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B-SC-ALLIED-HEALTH-SCIENCES in Optometry at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Optometry at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This B.Sc. Optometry program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on comprehensive eye and vision care, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular diseases and visual system disorders. The curriculum integrates fundamental medical sciences with specialized optometric practices, preparing students for the evolving demands of the Indian eye care industry and contributing to accessible vision health.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for 10+2 science graduates with a strong interest in healthcare, particularly eye care, seeking a direct entry into a clinical profession. It also suits individuals passionate about technology-driven diagnostics and patient-centric services. Aspiring professionals who aim to work in hospitals, private clinics, or pursue higher education in optometry or ophthalmology will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths as optometrists, ophthalmic assistants, vision therapists, or contact lens specialists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 lakhs annually, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in eye hospitals, optical retail chains, and independent practice, with strong potential for entrepreneurial ventures in eye care services across India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Scientific Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Develop a robust understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and general sciences crucial for ocular health. Actively participate in laboratory sessions for hands-on learning, and form study groups to clarify concepts with peers.
Tools & Resources
Anatomy atlases, Physiology textbooks, Online medical encyclopedias, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong foundational knowledge is essential for accurate diagnosis and understanding disease mechanisms in clinical optometry.
Cultivate Effective Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on improving spoken and written English, especially medical terminology, to effectively interact with patients and colleagues. Participate in mock patient history-taking exercises and present on scientific topics.
Tools & Resources
Communication skill workshops, Medical dictionaries, English language practice platforms, Class presentations
Career Connection
Essential for building patient trust, explaining diagnoses clearly, and collaborating effectively in a healthcare team.
Explore Optometry''''s Scope and Specializations- (Semester 1-2)
Attend departmental seminars, guest lectures, and engage with faculty to understand the breadth of optometry. Research different sub-specialties like contact lenses, low vision, or binocular vision to identify potential areas of interest early.
Tools & Resources
Department newsletters, Professional optometric bodies'''' websites (e.g., IOA), Alumni interaction sessions
Career Connection
Helps in making informed decisions about future career paths and focus areas, crucial for a specialized profession.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Clinical Skill Development & Observation- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities for observation in SRM''''s own eye clinics or affiliated hospitals. Practice basic optometric procedures like refraction, retinoscopy, and ophthalmoscopy under supervision. Maintain a logbook of observations and procedures.
Tools & Resources
Clinical skill labs, Simulation software, Mentorship from senior students/faculty, Hospital visits
Career Connection
Direct application of theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, building confidence and competence for clinical roles.
Build Proficiency in Ophthalmic Instrumentation- (Semester 3-5)
Dedicate time to understand the principles and operation of various ophthalmic instruments covered in coursework. Seek extra practical sessions to gain hands-on expertise with slit lamps, tonometers, and automated refractors.
Tools & Resources
Ophthalmic instrument manuals, Practical lab sessions, Online video demonstrations, Peer-to-peer training
Career Connection
High proficiency in instrumentation is a key differentiator in optometric practice and for diagnostic accuracy.
Network with Optometry Professionals & Alumni- (Semester 3-5)
Attend local optometry conferences, workshops, and college-organized networking events. Connect with alumni and practicing optometrists to gain insights into industry trends, career opportunities, and potential mentorships.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional body events (e.g., Optometry Council of India), College alumni network
Career Connection
Opens doors for internships, job referrals, and understanding the practical realities of the profession in India.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Clinical Internship with Diverse Exposure- (Semester 8 (Internship), leading up to it in Semesters 6-7)
Maximize the 8th-semester internship by seeking exposure across different clinical departments: general optometry, contact lenses, low vision, and pediatrics. Actively participate in patient management and clinical decision-making.
Tools & Resources
Hospital clinical rotations, Patient case discussions, Mentorship from senior optometrists/ophthalmologists
Career Connection
Provides invaluable real-world experience, solidifies skills, and significantly enhances employability in Indian eye care institutions.
Develop Research Acumen and Critical Thinking- (Semester 6-7 (Research Methodology course), Semester 8 (Project))
Engage in a research project, even a minor one, focusing on a clinical problem or an area of optometric interest. Learn to formulate research questions, collect and analyze data, and present findings.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology workshops, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), Academic journal databases, Faculty guidance
Career Connection
Enhances problem-solving skills, contributes to evidence-based practice, and is crucial for academic or specialized roles.
Prepare for Professional Practice & Entrepreneurship- (Semester 7-8)
Develop a clear career plan, whether for employment or setting up an independent practice. Understand the legal and ethical framework of optometry in India, and attend workshops on practice management, patient communication, and business skills.
Tools & Resources
Entrepreneurship cells, Business plan competitions, Legal guidance, Professional development courses
Career Connection
Equips graduates with the necessary skills for immediate entry into the workforce or to start their own successful optometry ventures.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in 10+2 / HSC / Equivalent Examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (or) Botany and Zoology / Mathematics with minimum 50% aggregate marks.
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 182 Credits
Assessment: Internal: Theory: 40%, Practical: 50%, External: Theory: 60%, Practical: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18BBS101J | Human Anatomy | Core (Basic Sciences) | 4 | Introduction to Anatomy, Skeletal System, Muscular System, Nervous System, Cardiovascular System, Special Senses |
| 18BBS102J | Human Physiology | Core (Basic Sciences) | 4 | General Physiology, Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Renal System, Nervous System, Endocrine System |
| 18BBS103J | General Biochemistry | Core (Basic Sciences) | 4 | Introduction to Biochemistry, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Enzymes, Nucleic Acids |
| 18BBS104J | General & Ocular Pharmacology | Core (Basic Sciences) | 4 | Principles of Pharmacology, Autonomic Nervous System, Local Anesthetics, Anti-infective Agents, Ocular Pharmacology, Anti-inflammatory Drugs |
| 18BBS105J | General & Ocular Microbiology | Core (Basic Sciences) | 4 | Introduction to Microbiology, Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology, Ocular Infections |
| 18BBS106J | General & Ocular Pathology | Core (Basic Sciences) | 4 | Introduction to Pathology, Inflammation and Repair, Neoplasia, Genetic Disorders, Immunopathology, Ocular Pathology |
| 18ENG101J | Communicative English | Core (Allied Health Sciences Common) | 3 | Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Listening Skills, Speaking Skills, Writing Skills, Presentation Skills |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18BBS201J | Ocular Anatomy | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Orbital Anatomy, Eyelids, Lacrimal Apparatus, Extraocular Muscles, Globe Anatomy, Optic Nerve |
| 18BBS202J | Ocular Physiology | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Aqueous Humor Dynamics, Retinal Physiology, Visual Pathway, Ocular Motility, Pupil Physiology, Lacrimal System Physiology |
| 18BBS203J | Geometrical Optics - I | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Nature of Light, Reflection, Refraction, Lenses, Prisms, Aberrations |
| 18BBS204J | Physical Optics - I | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Wave Theory of Light, Interference, Diffraction, Polarization, Lasers, Fibre Optics |
| 18BBS205J | Optometric Optics - I | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Spectacle Lenses, Lens Materials, Lens Surfacing, Bifocals, Progressive Lenses, Lens Coatings |
| 18BBS206J | Nutrition | Core (Allied Health Sciences Common) | 3 | Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Balanced Diet, Nutritional Deficiencies, Diet Planning, Food Safety |
| 18BBS207J | Psychology | Core (Allied Health Sciences Common) | 3 | Introduction to Psychology, Learning, Motivation, Emotion, Personality, Social Psychology |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18BBS301J | Geometrical Optics - II | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Spherical Aberrations, Chromatic Aberrations, Lens Systems, Telescopes, Microscopes, Ophthalmic Instruments |
| 18BBS302J | Physical Optics - II | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Photometry, Radiometry, Colorimetry, Spectroscopy, Optical Coherence Tomography, Retinal Imaging |
| 18BBS303J | Optometric Optics - II | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Prescription Writing, Dispensing Optics, Frames, Adjustments, Repairs, Special Purpose Lenses |
| 18BBS304J | Visual Optics - I | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Emmetropia, Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism, Anisometropia, Accommodation |
| 18BBS305J | Ocular Diseases - I | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Diseases of Eyelids, Conjunctiva, Cornea, Sclera, Uvea, Lens |
| 18BBS306J | Statistics | Core (Allied Health Sciences Common) | 3 | Data Collection, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion, Probability, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18BBS401J | Visual Optics - II | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Presbyopia, Aphakia, Pseudophakia, Low Vision Aids, Amblyopia, Strabismus |
| 18BBS402J | Ocular Diseases - II | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Diseases of Retina, Optic Nerve, Glaucoma, Orbit, Neuro-ophthalmology, Systemic Diseases with Ocular Manifestations |
| 18BBS403J | Ophthalmic Instruments | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Slit Lamp, Ophthalmoscope, Retinoscope, Keratometer, Tonometer, Perimetry |
| 18BBS404J | Binocular Vision - I | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Sensory Fusion, Motor Fusion, Stereopsis, Retinal Correspondence, Amblyopia, Strabismus Diagnosis |
| 18BBS405J | Contact Lens - I | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Contact Lens Materials, Types of Contact Lenses, Fitting Principles, Care and Maintenance, Complications, Specialty Lenses |
| 18BBS406J | Medical Record Science | Core (Allied Health Sciences Common) | 3 | Medical Terminology, Patient History Taking, Record Keeping, Confidentiality, Ethical Aspects, Electronic Health Records |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18BBS501J | Binocular Vision - II | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Non-strabismic Binocular Anomalies, Management of Strabismus, Vision Therapy, Prism Adaptation, Diplopia, Ocular Motility Disorders |
| 18BBS502J | Contact Lens - II | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Advanced Contact Lens Fitting, Orthokeratology, Prosthetic Lenses, Bandage Contact Lenses, Dry Eye and Contact Lenses, Myopia Control |
| 18BBS503J | Low Vision Aids | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Definition of Low Vision, Causes of Low Vision, Optical Low Vision Aids, Non-Optical Low Vision Aids, Rehabilitation, Training |
| 18BBS504J | Public Health & Community Optometry | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Epidemiology, Public Health Programs, Community Eye Care, Vision Screening, Health Education, Eye Camps |
| 18BBS505J | Professional & Legal Aspects in Optometry | Core (Professional Core) | 3 | Professional Ethics, Code of Conduct, Optometric Laws, Patient Rights, Malpractice, Consent |
| 18BBS506J | Environmental Science | Core (Allied Health Sciences Common) | 3 | Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Pollution, Climate Change, Environmental Impact, Sustainable Development |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18BBS601J | Systemic Diseases & Eye | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Thyroid Disorders, Autoimmune Diseases, Neurological Disorders, Cardiovascular Diseases and Ocular Manifestations |
| 18BBS602J | Advanced Contact Lens | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Scleral Lenses, Hybrid Lenses, Pediatric Contact Lenses, Aphakic Lenses, Keratoconus Lenses, Toric Lens Calculation |
| 18BBS603J | Geriatric Optometry | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Aging Eye Changes, Presbyopia Management, Cataract, Glaucoma, Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Low Vision in Elderly |
| 18BBS604J | Pediatric Optometry | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Visual Development, Refraction in Children, Amblyopia Management, Strabismus in Children, Vision Screening, Special Needs Children |
| 18BBS605J | Research Methodology & Biostatistics | Core (Professional Core) | 3 | Research Design, Data Collection, Statistical Analysis, Hypothesis Testing, Interpretation of Results, Scientific Writing |
| 18BBS606J | Hospital Management | Core (Allied Health Sciences Common) | 3 | Healthcare Delivery Systems, Hospital Organization, Quality Management, Patient Safety, Financial Management, Marketing |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18BBS701J | Clinical Optometry & Instrumentation | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Advanced Refraction, Clinical Case Studies, Specialized Diagnostic Tests, Ophthalmic Imaging, Electro-diagnostic Tests, Clinical Decision Making |
| 18BBS702J | Occupational Optometry & Ergonomics | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Vision Standards, Occupational Hazards, Visual Display Units, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, Industrial Optometry |
| 18BBS703J | Sports Vision | Core (Professional Core) | 4 | Visual Skills in Sports, Sport-Specific Vision Needs, Performance Enhancement, Eye Protection, Vision Training, Concussion Management |
| 18BBS704J | Practice Management & Entrepreneurship | Core (Professional Core) | 3 | Clinic Setup, Business Planning, Marketing, Financial Management, Staff Management, Legal Aspects |
| 18BBS705J | Seminar & Case Presentation | Project/Seminar | 3 | Case Study Presentation, Literature Review, Public Speaking, Critical Analysis, Scientific Discussion, Question and Answer |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18BBS801J | Internship / Project | Internship/Project | 20 | Clinical Training, Patient Management, Diagnostic Procedures, Treatment Protocols, Research Project, Report Writing |
