An eye for an eye

Updated on: Monday, February 08, 2010

Every third blind person in the world is an Indian and millions of others suffer from defective vision. As per one estimate, there will be a requirement of over 2 lakh institutionally-qualified optometrists as opposed to the current availability of a meagre 5,000 in the near future. A recent survey has shown that the population to optometrist ratio in India is 200000:1 whereas in developed countries like the US and Europe, it is 10000:1.

So how about making a career in ‘Ophthalmic Optics’, popularly known as ‘Optometry’ that deals with the structure, function and working of the human eye?

Says Prema K Chande, Principal, Lotus College of Optometry, “The World Council of Optometry defines an optometrist as a primary eye care professional, institutionally educated and clinically trained to examine, diagnose and correct the refractive optical errors of the visual system by prescribing spectacles, contact lenses, low vision aids and vision therapy eye exercises to patients complaining of visual symptoms. The present scope of optometric practice is far more than the historic determination of the refractive state of the eyes and the prescribing and dispensing of glasses. Today the practice of optometry also includes the detection of ocular and related systemic diseases, the fitting of contact lenses and low vision aids. It extends to public health-vision screening in school and in the industry — vision problems associated with driving and flying. It involves the optometric counselling of patients with partial sight and hereditary vision defects.”
However, you should not confuse it with ophthalmology. Optometrists refer patients needing surgery or the treatment of eye diseases to ophthalmologists. Like physiotherapy and ortho-paedics, optometry works hand in hand with ophthalmology in the treatment of visual disorders.

Informs Optom Nilesh D. Thite, Professional Services Manager with Bausch & Lomb Eye Care, “In India, optometry is developing rapidly and optometrists are performing many more activities than traditional spectacle dispensing. An optometric examination begins with the patient describing his or her problems. The optometrist then performs a series of tests, some of which are carried out routinely and others indicated by the patient’s case history. The consultation concludes with the optometrist’s diagnosis of the patient’s problem, explaining the diagnosis to the patient and deciding on appropriate treatment. Treatment can range from prescribing spectacles, contact lenses or eye exercises, to simply giving advice on lighting or visual habits. In some countries in the West, optometry is a very developed profession and optometrists are also allowed to treat certain eye diseases.”

Thus optometry courses are based on the sciences, including biology, physics and chemistry. “A candidate applying for this course in India should have successfully completed his or her higher secondary examination or its equivalent in the science subjects. The course covers subjects such as anatomy, physiology of vision, pharmacology and histology, and the final years are devoted to clinical instruction in the management of vision problems,” adds Chande. But the most important personal quality required by an optometrist is a liking for people of all ages and a genuine desire to help.

Interestingly, a qualified optometrist can independently choose to be self-employed or work for other optometrists in private practice, eye hospitals, the spectacle or instruments or contact lens industry, teaching institutes and research institutes. “A small number of optometrists do not enter private practice after completing their course but continue their studies through research and teaching. However, all optometrists have a responsibility to attend formal continuing education seminars after they have finished their university courses. This is essential to keep in touch with new developments in the profession,” says Thite. Due to the potential demand in the country, optometrists are quite decently paid, though payment may differ according to ability, interests and also with the choice of field.

Sums up Amit Shinde, Professor and In charge, Bharati Vidyapeeth School of Optometry, Pune, “If you are seeking a dynamic and challenging career that allows you to help people, achieve personal growth, community respect, job flexibility, financial success and offer virtually unlimited opportunities in the field of eye care, your search ends at optometry.
Optometry is a constantly evolving profession and its scope is broadening each passing day.”

An eye for an eye

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