Understanding the Scope of a Career in Ophthalmology

Ophthalmologists are medical professionals with a focus on the identification, mitigation, and prevention of diseases of the eye and visual system. This includes both sudden and recurring vision issues. They are responsible for both medical and surgical duties. Optometrists and medical ophthalmologists, who specialize in the medical examination, investigation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with eye diseases, must be distinguished from one another. The need for ophthalmologists will continue, and there will always be work opportunities as the world's population is growing rapidly. After completing their residency programme, individuals can pursue fellowship studies in certain subspecialties of ophthalmology. Graduates who want to practice medicine legally must possess a medical degree and complete a residency programme.

What is Ophthalmology?

A subspecialty of medicine called ophthalmology examines the physiology, anatomy, and disorders of the eye and orbit. From its Greek roots, ophthalmology is known as "the science of eyes." In ophthalmology, the surgical and medical aspects of practice are well balanced, and practitioners can decide which they want to focus on. The Indian physician "Sushruta," who penned the Sushruta Samhita in the Sanskrit language about 800 BC, included descriptions of about 76 eye disorders as well as around 300 ophthalmological surgical procedures and 120 surgical instruments.

The Courses

To begin a career in ophthalmology, one must enroll in and complete ophthalmology courses at a reputable institution. By receiving a good education and earning a master's degree in a particular area, one can land their desired career. There are ophthalmology courses available such as:

Diploma Courses: Diploma in Ophthalmology; Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology

Bachelor Courses: MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)

Master Courses: Master of Surgery in Ophthalmology; Doctor of Medicine in Ophthalmology; Master of Science in Ophthalmology; Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmology; the postgraduate Certificate programme in Clinical Ophthalmology

Doctoral Courses: Master of Philosophy in Ophthalmology; Doctor of Philosophy Programme in Ophthalmology

The Eligibility Criteria

Aspirants who want to specialise in ophthalmology must first complete an undergraduate course in MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery), depending on the field of practise they want to enter, before pursuing a postgraduate degree in ophthalmology, such as an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or MS (Master of Surgery).

For Undergraduates – MBBS (UG-level): Aspiring candidates must have a minimum grade of 50% on their 12th board exam. Physics, chemistry, and biology are the three major disciplines required for the exam.

For Postgraduates – MS/MD/other PG courses in Ophthalmology: Candidates seeking admission must hold an MBBS degree. Additionally, they must take PG-level entrance exams, for example NEET PG, and score well on them.

Entrance Exams for Ophthalmology Course

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET): This is a nationwide medical entrance test for students seeking admission to the best government and private medical colleges in India to study medical degrees.

NEET UG: Students seeking undergraduate admission to medical programmes of study must take the NEET exam at the UG level.

NEET PG: For those who desire to enrol in postgraduate medical or dentistry programmes like a Doctor of Medicine, Master of Surgery, etc., the PG-level NEET exam serves as a prerequisite. Students who want to enroll in diploma programmes must also complete this test.

Diplomate of National Board Post-Diploma Centralised Entrance Test (DNB PDCET): The DNB PDCET, administered by the National Board of Examinations, is a required computer-based test for applicants to post-diploma DNB (broad specialties) postgraduate programmes.

Candidates may also take the All India Institute of Medical Science Entrance Exam (AIIMS) and the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) national medical entrance exams.

The Prospects

The need for ophthalmologists is great in both the public and private sectors. The foundation for starting one's own eye clinic is provided by this course. Indian ophthalmologists are in great demand in several other nations, including Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Gulf States. After completing coursework in this area, job prospects can be found in a variety of areas, including hospitals administered by the public or private sectors, clinics, health care facilities, NGOs, missionary and charitable hospitals, and many more.

Many hospitals, clinics, and medical offices employ ophthalmologists. They can work in private offices as well, although ophthalmic technologists are employed by hospitals. The majority of opportunities for ophthalmic medical technicians work in doctors' offices. The ophthalmic specialist may have a particular field of expertise, such as low-vision optics, aiding during eye surgery, ophthalmic ultrasonography, or ophthalmic photography.

Job Profiles	Description
Ophthalmologist	Diagnosis and treatment of all eye conditions, contact lenses, eyewear, and medications for eye-related issues
ENT Specialist	They can cure a variety of head and neck ailments, including issues with the nerves that control vision.
Ophthalmology Surgeon	Conducting surgery to cure refractive problems, cataracts, and glaucoma; diagnosing ailments that have an impact on the eyes
Clinical Assistant	Assisting medical professionals with fundamental diagnostic testing, record keeping, and patient management
Medical Consultant	Training junior doctors and other healthcare workers, overseeing the growth of resources, managing practices, and heading the ophthalmology team
Professor/Lecturer	Teaching the course in colleges and universities

As skilled and knowledgeable ophthalmologists, you can open your own practice for higher profits. Additionally, numerous schools and universities may choose to hire you as a professor or lecturer. You can enlist as an ophthalmologist in the army, air force, or navy.

The Pay Scale

The most significant factor to consider while choosing a career for oneself is the wage in any profession. Like in any other profession, an ophthalmologist's pay is influenced by their education, job history, and geographic location. One can receive an initial salary of about INR 35,000 to INR 50,000 per month at the entry-level. A new employee at a government hospital could get around INR 50,000 per month. One can receive INR 25,000–40,000 per month in hospitals in the private sector. One can make money through part-time private practice in some eye clinics while still working. Senior eye doctors may make between INR 60,000 and INR 1 lakh per month. As experience grows, so does the package.