If you’re planning a career in eye care and vision science, Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom) and Master of Optom (M.Optom) are among the most promising options available today. With rising eye health issues and rapid advancements in vision technologies, trained optometrists are in demand across India, especially in states like West Bengal.
Table of Contents
What Is Optometry?
Optom is the healthcare branch that focuses on eye and vision care. Optometrists detect, diagnose, manage, and treat vision problems and eye conditions. They also prescribe spectacles, contact lenses, and therapeutic treatments.
Through structured curriculum and clinical training, students become skilled in:
- Eye examination
- Visual acuity assessment
- Refraction techniques
- Low vision therapy
- Contact lens fitting
B.Optom Education in West Bengal
West Bengal has many recognized colleges affiliated with universities and approved by regulatory bodies such as:
✔ Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)
✔ State Medical Universities
These colleges follow the new and updated curriculum set by the latest education norms, including practical exposure and clinical internships.
Courses Overview – B.Optom and M.Optom
| Feature | Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom) | Master of Optometry (M.Optom) |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
| Duration | 4 – 5 Years (Inc. 1 Year Internship) | 2 Years |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with PCB/PCM | B.Optom with minimum marks |
| Focus | Basic clinical and vision sciences | Advanced clinical training and research |
| Internship | Mandatory 12 Months | Research + Clinical Project |
| Career Scope | Optometrist, Vision Technician | Senior Optometrist, Clinical Specialist, Research |
Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom)
Duration & Structure
The course is 4 years long, divided into 8 semesters:
📌 Year 1–3
Students learn foundation subjects, theory and practical labs.
📌 Year 4
Focuses on clinical exposure and 12-month internship in hospitals and eye care centers.
Updated Subjects Covered
| Semester | Core Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | Human Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Optics |
| 2 | Biochemistry, Ocular Anatomy |
| 3 | Visual Optics, Refraction Techniques |
| 4 | Clinical Optometry, Contact Lens |
| 5 | Ocular Diseases, Pharmacology |
| 6 | Binocular Vision, Pediatric Optometry |
| 7 | Low Vision Aids, Rehabilitation |
| 8 | Internship + Clinical Practice |
New curriculum emphasis:
✔ Evidence-based clinical practice
✔ Early patient handling
✔ Research & community outreach
Master of Optometry (M.Optom) – Enhanced Program
The M.Optom course prepares graduates for advanced roles in optometry and eye care.
Duration
📌 2 years (4 semesters)
Key Areas of Study
| Semester | Advanced Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | Advanced Optics, Research Methods |
| 2 | Specialized Refraction, Ocular Therapeutics |
| 3 | Clinical Electrophysiology, Corneal Diagnostics |
| 4 | Dissertation/Project + Advanced Clinical Practicum |
Focus Areas:
✔ Research and publication skills
✔ Advanced diagnostics
✔ Therapeutic optom
✔ Electrophysiology
✔ Clinical leadership
The program builds professionals capable of working in advanced hospitals, optical research, or academia.
Eligibility & Admission Process
B.Optom Eligibility
✔ 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB)
✔ Minimum 50% aggregate
✔ Some colleges accept Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) with Biology bridge course
✔ Medical fitness certificate
M.Optom Eligibility
✔ B.Optom degree from a recognized college
✔ Minimum aggregate as specified by university
✔ May include interview or entrance test
Admission Pathways
| Step | Bachelor | Master |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | High School (12th) | B.Optom degree |
| 2 | Merit List / Entrance Test | University Merit / Interviews |
| 3 | Document Verification | Selection & Counseling |
| 4 | College Allotment | Academic Registration |
Internship & Practical Training
For B.Optom:
📌 12 Months clinical internship required in:
✔ Eye hospitals
✔ Vision centers
✔ Optical dispensaries
Students gain hands-on exposure to:
- Refraction
- Pediatric tests
- Low vision training
- Contact lens fitting
For M.Optom:
📌 Advanced clinical training with research project/dissertation
Career Opportunities
Optom graduates enjoy a wide range of jobs.
After B.Optom
✔ Clinical Optometrist
✔ Vision Consultant
✔ Optical Store Manager
✔ Refractionist
✔ Low Vision Specialist
✔ Outreach Eye Care Professional
After M.Optom
✔ Senior Optometrist
✔ Clinical Specialist
✔ Research Analyst
✔ College Lecturer
✔ Vision Care Manager
✔ Rehabilitation Optometrist
Best Optometry Colleges in Kolkata (West Bengal)
West Bengal’s largest city, Kolkata, has several well-known colleges where you can study B.Optom and Master of Optometry courses. These colleges offer strong academics, clinical training, internships, and placement support:
| College Name | Courses Offered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brainware University, Kolkata | B.Optom | Well-rated private university offering integrated optometry programs. |
| Swami Vivekananda University, Kolkata | B.Optom | Offers practical and clinical optometry education. |
| NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata | B.Optom, M.Optom | Private campus with clinical training opportunities. |
| Adamas University (Kolkata Region) | B.Optom | University-based program with academic flexibility. |
Notes on These Colleges
- Universities like Brainware University and Swami Vivekananda University offer optometry degrees as part of their science faculties.
- A few colleges also offer M.Optom (Master of Optometry) programs, suitable for higher specialization and research.
- Always check the latest admission criteria, affiliation, and curriculum updates directly from the college websites before applying.
Salary Prospects
| Qualification | Entry Level | Experienced |
|---|---|---|
| B.Optom | ₹20,000–₹40,000 | ₹40,000–₹70,000+ |
| M.Optom | ₹40,000–₹90,000 | ₹1,00,000+ |
Higher qualifications and specializations increase earning potential.
Why Choose Optometry in 2026?
- Eye health awareness is increasing globally
- High demand due to digital eye strain
- Flexible career options
- Opportunity to start own clinic
- Chance to work abroad with higher pay
Top Subjects Students Enjoy
✔ Refraction & Vision Correction
✔ Contact Lens Science
✔ Pediatric Optometry
✔ Ocular Diagnostics
✔ Binocular Vision
✔ Community Eye Health
FAQs – Bachelor & Master of Optometry
Q1: What is the difference between B.Optom and M.Optom?
➡ B.Optom is an undergraduate course focused on basic eye care training. M.Optom is advanced training with research and clinical leadership.
Q2: Is NEET required for B.Optom?
➡ Check the latest Eligibility criteria
Q3: Can I practice outside India after optometry?
➡ Yes. With recognized certifications and licensing, optometrists can work abroad (e.g., UK, Australia, Canada).
Q4: What jobs can I get after M.Optom?
➡ Clinical specialist, senior optometrist, researcher, educator, or hospital department head.
Q5: Is internship compulsory?
➡ Yes. B.Optom requires a mandatory 12-month clinical internship.
Q6: Can I open an eye clinic after these degrees?
➡ Yes, with proper licensing and registration.
Optometry is one of the fastest-growing healthcare careers in India, especially in West Bengal. With updated curriculum, advanced training, and strong clinical exposure, both Bachelor and Master of Optometry offer excellent career growth, stability, and global opportunities.
