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How to Become an Ophthalmologist – Eligibility, Job Scope and Salary

March 10, 2021 by Son of Ghouse Leave a Comment

Getting into the Medical Profession in India is one of the prestigious choices for aspirants who are seeking bright career options. It is untrue that to build a future through the medical profession; one needs to study surgery or the common MBBS degree. As there are endless other pathways that can lead you towards one respectful and well earning medical job. One of those is the job role and career as an Ophthalmologist. Candidates who want to get into the same field, comes with one of the most common question, i.e., “How to become an Ophthalmologist?”.

If you are interested to learn about the human eye in detail and are fascinated to diagnose and treat the same, then a career as an Ophthalmologist is surely the pathway for you. An ophthalmologist is basically the eye specialist that can research and treat various eye-related diseases and disorders. However, becoming an Ophthalmologist is a long path, and one does need to work hard all through the course and the job role as well. To know in detail about the “Career as an Ophthalmologist”, read the guide below and clear all your doubts.

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Who is an Ophthalmologist?

Before we begin with exploring the answer for “How to become an Ophthalmologist”, it is important to get briefly into “Who is an Ophthalmologist” and what do they do.

An Ophthalmologist is a Medical Professional who deals with diagnosing, treating, and researching about eye-related diseases and deformities. An ophthalmologist is responsible for both medical and surgical solutions for the anatomy of the human eye. They can perform basic to complex surgeries, including vision problems, glaucoma, near-sightedness, eye injuries, cataracts and more. Being an Ophthalmologist is considered amongst one of the toughest branches to study and practice as one has to deal with a delicate body part, “Eye”. Thanks to their extensive training, knowledge, and skills, Ophthalmologists can even relate and link eye problems to other illnesses in the body, including diabetes, brain tumours, and other major or minor disorders.

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How to Become an Ophthalmologist ? – Career Requirements

Ophthalmology is a medical course that leads your path towards building a career as an Ophthalmologist. Ophthalmology, in simple terms, means “the Science of Eyes” and a medicinal branch that deals with anything and everything related to the eyeball and orbit. Becoming an Ophthalmologist is a long and tough way that requires years of dedication, hard work and sharp intelligence.

Have a look down below for details:

Eligibility and qualification for becoming an Ophthalmologist

  • Senior Secondary requirements: 12th with Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology). Considering the English speaking and writing environment today in most job fields and college years, studying the English language during school brings an unsaid advantage.
  • Minimum or more than 55% aggregate from a recognized and reputed board in India.
  • To become an Ophthalmologist, aspirants have to complete their MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) course first. Candidates with MBBS degree in hand can then pursue Diploma, Graduation, Post-Graduation, and Doctoral courses in this field. However, a Bachelor’s degree in other Science-based graduation plans (with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as compulsory subjects) would also lead your way towards pursuing Ophthalmology related courses; however, pre-med programs are more beneficial and help in making a stronger base for the future.

Entrance examination for becoming an Ophthalmologist

Admission in several Ophthalmology related courses are based upon the National entrance examination or Medical entrance examination. Some of the National, State, and institutional level examinations for becoming an Ophthalmologist includes:

  • National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET)
  • All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS)
  • National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test – Post Graduate (NEET-PG)
  • All India Institute of Medical Science – Post Graduate (AIIMS- PG)
  • Institutional based entrance examinations for becoming an Ophthalmologist includes:
  • Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC)
  • Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER)
  • Jawaharlal Institute Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER)
  • Jawaharlal Institute Postgraduate Medical Education & Research- Post Graduate (JIPMER- PG)
  • Diplomate of National Board Centralized Entrance Test (DNB CET)
  • Bharati Vidyapeeth Common Entrance Test (BVP CET 2020)

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Qualification for becoming an Ophthalmologist- List of Diploma/ Bachelors/ Masters/ Doctoral Degree

Diploma in Ophthalmology:

Diploma in Ophthalmology is a Post-Graduate level medical Ophthalmology Course focusing on Pathology and Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, Optics, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology related to the eye.

  • Duration: 1 year
  • Eligibility: A Bachelor’s degree in Medicinal related graduation course.
  • Admission eligibility: Entrance based/ Merit Based
  • Job Profiles: Associate Professor, Super Specialty Consultant, Consultant Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic technician

Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology (DOT):

The Diploma certification program in Ophthalmic technology focuses on vision defects, ocular diseases, eye examination, optics, and surgery.

  • Duration: 2 years
  • Eligibility: 10 + 2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects
  • Admission eligibility: Entrance based/ Merit Based
  • Job Profiles: Ophthalmic Assistant, Ophthalmic Nurse, Ophthalmic Technician, Optometry Assistant and Lab Assistant

Graduation in Ophthalmology (Bachelor’s degree)

B.Sc. Ophthalmic Techniques (Bachelors of Science in Ophthalmic Techniques):

B.Sc. Ophthalmic Technique is an undergraduate program that focuses upon medical specialty related to diagnosing and treating eye-related disorders and diseases using modern methods and technologies.

  • Duration: 3 years (full-time semester-based graduation course)
  • Eligibility: Eligibility: 10 + 2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects
  • Admission eligibility: Entrance based/ Merit Based
  • Job Profiles: Eye Doctor, Medical Technologist, Nurse Executive, Ophthalmic Assistant, Ophthalmic Photographer, Ophthalmic Technician & Practice Manager, Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, Clinical Supervisor and professor in Medical colleges.

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS):

Even though MBBS does not makes one an ophthalmologist, however, in order to pursue higher-level Masters and Doctoral programs in Ophthalmology, MBBS is one of the prime courses one should study during their graduation years.

  • Duration: 5 and a half years ((full-time semester-based graduation course)
  • Eligibility: Eligibility: 10 + 2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects
  • Admission eligibility: Entrance based/ Merit Based

Also Read: How to Become a Nurse in India?

Post-Graduation in Ophthalmology (Master’s Degree)

Master of Surgery in Ophthalmology:

It a Post-graduate medicinal course that focuses study upon the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the eye. Its study may include Trauma and Emergency Ophthalmology, Lens and Glaucoma, Uvea and Vitreoretinal diseases, External Eye Disease, Sclera, Cornea, and Community Ophthalmology.

  • Duration: 2 years (full-time semester-based program)
  • Eligibility: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) with a minimum of 50% aggregate.
  • Admission Eligibility: Entrance based/ Merit Based
  • Job Profiles: Senior Resident/Consultant – Ophthalmology, Ophthalmologist, Lecturer or Professor, Clinical Data Analyst, Medical Consultant or Visiting Medical Consultant.

Master of Science in Ophthalmology:

It is a Post-Graduate medicinal course that focuses on Histology, Ocular Physiology, Ocular Pathology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, orbital and visual life structures, Microbiology and Immunology of the eye.

  • Duration: 3 years (full-time semester-based program)
  • Eligibility: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) with a minimum of 50% aggregate.
  • Admission Eligibility: NEET Qualified/ Entrance based/ Merit Based
  • Job Profiles: Clinical Assistant, Clinical Data Analyst, Ophthalmology Specialist, Demonstrator, ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) Specialist, Professor or lecturer.

Postgraduate Certificate programme in Clinical Ophthalmology:

It is a Post graduate-level certification + degree program that focuses upon flexible advanced training that provides high-standard for the next generation of medical and surgical ophthalmologists. The course is not available in India and can be pursued mainly in UK and USA. However, some of the foreign colleges have completely online programs for the entire duration of the Postgraduate Certificate programme in Clinical Ophthalmology.

  • Duration: 2 years (Online and Offline)
  • Eligibility: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) with minimum 50% aggregate/ graduation in other Ophthalmology related courses with a minimum 50% to 60% aggregate.
  • Admission Eligibility: University level entrance examination/ Merit-based admission
  • Job Profiles: Surgical specialist in Ophthalmology, Senior-level Surgeon.

Doctor of Medicine in Ophthalmology:

It is Post graduate-level degree program that focuses upon Clinical Ophthalmology, including surgical procedures, refraction and advancement in the same field, including Community Ophthalmology, including national programme, investigative therapeutic procedure, and rehabilitation of the blind.

  • Duration: 3 years (full-time semester-based program)
  • Eligibility: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) with a minimum 50% aggregate
  • Admission Eligibility: University level entrance examination/ Merit-based admission
  • Job Profiles: Ophthalmologist, Clinical Research Associate, Hospital Administrator, Consultant, Professor or Assistant Professor in the field of Ophthalmology.

PhD in Ophthalmology (Doctoral degree)

Master of Philosophy in Ophthalmology:

It is an advanced Masters-level qualification considered as MPhil, considered a notch higher than Post-graduate programs. It is a full-time program for 2 years that focuses on extremely qualified and advanced knowledge related to the eye and almost all its functioning, disorders, diseases, and surgeries. Only individuals who have an MBBS degree in hand can pursue MPhil in Ophthalmology.

Doctor of Philosophy Programme in Ophthalmology:

It is the highest-level educational program in the field of Ophthalmology available to date. It is a 3 years long program divided into 6 semesters and can be pursued either full time or part-time at various institutions. A Masters in Philosophy Programme in Ophthalmology (M.Phil.) is a must in order to study Doctor of Philosophy. Even candidates have to sit for an institutional level entrance examination as well.

Job role and responsibilities of an Ophthalmologist

The task that an Ophthalmologist has to perform during his/ her work cycle includes:

  • Testing the vision of a patient
  • Diagnosing, studying and treating eye-related diseases and disorders.
  • Testing and treating eye injury.
  • Performing complex eye examinations
  • Practising and executing eye exercises to help people with crossed eyes
  • Study and research about neurological diseases that can affect vision and eye health.
  • Completing reconstructive surgeries
  • Studying patient’s history, severity and nature of disorders and planning treatment in accordance with the same.
  • Performing several types of surgeries (minor and major). It may include performing laser operations on patients in order to remove/ alter/ replace/ reshape ocular tissue, cataracts.  

Best colleges for studying Ophthalmology in India and Abroad

Top Indian Colleges:

  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi
  • MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore
  • Institute of Medical Sciences Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
  • Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore
  • Dr D Y Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Pune
  • Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi
  • Armed Forces Medical College, Pune
  • Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore

Top International Colleges for Ophthalmology (outside India)

  • The UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD. United Kingdom
  • UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, SYDNEY
  • The UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND. New Zealand
  • Aston University
  • School of Life and Health Sciences, United Kingdom
  • Harper Adams University
  • London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London

Job scopes and Salary of an Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologist has endless job scopes, and they can work in different sectors of society, both India and abroad. From Hospitals to research centres, educational departments, and armed forces, several vacancies are open every year for specialists in the Ophthalmology department.

List of sectors an Ophthalmologist can find employment opportunities at:

  • Hospitals (Private and Government)
  • Educational Institutions (Universities, colleges, and schools)
  • Pharmaceutical Companies (mainly the one that deals in medicines and equipment related to the eye)
  • Private Nursing Homes
  • Research centres (Science and Medicinal)
  • Defence service (Army, Air Force & Navy)
  • Private practice/ personal clinic

Further, the salary of an Ophthalmologist depends upon several factors, including their educational qualification, their field of speciality, their practice, years of experience, and employment field. However, on average, an Ophthalmologist in India would earn anywhere near 7 to 9 lakhs per annum. Whereas the United States based Ophthalmologistcan earn $98,000 to $700,000 and in United Kingdoms an Ophthalmologist can earn from £40,037 to £74,661.

Summary

Becoming an Ophthalmologist require years-long handwork and highly focused dedication, and thus it bring us near the question, “how many years does it take to become an Ophthalmology? The years it takes to become an Ophthalmologist includes 3 to 5 years of Medicinal course (B.Sc. Ophthalmic Techniques or MBBS) + 3 years minimum of specialized training in courses dedicated to Ophthalmology. The duration might extend longer for candidates who want to pursue Masters or Doctoral level courses in the same field. In total it would easily take 8 to 10 years for an individual to become an Ophthalmologist. Though the journey towards becoming an Ophthalmologist is hard, the future after that is bright, safe, and wealthy.

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