BACHELOR OF OPTOMETRY (B.OPTOM)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) in Optometry is a vision care training programme that teaches students the skills required to work as an optometrist. Optometry is a demanding, interesting, and extremely rewarding profession with a wide range of career options. An optometry graduate performs health assessments, provides clinical advice, prescribes spectacles or contact lenses, and, when needed, refers patients for additional treatment.

This program typically teaches students about the structure and function of the eye, as well as common eye illnesses and treatments. Students develop significant research and analytic abilities, as well as the mathematics needed to correct eyesight, while also gaining valuable experience for their future jobs as practising optometrists.

Program Objective

To examine, evaluate and counsel patients with a variety of ocular conditions

To design, produce and prescribe a variety of optical aids, such as spectacles, sunglasses, ophthalmic lenses, contact lenses, and so on

To actively lead a team in various inter-disciplinary projects

To participate in public health optometry programs and vision screening eye camps

To educate people about ocular hygiene, as well as dietary and environmental advice

To provide vision care options to a diverse patient population using modern methods and technology

Career Pathways

Considering optometry as the most obvious career choice, individuals can either join an existing practise in hospitals, clinics, or private offices, or start their own. There are also opportunities to teach the science of optometry to others as an instructor or to conduct research and work as a research or lab assistant. While some may choose a career in sports vision, public health, government service or community health centres, others may go on to continue their studies and get a master's degree in the field.

Curriculum At a Glance

SEMESTER I (FIRST YEAR)

GENERAL ANATOMY Organization and general plan of the body ▪ Cells ▪ Skeletal System ▪ Muscular System ▪ Muscle Contraction ▪ Nervous System ▪ Endocrine System and other associated topics GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY- I Cell Physiology ▪ Gastrointestinal Physiology ▪ Respiratory System ▪ Cardiovascular and Lymphatic System ▪ Organs of Excretory System ▪ Musculoskeletal System ▪ Nervous System and Special Senses ▪ Structure and Function of Eye, Ear, Tongue and Nose ▪ Structure and Function of Male and Female Reproductive Organ ▪ Body fluids and their significance and other related assignments GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY Objective: To understand the structure, function and inter-relationship of bio molecules and consequences of deviation from normal GEOMETRICAL OPTICS I Nature of Light ▪ Reflection and Refraction of Light ▪ Refractive Index ▪ Plane mirror and spherical mirror- convex & concave mirror ▪ Definition of Crown and Flint Glasses, Prism, Dispersion, Vergence of Light ▪ Vergence at a distance formula ▪ Imaging by a thin convex and concave lens and other related topics NUTRITION Introduction ▪ History of Nutrition as a Science Food Groups ▪ RDA Balanced Diet ▪ Diet Planning Assessment of Nutritional, Energy, Proteins, Fat, Minerals, Vitamin, Essential Amino Acids and miscellaneous and other related concepts ENGLISH COMMUNICATION & SOFT SKILLS – I Objective: To comprehend and communicate in simple English COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS, INTERNET, & MS-OFFICE Objective: To impart basic knowledge of computer hardware, internet and application software with DOS keys to the students Introduction and Definition of Computer ▪ MS – DOS, Introduction to Internet ▪ MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, MS-POWERPOINT and other related assignments

SEMESTER II (FIRST YEAR)

OCULAR ANATOMY Ocular Embryology ▪ Orbit ▪ Orbital Blood Supply ▪ Conjunctiva ▪ Cornea ▪ Aqueous ▪ Anterior Chamber ▪ Angle Structures ▪ Uvea - Iris, Ciliary Body & Choroid Crystalline Lens ▪ Vitreous Retina ▪ Sclera (episclera & sclera) Optic Nerve ▪ Visual Pathway ▪ Cranial Nerves : Detailed study of each of the following nerves in terms of their nuclei, course, relationship within brain, effects of compression etc. at different regions, Optic, Oculomotor and Trochlear Nerves ▪ Trigeminal and Abducent Nerves, Facial nerve and other associated topics OCULAR PHYSIOLOGY Protective mechanisms in the eye ▪ Eye lids and lacrimation ▪ Description of the Globe, Iris and Pupil ▪ Visual Stimulus ▪ Refractive Errors, Colour Vision and Colour Defects ▪ Theories and Diagnostic Tests ▪ Retinal Sensitivity and Visibility, Receptive Stimulation and Flicker ▪ Ocular Movements and saccades and other related concepts OCULAR BIOCHEMISTRY Hormones basic concepts in metabolic regulation with examples say insulin ▪ Metabolism: General whole body metabolism (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids) ▪ Ocular Biochemistry: Various aspects of the eye, viz., cornea, lens aqueous, vitreous, retina and pigment rhodopsin ▪ Technique: Colloidal state, sol. Gel. Emulsion, dialysis, electrophoresis ▪ Clinical Biochemistry: Blood sugar, Urea, Creatinine and Bilirubin ▪ Significance of their estimation and other allied concepts PHYSICAL OPTICS Nature of Light ▪ Intensity of Polarized Light Malus’Law ▪ Coherence - Interference ▪ Constructive and Destructive Interference, Resolution of an Instrument ▪ Basics of Lasers ▪ Lambert’s Law ▪ Other units of light measurement; retinal illumination and other related topics GEOMETRICAL OPTICS II Vergence and Vergence Techniques ▪ Schematic and Reduced Eyes ▪ Blur Retinal Imaginary ▪ Spectacle and Relative Spectacle Magnification ▪ Aperture stops, Accommodation, Spectacle magnification, Angular Magnification of spectacle lens ▪ Spatial Distribution of Optical Information, Visual Optics of Aphakia and Pseudophakia and other allied topics COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS, INTERNET, & MS-OFFICE Introduction and Definition of Computer ▪ MS - DOS: Getting Started on DOS with Booting the System, Internal Commands, and Introduction of Internet ▪ MS Word, MS Excel ▪ MS Power Point: Starting MS–Power Point, Blank Presentation, Creating, Saving and Printing a Presentation and other related topics ENGLISH COMMUNICATION & SOFT SKILLS – II Objective: To comprehend and communicate in simple English and overall professional development Basic Communication & Soft Skills ▪ Vocabulary Building ▪ Personality Development CLINICAL OPTOMETRY I Methods of Ocular Examination ▪ Ability to use techniques in ocular examination and to understand the implication of findings in terms of subsequent examination techniques ▪ Visual Acuity Testing - Distance, Near, Basic of Eye Examination ▪ History Taking, Pupil Examination and other related topics SUMMER INTERNSHIP Objective: The basic objective of Summer Internship is to refine the practical exposure and bridge the gap between theory and practice. It provides students an opportunity to apply their theoretical understanding while working on the concerned project in the hospital / corporate. This enhances their intellectual ability and attributes related to data handling, decision making, report writing, oral presentation and imbibing an interdisciplinary approach as well.

SEMESTER III (SECOND YEAR)

OCULAR MICROBIOLOGY Morphology and Principles of Cultivating Bacteria ▪ Sterilization and Disinfections used in Laboratory and Hospital Practice ▪ Common Bacterial and Fungal infections of the Eye, Common Viral and Parasitic Infections of the Eye and other allied topics VISUAL OPTICS I Review of Geometrical Optics: Vergence and Power, Spherical Mirror, Cardinal Points, Magnification ▪ Optics of Ocular Structure, Cornea and Aqueous, Axis and Angle of the Eye ▪ Basic Aspects of Vision ▪ Visual Acuity ▪ Refractive Anomalies and their Causes ▪ Etiology of Refractive Anomalies ▪ Growth of the Eye in relation to Refractive Errors and other related topics OPTOMETRIC OPTICS-I Introduction - Light, Mirror, Reflection, Refraction and Absorption, Lenses ▪ Vertex Distance and Vertex Power ▪ Magnification in High Plus Lenses ▪ Magnification in High Minus Lenses and other related topics OPTOMETRIC INSTRUMENTS Refractive Instruments ▪ Test Charts Standards ▪ Choice of Test Chart ▪ Trial Case Lenses ▪ Infrared Optometry Devices ▪ Projection Charts, Illumination of the Consulting Room ▪ Ophthalmoscopes and related devices ▪ Design of Ophthalmoscopes - Illumination, Filters for Ophthalmoscopy ▪ Indirect Ophthalmoscope ▪ Lensometer, Lens Gauges or Clock ▪ Slit Lamp, Keratometer and Corneal Topography and knowledge of various other equipment as well OCULAR DISEASES- I Orbit ▪ Applied Anatomy ▪ Lacrimal System ▪ Applied Anatomy ▪ Tear Film ▪ Conjunctiva ▪ Inflammations of Conjunctiva ( Infective conjunctivitis - Bacterial, Chlamydial, Viral, Allergic Conjunctivitis, Granulomatous Conjunctivitis) ▪ Degenerative and Symptomatic Conditions ( Hyperaemia, Chemosis, Ecchymosis, Xerosis, Discoloration) ▪ Cysts and Tumours, Cornea - Applied Anatomy and Physiology ▪ Uveal Tract and Sclera and other related topics CLINICAL EXAMINATION OF THE VISUAL SYSTEM History taking ▪ Visual Acuity Estimation ▪ Extraocular Motility ▪ Cover Test ▪ Alternating Cover Test ▪ Hirschberg Test ▪ Modified Krimsky ▪ Pupils Examination ▪ Maddox Rod ▪ Van Herrick ▪ External Examination of the Eye ▪ Lid Eversion ▪ Schemer’s, TBUT ▪ Tear Meniscus Level ▪ NITBUT (keratometer) ▪ Colour Vision ▪ Stereopsis ▪ Confrontation Test ▪ Photo Stress Test ▪ Slit Lamp Bio Microscopy ▪ Ophthalmoscopy and other related topics INDIAN MEDICINE AND TELEMEDICINE Introduction to Healthcare Delivery System ▪ Healthcare Delivery System in India at Primary Level ▪ National Health Mission ▪ National Health Policy ▪ Issues in Health Care Delivery System in India ▪ Introduction to AYUSH System of Medicine ▪ Introduction to Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy ▪ Need for Integration of Various System of Medicine and other associated topics ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Definition and Scope of Environmental Studies, Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies ▪ Ecology and Environment: Ecosystem & Desert Ecosystem ▪ Natural Resources, Deforestation, Energy Resources, Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution and other related topics CLINICAL OPTOMETRY- II Unit of Competency ▪ Methods of Ocular Examination Part 2 ▪ Elements of Competence ▪ Basic Eye Examination and Finding the Refractive Error ▪ Anterior Segment Examination, Visual Field Examination and other associated topics

SEMESTER IV (SECOND YEAR)

OPTOMETRIC OPTICS II & DISPENSING OPTICS Spectacle Lenses ▪ Manufacture of Glass, Lens Materials, Spectacle Frames ▪ Classification of Spectacle frames-material, weight, temple position ▪ Tinted & Protective Lenses ▪ Characteristics of Tinted Lenses, Absorptive Glasses, Safety Lenses - Toughened Lenses, Laminated Lenses ▪ CR 39 Polycarbonate Lenses, Multifocal Lenses - History and Development ▪ Antireflection, Mirror and Hard Multi Coating [HMC] ▪ Special Types of Spectacles - Industrial Safety Glasses ▪ Frame Availability in Indian market and other related topics VISUAL OPTICS II Accommodation & Presbyopia ▪ Far and Near Point of Accommodation ▪ Presbyopia, Convergence, Relationship between Accommodation & Convergence (AC/A ratio) ▪ Objective Refraction (Static & Dynamic ▪ Streak and Dynamic Retinoscopy ▪ Radical Retinoscopy and Near Retinoscopy, Cycloplegic and Subjective Refraction ▪ Binocular Balancing - alternate occlusion, prism dissociation, dissociate ▪ Effective Power & Magnification ▪ Ocular Refraction vs. Spectacle Refraction ▪ Spectacle Magnification vs. Relative Spectacle Magnification ▪ Axial vs. Refractive Ametropia ▪ Knapp’s Law ▪ Ocular Accommodation vs. Spectacle Accommodation ▪ Retinal Image Blur - Depth of Focus and Depth of Field and various other related topics OCULAR DISEASES II Vitreous - Applied Anatomy & Physiology ▪ Vitreous Opacities, Degeneration and Inflammation ▪ Congenital Disorder of Retina ▪ Inflammatory Disorder of Retina ▪ Ocular and Mechanical Injuries ▪ Non Mechanical Injuries ▪ Clinical Neuro-ophthalmology ▪ Anatomy of Visual Pathway ▪ Glaucoma ▪ Clinical Examination ▪ Ocular Hypertension, Secondary Glaucoma, Management - Common medications, Laser Intervention and Surgical Techniques and other related topics PATHOLOGY Inflammation and Repair ▪ Infection in General ▪ Specific Infections ▪ Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Fungal Infection ▪ Anaemia, Leukemia, Bleeding disorders ▪ Circulatory Disturbances ▪ Clinical Pathology ▪ Interpretation of Urine Report ▪ Immune System, Allergy and other topics related to pathology BASIC AND OCULAR PHARMACOLOGY General & Systemic Pharmacology ▪ General & Local Anaesthetics ▪ Chemotherapy, Ocular Pharmacology ▪ Diagnostic & Therapeutic Applications of Drugs used in Ophthalmology ▪ Drugs used in Allergic, Inflammatory & Degenerative Conditions of the Eye and more topics concerning the basic and ocular pharmacology INTRODUCTION TO QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY Quality Assurance and Management ▪ Basics of Emergency Care and Life Support Skills ▪ Biomedical Waste Management and Environment Safety ▪ Infection and Prevention Control ▪ Antibiotic Resistance ▪ Disaster Preparedness and Management and other topics related to quality and patient safety MEDICAL PSYCHOLOGY Introduction to Psychology ▪ Intelligence Learning ▪ Memory, Personality, Motivation ▪ Body Integrity – One’s Body Image ▪ The Self-Concept of the Therapist ▪ Therapist-Patient Relationship - some guidelines ▪ Illness, its Impact on the Patient ▪ Maladies of the Age and their Impact on the Patient’s own and others concept of his body image ▪ Adapting changes in Vision ▪ Why Medical Psychology demands commitment and other related topics CLINICAL OPTOMETRY III Unit of Competency: Refraction, Elements of Competence ▪ Applied Optics ▪ Elements of Competence ▪, Comprehensive Eye Care ▪ Ocular Diseases 1, Understanding of Symptoms Associated with Internal Eye Disease ▪ Manage patient presenting with Red eyes and different other topics related to clinical optometry SUMMER INTERNSHIP Objective: The basic objective of Summer Internship is to refine the practical exposure and bridge the gap between theory and practice. It provides students an opportunity to apply their theoretical understanding while working on the concerned project in the hospital / corporate. This enhances their intellectual ability and attributes related to data handling, decision making, report writing, oral presentation and imbibing an interdisciplinary approach as well.

SEMESTER V (THIRD YEAR)

CONTACT LENS I Introduction to Contact Lenses ▪ Definition and Classification ▪ History of Contact Lenses ▪ Introduction to CL Materials, Monomers, Polymers, Properties of CL materials ▪ RGP Contact Lens Materials ▪ Manufacturing Rigid and Soft Contact Lenses – various methods ▪ Types of Fit – Steep, Flat, Optimum – on Spherical Cornea with Spherical Lenses ▪ Types of Fit – Steep, Flat, Optimum - on Toric Cornea with Spherical Lenses ▪ Modifications possible with Rigid lenses ▪ Common Handling Instructions ▪ Insertion & Removal Techniques and other topics related to contact lenses LOW VISION CARE Definitions & Classification of Low Vision ▪ Epidemiology of Low Vision ▪ Model of Low Vision Service ▪ Pre-clinical Evaluation of Low Vision Patients - Prognostic & Psychological Factors ▪ Psycho- Social Impact of Low Vision ▪ Types of Low Vision Aids - Optical Aids, Non-Optical Aids & Electronic Devices ▪ Optics of Low Vision Aids ▪ Paediatric Low Vision Care ▪ Low Vision Aids - Dispensing & Prescribing Aspects ▪ Visual Rehabilitation & Counselling ▪ Legal Aspects of Low Vision in India ▪ Case Analysis and other related topics and assignments GERIATRIC OPTOMETRY & PAEDIATRIC OPTOMETRY Objective: To provide students with the knowledge of general and ocular physiological changes of ageing, common geriatric systemic and ocular diseases. Learning Outcome: Students will be able to examine and manage paediatric as well as geriatric patients and different other related topics BINOCULAR VISION- I Binocular Vision and Space Perception ▪ Relative Subjective Visual Direction ▪ Retino Motor Value ▪ Physiological Diplopia and Suppression ▪ Theories of Binocular Vision ▪ Anatomy of Extra Ocular Muscles ▪ Recti and Oblique, LPS ▪ Innervation & Blood Supply ▪ Near Vision Complex Accommodation ▪ Definition and Mechanism (process) ▪ Convergence ▪ Definition and Mechanism ▪ Methods of Measurement ▪ Sensory Adaptations ▪ Confusion ▪ Suppression- Investigation and Management ▪ Blind Spot Syndrome ▪ Eccentric Fixation-Investigation and Management and other topics and assignments concerning binocular vision RESEARCH METHODOLOGY & BIOSTATISTICS Measures of Morality ▪ Sampling, Statistical significance ▪ Correlation, Sample Size Determination ▪ Introduction to Research Methods ▪ Identifying Research Problem ▪ Ethical Issues in Research ▪ Research Design ▪Types of Data ▪ Research Tools and Data Collection Methods ▪ Sampling Methods ▪ Developing a Research Proposal and other associated topics CLINICAL OPTOMETRY Unit Of competency: Contact lens -1 ▪ Assessment of Binocular vision ▪ Elements of Competence, Low Vision and Rehabilitation ▪ the ability to Assess a patient with low vision ▪ Distance and Near Vision Chart used for Low Vision ▪ Community Visit: School Screening, Industrial Eye Screening, Community Eye Services

SEMESTER VI (THIRD YEAR)

CONTACT LENS II Objective – To provide suitable knowledge to students regarding theoretical as well as practical aspects of contact lenses Learning Outcome: Students will be able to understand the basics, types, properties, design and adverse effects of contact lenses BINOCULAR VISION-II Neuro-Muscular Anomalies - Classification and Etiological Factors ▪ Convergent and Divergent Strabismus ▪ Vertical and Paralytic Strabismus ▪ Investigations ▪ Non-Surgical Management of Squint ▪ Surgical Management and other topics related to binocular vision PUBLIC HEALTH AND COMMUNITY OPTOMETRY Concept and Implementation ▪ Stages of Diseases ▪ Epidemiology of Blindness - Defining Blindness and Visual Impairment ▪ Eye in Primary Health Care ▪ Community Eye Care Programs ▪ Community Based Rehabilitation Programs ▪ Nutritional Blindness with reference to Vitamin A deficiency ▪ Vision 2020: The Right to Sight ▪ Screening for Eye Diseases ▪ Evaluation and Assessment of Health Programs ▪ Optometrists Role in School Eye Health Programs ▪ Basics of Tele Optometry and its Application in Public Health and other topics concerning public health and community optometry PRACTICE MANAGEMENT Business Management ▪ Practice Establishment and Development ▪ Accounting Principles ▪ Taxation and Taxation Planning ▪ Professionalism and Values ▪ Professional Values - Integrity ▪ Personal Values - Ethical or Moral Values ▪ Attitude and Behaviour - Professional Behaviour ▪ Treating People Equally ▪ Code of Conduct ▪ Professional Accountability, Responsibility, Misconduct and other related topics OCCUPATIONAL OPTOMETRY Introduction to Occupational Health ▪ Hygiene and Safety ▪ Electromagnetic Radiation and its Effects on Eye ▪ Light, Colour, Industrial Vision Screening ▪ Vision Standards ▪ Visual Display Units ▪ Contact Lens and other related topics MEDICAL LAW AND ETHICS Medical Ethics - Definition - Goal - Scope ▪ Introduction to Code of Conduct ▪ Basic Principles of Medical Ethics - Confidentiality ▪ Malpractice and Negligence - Rational and Irrational Drug Therapy ▪ Autonomy and Informed Consent - Right of Patients ▪ Care of the Terminally ill- Euthanasia ▪ Organ Transplantation ▪ Professional Indemnity Insurance Policy ▪ Obtaining an informed consent and other related laws and ethics RESEARCH PROJECT 1 Students will be undertaking a research project under the guidance of a supervisor (who could be optometrists / vision scientists / ophthalmologist). Project is spread through sixth to eighth semester. CLINICAL OPTOMETRY -V Unit of competency: Contact lens II, Paediatric and Geriatric Optometry ▪ Squint Evaluation ▪ Vision Therapy ▪ Comprehensive eye examination and other associated assignments and lessons SUMMER INTERNSHIP Objective: The basic objective of Summer Internship is to refine the practical exposure and bridge the gap between theory and practice. It provides students an opportunity to apply their theoretical understanding while working on the concerned project in the hospital / corporate. This enhances their intellectual ability and attributes related to data handling, decision making, report writing, oral presentation and imbibing an interdisciplinary approach as well.

SEMESTER VII - INTERNSHIP - I

RETINA, GLAUCOMA, LOW VISION Students learn about the following: Retina and Vitreous, Glaucoma, Low Vision, Clinical examination of Low Vision Subjects, Optical, Non-Optical, Electronic and Assistive Devices and Visual rehabilitation PAEDIATRIC & BINOCULAR VISION Objective: To make the students able to: Take an appropriate binocular vision history and to assess eye alignment and eye movements ▪ Select appropriate examination procedures for all paediatric patients ▪ Inform and educate patients, parents/caregivers, and other health care providers about the importance and frequency of paediatric eye and vision examinations

SEMESTER VIII - INTERNSHIP - II

CLINIC – VII: COMPREHENSIVE EYE CARE & REFRACTION Learning Outcome: It is expected that upon completion the student will be able to carry out the standard clinical procedures, especially refraction, efficiently and safely. Integrative Seminar during the Internship It serves to teach optometry students how the material in the curriculum relates to their role as optometrist. This will be achieved through a synthesis of lecture, clinical observation, case-based learning and small-group discussion. Lecture and small-group discussions will include the participation of both basic and clinical science faculty in order to promote integration of the curricular material and to show how the care provided is related to what is currently being learned. This will enable the future clinician to make informed clinical decisions, encourage critical thinking and promote lifelong independent learning.