Diploma in Optometry Course, Admissions, Eligibility, Syllabus, Fees, Career
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Diploma in Optometry Course, Admissions, Eligibility, Syllabus, Fees, Career

Team Careers360Updated on 07 Nov 2025, 03:04 PM IST

A Diploma in Optometry is a two to three-year full-time course that focuses on eye care, vision testing, and the management of eye disorders. The course trains students in diagnosing and treating visual problems using modern techniques. Candidates who have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are eligible to apply. Admissions are usually merit-based, while some colleges may conduct entrance exams. The average fee for this course ranges from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 2 lakhs.

This Story also Contains

  1. Diploma in Optometry- Highlights
  2. Diploma in Optometry Eligibility Criteria
  3. Diploma in Optometry Admissions Process
  4. Diploma in Optometry Syllabus
  5. Diploma in Optometry Fees
  6. Scope of Diploma Optometry Course
  7. Career Options after a Diploma in Optometry
  8. Top Private Diploma Optometry Colleges in India
  9. Top Government Diploma Optometry Colleges in India

Diploma in Optometry- Highlights

The Diploma in Optometry is a two- to three-year polytechnic course designed for students from the science stream. It offers in-depth knowledge of vision care, diagnosis, and eye treatment. Here are some of the key highlights of the programme, including duration, eligibility, admission process, course fees, average salary, and job roles.

Particulars

Values

Degree Name

Diploma in Optometry

Degree Type

Polytechnic Diploma

Diploma in Optometry Duration

2-3 years

Diploma in Optometry Eligibility Criteria

Class 12 in the science stream (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology)

Diploma in Optometry Admission Process

Merit-based

Diploma in Optometry Average Fees

Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 2 lakhs

Diploma in Optometry Average Salary

Rs. 3.4 LPA

Diploma in Optometry Job Profiles

Optometrist, Ophthalmic Technicians, Vision Consultant, Lab Technician,

Diploma in Optometry Top Recruiters

Academic Institutes, Optical Manufacturing Industry, Public Health Centres, Eye Care Centres, Government Hospitals

Diploma in Optometry Eligibility Criteria

To gain admission into the Diploma in Optometry programme, candidates must meet specific academic requirements. While exact criteria may vary slightly across institutions, most colleges follow standard norms. It is recommended that candidates check the official website of the respective institution for precise details. Below are the general eligibility parameters:

Particulars

Eligibility Parameters

Educational Qualification

Candidates should have passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board.

Minimum Aggregate Score

A minimum of 45-50 per cent aggregate marks is required in Class 12.

Subject Requirements

Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects.

Admission Basis

Admission is generally merit-based, considering Class 12 performance.

Diploma in Optometry Admissions Process

Admission to the Diploma in Optometry programme is generally merit-based, although a few institutions may conduct entrance examinations. The process can be carried out in either online or offline mode, depending on the policies of the respective colleges. Below is a typical step-by-step admission procedure followed by many institutions in India:

Step 1: Eligibility Check- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, which typically include passing Class 12 with a minimum of 55 per cent marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Step 2: Application Submission- Visit the official website of the preferred institution or submit the application form offline. Fill in accurate academic and personal details and ensure timely submission before the deadline.

Step 3: Merit List Preparation- Most colleges do not require entrance exams and prepare a merit list based on Class 12 marks. Candidates with higher scores are given preference in seat allocation.

Step 4: Entrance Test (If Applicable)- Some universities conduct their own entrance test, such as IUET. Check with the college for such requirements.

Step 5: Document Verification and Fees- Shortlisted candidates must attend the verification process with the relevant documents. Upon successful verification, candidates need to pay the course fee to confirm their admission.

Diploma in Optometry Syllabus

A Diploma in Optometry is typically a two-year course, and some institutions may include an additional 6-month internship for hands-on training. The syllabus is designed to cover both theoretical and practical aspects of optometry, including optical science and human biology. Below, we have provided the syllabus followed by CMJ University, Shillong:

First YearSecond Year

Basics of Human Anatomy

Ocular Anatomy

Basics of Medical Physiology

Photometry and Visual Perception

Pathology

Ophthalmic Optics and Ophthalmic Dispensing and Workshop Practice - II

Computer Skills

Instrumentation and Methods

Communication Skills

Optometric Procedures / Clinical Refraction

Ophthalmic Optics and Ophthalmic Dispensing and Workshop Practice

Orthoptics

Biological Foundations of Clinical Optometry

Law, Ethics and Psychology

Biochemistry

Project

Note: A 6-month internship in a hospital or nursing home is included in the Diploma in Optometry curriculum.

Diploma in Optometry Fees

The fee structure for a diploma in optometry varies for every institution. Government colleges generally charge lower fees as compared to private colleges. The diploma in optometry course average fees are around Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 2 lakh for the entire course duration.

Scope of Diploma Optometry Course

There is a huge scope of diplomas in optometry courses in terms of employability as well as higher academic studies. After completing the diploma in optometry course, students opt for higher education such as B.Optom, followed by M.Optom and PhD.

Candidates can choose to work in a free setup by setting up their own eye care facility, lens manufacturing unit, or optical shop. They can also choose to work in multinational companies dealing with eye care products as an expert or supervisor. In addition to this, students can take up various marketing roles within the eye care industry.

Career Options after a Diploma in Optometry

After completing a Diploma in Optometry, candidates can explore diverse career opportunities in both clinical and non-clinical settings. The course opens doors to roles in hospitals, optical clinics, and eyewear companies, offering stable job prospects and competitive pay. Below are some of the common job roles with their average salaries:

Job RolesDescriptionAverage Salary (LPA)

Optometrist

Optometrists are professionals who examine patients’ eyes to detect vision problems and prescribe corrective lenses or treatment plans. They play a key role in improving and maintaining visual health through regular eye check-ups and screenings.

Rs. 3.4 LPA

Ophthalmic Technicians

Ophthalmic Technicians assist ophthalmologists in diagnosing and treating eye conditions by performing tests such as vision measurements and imaging. They prepare patients for examinations, maintain medical instruments, and help in minor surgical or diagnostic procedures within eye care settings.

Rs. 3.3 LPA

Lab Technician

Lab Technicians prepare and assemble optical lenses according to prescriptions provided by optometrists. They handle precision instruments and ensure the quality and accuracy of optical products before delivery.

Rs. 2.8 LPA

Sales Executive

Sales Executives promote and sell optical products such as lenses, frames, and eye care equipment. They work closely with opticians and clinics to ensure customers receive the right vision solutions.

Rs. 3.2 LPA

Source: AmbitionBox

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Benefits of a Diploma in Optometry

There are various benefits of studying for a diploma in optometry, and various reasons as to why one should study this course. The optometry course is beneficial since it produces highly skilled and professionally efficient optometrists. Skilled optometrists are highly sought after since there is a rapid increase in myopia in children and an ageing population.

A diploma in optometry is essential to gain knowledge and skills in contributing to the optical healthcare industry. The course entails knowledge for students of basic clinical, biomedical, and behavioural sciences, particularly eye and vision care.

Top Private Diploma Optometry Colleges in India

Many private colleges in India offer diploma courses in optometry. Among them, some stand out for their excellent education quality, strong placement records, and hands-on practical training. Below is a list of the top private diplomas in optometry colleges in India, highlighting these reputable institutions.

Top Government Diploma Optometry Colleges in India

Several government colleges across India offer the Diploma in Optometry course, ensuring quality education at an affordable cost. These institutions are known for their experienced faculty, practical training, and infrastructure. Below is a list of some top government diploma optometry colleges in India, along with their respective fee structures.

The opportunities for graduates are not limited, and they can become optometrists and work as occupational healthcare professionals in eye care facilities with industrial experts. Graduates also have the option to work in local optical shops and companies that work in the fabrication of lenses and ophthalmic instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the average salary of an optometrist?
A:

For a candidate with less than a year of experience, the average salary is around Rs. 3.4 LPA.

Q: What are the top recruiters of diplomas in optometry graduates?
A:

Academic Institutes, Optical Manufacturing Industry, Public Health Centres, Defence Services, Eye Care Centres, and Government Hospitals are some of the top recruiters.

Q: What is the eligibility criteria for diploma in optometry admission?
A:

Candidates interested in pursuing this course are required to complete their class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with a minimum 45-50 per cent aggregate from a recognised board of India.

Q: What are the fees for a diploma in optometry course?
A:

The average fees for a diploma in optometry is around Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 2 lakhs for the entire course duration. 

Q: What is the scope of a Diploma in Optometry?
A:

A Diploma in Optometry offers career opportunities in eye care centres, hospitals, optical stores, and clinics as an optometrist or vision technician. It also serves as a foundation for higher studies or setting up a private eye care practice.

Q: What is the duration of a diploma in optometry?
A:

A Diploma in Optometry is a two to three-year full-time diploma degree programme. 

Q: What is a diploma in optometry?
A:

Diploma in Optometry is a course that deals with different concepts of eye health, diagnosis, diseases, and treatment of human eyes.

Q: What is the mode of admission for a diploma in optometry admission?
A:

The admission process for a diploma in optometry course is conducted on the basis of both merit and entrance examination.

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