B.Optom - Bachelor of Optometry [Lateral Entry]
The Bachelor of Optometry Lateral Entry program offers a unique opportunity for individuals to enter the field of clinical optometry in the second year of the B.Optom. course. This four-year undergraduate program is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and practical skills required to excel in the field of optometry.
The curriculum integrates interdisciplinary content, including General Anatomy & Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Physical Optics, Geometrical Optics, Dispensing Optics, Visual Optics, and Optometric Optics. Students gain a deep understanding of the visual system and its related aspects.
Practical training sessions are an essential component of the program, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. These sessions cover Basic Science, Dispensing Optics, and Clinical subjects, enabling students to develop hands-on skills necessary for their future careers.
The program aims to achieve several outcomes. Firstly, students acquire extensive knowledge of optometry, encompassing a comprehensive understanding of the visual system. Secondly, the program focuses on skill-building, enabling students to excel in the healthcare services sector with a specialization in eye treatment. Lastly, the program emphasizes the development of communication skills and a professional attitude, essential for optometrists, vision consultants, and opticians.
The Bachelor of Clinical Optometry program at BV (DU) MC School of Optometry adheres to the guidelines set by the Indian Optometric Association and the World Council of Optometry. It aims to prepare optometrists who can fulfill various roles in primary healthcare. Graduates of the program will be proficient in estimating refractive errors and prescribing corrective measures, detecting pathological conditions of the visual system, designing and fitting optical aids, diagnosing and treating ocular-motility malfunctions, conducting public health optometry projects and vision screening eye camps, and managing ophthalmic clinics and departments.
By undertaking the Bachelor of Optometry Lateral Entry program, students embark on a fulfilling journey to become skilled optometry professionals. The program equips them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to contribute to the field of eye care and make a positive impact on the lives of individuals in need of visual assistance.
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Specializations
Here are some common specializations in optometry:
Pediatric Optometry: Specializing in pediatric optometry involves working with children and addressing vision-related issues specific to this age group. It includes diagnosing and managing conditions such as lazy eye (amblyopia), crossed eyes (strabismus), and refractive errors in children.
Contact Lens Optometry: This specialization focuses on fitting, prescribing, and managing contact lenses for patients. Contact lens optometrists assess the suitability of different types of lenses, provide guidance on lens care and maintenance, and address complications related to contact lens wear.
Low Vision Rehabilitation: Optometrists specializing in low vision rehabilitation assist individuals with visual impairments who have significant visual limitations that cannot be fully corrected with regular glasses or contact lenses. They help patients maximize their remaining vision through the use of specialized visual aids and strategies.
Vision Therapy: Vision therapy specialists work with patients to improve their visual skills and abilities. They use specialized exercises and techniques to treat conditions such as eye movement disorders, binocular vision problems, and visual perceptual difficulties.
Geriatric Optometry: Geriatric optomet...
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Colleges Offering B.Optom - Bachelor of Optometry [Lateral Entry]
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Bachelor of Optometry Lateral Entry program may vary depending on the specific university or institution offering the course. However, here are some general eligibility criteria that are commonly observed:
- Educational Qualifications: Candidates must have completed a diploma or equivalent qualification in Optometry or Ophthalmic Technology from a recognized institution. The diploma program should have a duration of at least two years.
- Minimum Aggregate Score: Candidates are typically required to have a minimum aggregate score in their diploma program, often ranging from 50% to 60%. The specific required score may vary depending on the institution.
- Registration: Candidates should be registered as an optometrist or with the relevant professional regulatory body. This registration is often mandatory for admission into the lateral entry program.
- Experie...
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- Technical and Clinical Skills
- Manual dexterity
- Analytical and Data Interpretation Skills
- Attention to detail
- Critical Thinking
- Science Background
- Patient care
- Leadership and communication
Scope
The Bachelor of Optometry Lateral Entry program opens up a wide range of career prospects for graduates. With a bachelor's degree in optometry, students can explore various opportunities in the field of eye care. Here are some of the potential career paths:
- Optometrist: Graduates can work as optometrists, providing primary eye care services, conducting eye examinations, diagnosing visual problems, and prescribing corrective measures such as spectacles, contact lenses, and low vision aids.
- Optometry Researcher: Students with a passion for research can pursue a career in optometry research, contributing to advancements in the field, studying new treatment methods, and exploring innovative approaches to vision care.
- Ophthalmologist: While further education is required, graduates can choose to specialize and become ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors specializing in eye care and capable of pe...
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Syllabus
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 3
- Semester 4
- Semester 5
- Semester 6
- General Anatomy & Physiology
- Ocular Anatomy & Physiology
- Basic Optics
- Physical Optics
- Ophthalmic Optics - I
- Dispensing Optics - I
- Basic Microbiology
FAQ's
Optometrists play a crucial role in primary eye care by diagnosing and managing visual problems, prescribing corrective measures, and detecting eye diseases. There is a growing demand for optometrists in eye clinics, hospitals, private practices, research institutes, and the optical industry.
Graduates can explore various career paths, such as working as optometrists, opticians, ophthalmic assistants, optometry researchers, vision consultants, sports vision consultants, or pursuing further specialization in areas like pediatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation, or ocular disease management.
The program covers a range of subjects, including General Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Physical Optics, Geometrical Optics, Dispensing Optics, Visual Optics, and Optometric Optics. Additionally, practical training sessions are provided in Basic Science, Dispensing Optics, and Clinical subjects.
The Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom.) program is a regular four-year undergraduate course, while the Bachelor of Optometry Lateral Entry program allows students who have completed a diploma in optometry to enter directly into the second year of the B.Optom. course, thus completing the program in a shorter duration.
