Diploma in Optometry Vs Bachelor in Optometry

Optometry is a field of medicine that deals with the matters related to the eye, such as diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illnesses and diseases related to the eye. Soon after clearing the class 12 board examination in India, aspirants will be able to pursue either a Diploma level degree, i.e. Diploma in Optometry or a Bachelor level degree, i.e. Bachelor in Optometry (B.Optom).

Since there are two levels of education that are available in India under optometry, it is inevitable to find oneself in a confusing position. Since one degree is a full-fledged 4-year degree and the other a 3-year comprehensive degree, both the degrees will result in different career opportunities.

In this article, we will speak on the difference and similarities between both the degrees, which will further help you decide the degree and courses for yourself.

What are B.Optom and Diploma in Optometry?

Both B.Optom and Diploma in Optometry are entry-level or undergraduate degrees offered by Paramedical colleges across India. The duration, skill and qualification received through both the degrees are different.

B.Optom:-

Bachelor of Optometry or B.Optom is a 4-year undergraduate degree in the field of optometry. Through the B.Optom course, a student will go through various aspects relating to the study of human eyes, illnesses and diseases of the eye. The degree has been designed with the focus on assisting the academic proficiency of the students.

The course is aimed at teaching aspirants concepts and problem-solving techniques for issues such as low vision aids, diagnosis and treatment of oculomotor dysfunction, refractive conditions of the eye, design and fit corrective lenses along with offering public health optometry.

Diploma in Optometry:-

Diploma in Optometry is a 3-year optometry degree, designed to teach students the different concepts of eye-health, diseases, diagnosis and treatment of Human eyes. The course curriculum that a Diploma in Optometry will be required to follow will be similar to that of a B.Optom student.

The Diploma in Optometry course has been designed as a career-oriented programme rather than an academic-oriented course. However, the future prospects of the course vary when compared to that of a B.Optom graduate.

B.Optom and Diploma in Optometry Eligibility Criteria

To pursue both the degree, all candidates have to meet the basic eligibility criteria, that have been outlined by each and every Optometry-offering college in India. As per the eligibility criteria for both the degrees:

B.Optom Eligibility Criteria

• All aspirants should have cleared their class 12 board examination from a recognised board of education, i.e. CBSE, ICS/ICSE, or any equivalent state board.

• Along with the clearing the exam, it is also imperative that the candidates have cleared the examinations in compulsory subjects such as English, Physics and Chemistry and one other subject among Biology and Mathematics.

• Some B.Optom colleges in India will be required to have appeared for an entrance test. This will vary from college to college.

• Along with the entrance exam, some colleges will also require aspirants to be of a certain age, prior to taking admissions in the course, which will be at 17 years old as on 31st December.

Diploma in Optometry Eligibility Criteria

• All candidates will be required to have cleared the class 12 board examination from a recognised board of education.

• While some colleges may require applicants to have qualified the class 12 board examinations in Science Stream, some may grant admissions to those who cleared the qualifying exam in other streams.

• Being a Diploma course, applicants may not be required to sit for any entrance exam, however, this will depend on the different Diploma in Optometry Colleges in India. Some colleges may conduct their own entrance test to enrol students under the programme.

General Syllabus for B.Optom and Diploma in Optom

Students pursuing either of the degrees will notice that the syllabus and the curriculum followed under either degree are similar in nature. The syllabus for both the degrees have been mentioned below.

Bachelor in Optometry

*The fourth year will mainly comprise of an internship as per the guidelines mentioned by individual paramedical colleges/universities. Therefore, candidates are advised to ensure that they go through the institute-specific curriculum prior to applying for the course.

Diploma in Optometry

Career and Future Prospects of B.Optom and Diploma in Optometry

The major reason for pursuing any kind of education is to build the base for pursuing a stable and secure career path in the future. The same notion applies here. The future prospects of both the degrees, i.e. Diploma in Optometry and Bachelor of Optometry, are different.

Among the job profiles that are available for all the candidates who pursue B.Optom and Diploma in Optometry ar as follows:

Optometry graduates can find a career path in one of the following employment areas:

• Private and Government Hospitals

• Medical Centres and Organisations

• Optical Manufacturing Industry

• Army and Public Health Bodies

• Educational Institutions

Higher Education Possibilities

Aside from embarking on a career path, a significant divergence arises when optometry graduates contemplate pursuing higher education within this field. B.Optom graduates have the option to pursue postgraduate degrees in optometry, such as M.Optom or M.Sc in Optometry. Conversely, Diploma in Optometry graduates have a different route, which entails first obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Optometry followed by postgraduate courses in Optometry.

Diploma program participants are obligated to invest additional years in undergraduate studies before they can embark on higher-level courses.

In addition to variations in higher education prospects and career opportunities for students undertaking these programs, the initial annual salary packages offered to fresh graduates also exhibit disparities. Naturally, the remuneration scale for Optometry graduates depends on the skills and knowledge they have acquired.

For instance, a Bachelor's graduate can anticipate a higher annual salary package compared to a Diploma graduate. The annual pay package for Optometry graduates can range from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 per month. As they accumulate experience and expertise in the field, optometry graduates can command even higher salaries.

Top Diploma in Optometry Colleges in India

Some of the Top colleges that offer Diploma in Optometry course are mentioned below:-

Top B.Optom Colleges in India

Some of the Top colleges that offer B.Optom course are mentioned below:-

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