Optometrist

Eye tests and refraction (finding the right power), prescribing glasses and contact lenses, spotting signs of eye disease and referring patients to an eye surgeon, helping children with squint or lazy eye, low-vision aids, and eye-screening camps.

A day in the work
You start by checking the day's list of patients, from a child who cannot read the board to an older person with blurry vision. You take their history, measure the power of their eyes with instruments and trial lenses, and check how the eyes work together. You then explain the result, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and teach a first-time lens wearer to put them in. Where you see signs of something serious, such as high eye pressure or a retina problem, you write a referral to the eye surgeon and follow up. Some days you also visit a school or village for an eye-screening camp.

1. Step 1 · Class 11–12Take Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) or Maths (PCM). Most colleges look for about 50% in these subjects and at least 40% in every subject (reported). Optics in Physics and the eye in Biology are good practice for what you will study later. (reported — check with the official body)
2. Step 2 · After Class 12Apply to colleges. Many admit on Class 12 marks; others run their own test, and AIIMS has a separate paramedical entrance exam. Check that the course follows the national NCAHP optometry curriculum and has a teaching eye hospital attached. (reported — check with the official body)
3. Step 3 · 4 yearsB.Optom. You study optics, eye anatomy, refraction, contact lenses, binocular vision, eye diseases and low-vision care. The new curriculum has you meet patients from the first year (reported). (reported — check with the official body)
4. Step 4 · 1 yearCompulsory internship in eye hospitals and community settings, rotating through refraction, contact lens, children's and other clinics. Some hospitals pay a small stipend (reported). (reported — check with the official body)
5. Step 5Register with your State Allied and Healthcare Council. A person who holds a recognised qualification and lives in the state can apply (NCAHP Act 2021, Section 33). The certificate is valid for five years. Renewal needs a fee and, under the 2026 regulations, yearly continuing education (reported).
6. Step 6 · WorkJoin an eye hospital, clinic, optical chain or lens company, or start your own practice with experience. Many people begin as a junior optometrist and grow into contact-lens, children's or low-vision work.
7. OptionalM.Optom (2 years) or a PhD in vision science, for teaching, research, or senior clinical and hospital roles. (reported — check with the official body)

• B.Optom / BSc Optometry (main route)A degree of at least 4 years after Class 12 is the route to the 'Optometrist' title and independent eye-testing work (reported).
• 2-year Diploma in Optometry / Ophthalmic AssistantA shorter diploma puts you in the 'Ophthalmic Assistant' category, a supporting role, not the optometrist title (reported). Some people later upgrade to a degree. Ask the college about lateral entry before you choose.

Fees from: NCAHP Act 2021 (India Code), registration and State Council functions · AIIMS B.Sc prospectus 2024 (official PDF, application fee table) · Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham B.Optom programme page (official, fee structure) · Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University B.Optom page (official, fee structure 2026-27) · AIIMS B.Sc courses 2026 notice (official, no fee detail). Fees change every year — check the college's own fee page before you pay.

Pay usually starts modest in clinics and optical chains, and rises with experience, extra skills such as contact lenses or children's eye care, a postgraduate degree, a bigger city, or running your own practice.

AIIMS paramedical admissions follow category reservation (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD), with lower qualifying marks for reserved categories (reported). Which seats are open to PwBD candidates in optometry changes by campus and year, so check the AIIMS information brochure or your college's prospectus.

• Class 7–9Read the Class 10 Science chapter on the human eye and try the lens and ray experiments. Then ask your family who wears glasses and what the numbers on their prescription mean. Look for the free NCERT books and lessons on the DIKSHA app.Open link ↗
• Class 10–12Use your school Physics lab to trace rays through a convex and a concave lens. Ask an optometrist at a local eye hospital or clinic if you can spend an hour watching how an eye test works, with a parent along.
• College or afterVolunteer at an eye-screening camp run by a hospital, an NGO, or your NSS or NCC unit, and learn to take basic vision readings under supervision. At 15 or older you can also look for health-camp volunteering on MY Bharat.Open link ↗

• An optometrist, an optician and an ophthalmologist are three different jobs. The optometrist tests eyes and prescribes lenses. The optician makes and fits the glasses. The ophthalmologist is an MBBS doctor with an MS who treats eye disease and does surgery.
• Optometry is regulated by NCAHP, not by the National Medical Commission. That is why NEET is generally not needed (reported).
• Before paying any fee, check that the college is recognised, that the course follows the NCAHP curriculum, and that it includes a full-year clinical internship.
• Rules are still being rolled out. Confirm the latest registration steps with your state council or the college.