B Optometry is a very satisfying vocational course in itself, but if you are looking to pursue higher studies after your graduation then this article will help you explore if a Master of Optometry is the right choice for you after completing B Optometry

While B Optometry is a 4-year program, M Optometry is 2-year postgraduate coursework involving the study of detection, diagnosis, and treatment of various eye illnesses and conditions such as binocular vision, crossed eyes, eye injury, and improper function of the eyes.

This curriculum involves advanced techniques that equip students with the skills and treatment processes required to cure various eye illnesses and conditions. This curriculum is an in-depth continuation of what you have learned during your B Optometry course.

This training received after B Optometry primarily focuses on behavioral optometry, vision therapy, low vision diagnosis & treatment, advanced contact lenses, rehabilitation, binocular vision, and neuro-optometric rehabilitation.

Aspirants who intend to pursue the course must hold a B Optometry degree or its equivalent from a recognized institute and must have scored at least 50% aggregate score.

Most Universities and colleges offer admission basis the aggregate score, entrance exam scores, and personal interviews.

On average the fees for M Optometry courses range between 1 Lakhs to 2 Lakhs per year, however, the Government colleges charge much lesser for similar offerings as compared with private institutions which is much higher than the fees for B Optometry

The average pay scale of a Master of Optometry ranges between 4 Lakhs per anum to 12 Lakhs per anum and is proportional to the experience in the field. The most promising prospects for M Optometry graduates include working as an Optometrist, Optician, Ophthalmologist, or Optics Professor. On the other hand, a B Optometry graduate only earns between 3 Lakhs per anum - 8 Lakhs per anum.

B Optometry graduates can also pursue further studies after completing M Optometry and achieve a Ph. D in Optometry which makes them eligible for the roles of lecturer, professor, and readers in colleges and universities.

Few most important points that B Optometry graduates to make note of are:

• The M Optometry course helps position the career toward working as an Optometrist at primary eye care centers
• This course work will focus on detecting and treating common eye diseases & disorders, managing issues such as binocular vision, squints, cross-eyed,  and improper functioning of the eyes
• By completing a Masters degree after your B Optometry, you will learn skills that will enable you to offer specialist consultation for eye care and eye-related problems along with providing diagnostic intervention and treatments.
• Like the B Optometry coursework, the masters course too will involve theory as well as rigorous hands-on practicals.

M Optometry Curriculum:

The M Optometry curriculum focuses on more specific disciplines that an aspirant has learned during their B Optometry coursework. It is a 2-year program that includes 4 semesters and the syllabus is as follows:

Semester 1        

• Basic Sciences and Clinical Optometry
• Advance Dispensing Optics
• Community Optometry & Public Health        
• Advanced Glaucoma and Pediatric Optometry (Elective)        

Semester 2

• Clinical Optometry-II
• Neuro Optometry
• Orthoptics & Vision Therapy
• Business & Clinical aspects in Optometry

Semester 3        

• Cornea & Contact Lens
• Low Vision & Rehabilitation
• Recent Advancements in Optometry
• Special Clinic I
• Project / Dissertation        -

Semester 4

• Special Clinic II
• Project Dissertation II

Why should you choose to study M Optometry?

The field of Optometry is one of the most satisfying careers in the medical field. Like most fulfilling careers Optometry too is dynamic and presents individuals with challenging and complex situations which helps constantly refine the skill achieve at great lengths in their careers. Pursuing a Masters program after completing Bachelor of  Optometry will help you take your career miles ahead.

It’s natural that individuals who have completed their masters after B Optometry have found themselves opened up to many job opportunities.

After completing M Optometry students can work with reputed companies and manufacturing plants.

With a postgraduate degree in Optometry, you will be able to solve the complex problems related to the vision which is most common amongst people across ages in India.

With an M Optometry degree aspirants can pursue higher studies such as M Phil & Ph. D

This coursework will also equip students with the practical knowledge of running a clinic or an eye hospital and those with potential can consider setting up their own practice.

What are more options to pursue after B Optometry?

As mentioned before completing a Masters degree after B Optometry can open up students to great career opportunities. Optometry professionals are well respected in societies and get to play different types of roles. They are open to setting up their own practice and eye care clicins  

Here are the opportunities that one can pursue after a post-graduation in Optometry.

Optometrist: Optometrists are primary health care providers and they specialize in diagnosing, and testing issues related to eye and vision health. Optometrists are medical professionals who focus on vision care by diagnosing, testing, and prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses by examining the internal and external structure of the eye.

Orthoptist: An orthoptist is an individual who focuses on diagnosing issues related to the movements of the eye and how the vision is connected with the brain which includes binocular vision, double vision, and depth perception.

Orthoptists are involved in treating the “Cross-Eyed” disorder. This disorder causes the eye to look in opposite directions at the same time.  Orthoptists are also involved in assisting surgeries performed by ophthalmologists. To become an Orthoptist a B Optometry graduate will be required to complete a 2 Year certification course.

Ophthalmic Medical Technician: An Ophthalmic Medical Technician is a trained individual who helps an Ophthalmologist with various tasks such as diagnosing issues, testing, creating reports, and, surgical assistance.  A degree in B Optometry can help you apply for such jobs.