on sensory substitution and other rehabilitation measures for totally visually challenged.
- Have knowledge of counselling on visual / ocular hygiene, nutrition and environmental modifications.
The expectation of the future graduates in the providing patient care.
- The optometrist will work independently or in conjunction with other eye/health care professionals.
- The optometrist will be knowledgeable, skilful and analytical in diagnosis, treatment planning, management of visual defects & impairments and in co-managements of ocular conditions.
- The optometrist can work in hospitals (both private and public sectors), optical outlets and / or work as an independent practitioner
- The course will lead to a basic degree in optometry, which is considered as the minimum essential for statutory registration of optometrists in countries where optometry has been brought under the legislaton.
- Undertake public health, optometry projects and vision screening eye camps in schools, colleges, urban slums, rural areas and also practice occupational optometry in industries.
- Public education on ocular hygiene and related nutritional and environmental counselling.
- Offer a helping hand and or efficiently manage and successfully run any ophthalmic clinic, optometry department in hospitals, optical shops, and offer product expertise in opthalmic industry & trade.
