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Fellowship in Optometry is a 1- 2 year program for the optometrist who graduated from an optometry school and wishes to upgrade his/ her knowledge and skills in a specific area of optometry. In general, the period of the optometry fellowship programs ranges from one year to two years. A postgraduate program called optometry fellowships offers intensive practical experience in such subspecialties as pediatric optometry, visual training, medical optometry, contact lenses, vision rehabilitation, athletes’ vision, and community health. In this respect, fellows are given a chance to practice clinical work under the supervision of the faculty and mentors to handle casework.
Optometry fellowship programs do not have entrance examinations that a student has to sit for before being admitted to undertake the program. Nevertheless, most programs expect candidates to hold their 4-year optometry degree (OD) as well as 1+ years of practice. High GPA, experience in clinical settings, reference letters, passion towards the specialty area and excellent communication skills are some of the factors that enhance one’s chances of being selected.
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Fellowship in Optometry |
| Duration | 1-2 years |
| Course Level | Fellowship |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in Optometry (B.Optom) or equivalent |
| Top Colleges | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), LV Prasad Eye Institute, Manipal College of Health Professions, Elite School of Optometry (Sankara Nethralaya), Bharati Vidyapeeth School of Optometry, Lotus College of Optometry |
| Entrance Exam | Institute-specific entrance exams, merit-based admissions |
1. The candidate must possess a Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom) or any other degree that is acceptable by Vision Council of India, clearing the 50% aggregate marks.
2. Required to have interned or have one year clinical experience after gaining a BOptom degree and must be registered with the optometry council/board.
3. Another requirement that applicants should meet is age; no applicant should be above the age of 45 years at the time of enrollment to the fellowship course.
4. Must establish that the fellowship entrance exam was set and administered by the institution to students or cleared national level fellowship exam with valid score.
5. Should produce migration certificate from the university/ institution last attended during the time of admission.
6. Candidate must provide with the photocopies of their marksheets, degree certificates, internship completion certificate, registration certificate.
| Specialization | Average Salary Range (INR per annum) |
|---|---|
| Advanced Clinician | ₹5 lakhs - ₹8 lakhs |
| Pediatric Optometry Specialist | ₹4 lakhs - ₹7 lakhs |
| Neuro-Ophthalmologist | ₹6 lakhs - ₹9 lakhs |
| Low Vision Care Consultant | ₹3.5 lakhs - ₹6 lakhs |
| Contact Lens Specialist | ₹4 lakhs - ₹7 lakhs |
| Research & Academia | ₹5 lakhs |
