This field of specialization is allied to ophthalmology. Whereas ophthalmologists treat diseases of the eyes; optometrists are involved in the treatment of visual defects with the help of optical instruments. 

This post has been created primarily to ease the burden on ophthalmic surgeons, so that cases which require medical attention in matters of detection of vision impairment, minor vision defects checking of eyes, and also the making of eye glasses and lenses can now be handled by ophthalmic technologists and optometrists.

THE WORK

Optometrists are professionally trained to conduct eye tests in order to examine the patient's vision. They also fabricate lenses to suit prescribed specifications and the lenses are then fitted in the frames to suit individual taste 

They also conduct tests and prescribe contact lenses for patients. Besides, optometrists also operate machines for work such as polishing edges, hardening and adjusting the sizes of lenses.

ELIGIBILITY

Students who wish to do the degree or diploma courses in ophthalmic technology should have cleared the 10+2 or equivalent examination, with a minimum of 50% marks in physics, chemistry and biology.

INSTITUTIONS

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi offers a B.Sc. course in optometry. Diploma courses in ophthalmic technology, of three years duration, are available at the Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai the KEM Hospital, Mumbai and the BYL Nair Hospital, also in Mumbai.

Diploma courses of two years' duration are also available in various institutions, including the Government Ophthalmic Hospital in Madras and the Government Medical Colleges in Aurangabad and Nagpur, and the Gandhi Eye Hospital in Aligarh.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMME

The training programme in optometry covers a wide variety of subjects, including physical optics
knowledge of optical instruments, anatomy, physiology abnormal and pathological conditions of the eye, and the methods to measure refractive errors their correction.