Optometrists are trained professionals involved in the treatment of
visual defects with the help of optical instruments. They conduct
eye tests to examine a patient's vision and prescribe eyeglasses and contact
lenses and provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.
Apart from these, they also operate machines for work such as polishing
edges, hardening and adjusting the sizes of lenses. To manage any optical
trade including primary dispensing of spectacles, a professional education
in Ophthalmic Optics (Optometry) is essential. It is a profession
which offers job flexibility, regular working hours and financial stability.
After completing the course on Optometry, an Optometrist has various
career opportunities. They can establish an independent practice by starting
their own eye clinic, optical shop, lens manufacturing unit etc. They
can work with Optician showrooms, Eye doctors, Contact Lens and Ophthalmic
lens industry, hospital Eye departments etc. Optometrists can also seek
employment with any multi national organization dealing with eye care
products as professional services executives or take up teaching as a
career. They can pursue higher education or can go for further research
in the field of Optometry. Optometrists could also take up the work
of occupational health specialists in the vision care of industrial workers.
Remuneration
Optometry is one of the top ten income-earning professions in the country
today. An optometrists earning is determined by several factors including
coverage under provincial medical programs, fee schedules, hours worked,
practice location, services provided and patient population.
The initial salary of an optometrist in a government firm is Rs. 8000/-
or above plus other allowance. Salaried optometrists tend to earn
more initially than optometrists who set up their own practices. However,
ultimately those in private practice once established usually earn more.
Useful Contacts
The Indian Optometric Association is a registered body under the Tamil
Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1978. and is registered with World Council
of Optometry.
Address :
Indian Optometric Association
Savera Opticians,
No.7 Rosy Tower,
Nungambakkam High Road,
Chennai (Madras) - 600034
