Master of Optometry
Master of Optometry (M.Optom) is a two-year postgraduate programme for Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom) graduates who want advanced training in clinical eye care and vision science. Spread across four semesters, it builds on undergraduate optometry with deeper study of ocular disease management, contact lenses, binocular vision, paediatric optometry and low vision rehabilitation, combined with clinical postings in eye hospitals and a research project or dissertation in the final year. The programme develops skills in advanced diagnostics, specialised clinical care and research methodology needed for senior practice and teaching roles. M.Optom suits B.Optom graduates who want to specialise further, move into academics, or take up advanced clinical and research responsibilities in hospitals and eye-care centres across India.
About Master of Optometry
Master of Optometry (M.Optom) is a two-year postgraduate programme for Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom) graduates who want advanced training in clinical eye care and vision science. Spread across four semesters, it builds on undergraduate optometry with deeper study of ocular disease management, contact lenses, binocular vision, paediatric optometry and low vision rehabilitation, combined with clinical postings in eye hospitals and a research project or dissertation in the final year. The programme develops skills in advanced diagnostics, specialised clinical care and research methodology needed for senior practice and teaching roles. M.Optom suits B.Optom graduates who want to specialise further, move into academics, or take up advanced clinical and research responsibilities in hospitals and eye-care centres across India.
Why Choose M.Optom
Advanced clinical skills
The programme deepens clinical competence in managing ocular disease, contact lenses and vision therapy beyond the undergraduate level.
Opening into academics and research
An M.Optom qualifies graduates for teaching positions in optometry colleges and for research roles in vision science.
Growing eye-care sector
Expanding hospital eye-care chains and optical retail in India create demand for optometrists with postgraduate training.
Pathway to further specialisation
Graduates can pursue fellowships in areas such as cornea and contact lens, or a PhD in vision science.
Detailed Syllabus (4 semesters over 2 years)
Core Subjects
Elective Subjects
Eligibility Criteria
Basic Requirements
| Minimum Percentage | A Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom) degree from a recognised university, generally with 50-55% aggregate marks; individual institutions may ask for more, since there is no single national regulator for optometry education. |
| Entrance Exams | Merit based on B.Optom marks, Institute-level entrance test (at some universities) |
Admission Process
Complete B.Optom
Finish a Bachelor of Optometry degree from a recognised university, meeting the minimum aggregate marks required by the institute offering M.Optom.
Check eligibility and apply
Apply to the chosen university or institute, which may call for merit in the qualifying degree or conduct its own entrance test.
Entrance test or interview
Appear for an institute-level entrance test and/or personal interview where the university requires one.
Counselling and seat allotment
Participate in the institute's counselling process and confirm seat allotment based on merit or entrance performance.
Admission confirmation
Complete document verification, pay the admission fee and complete enrolment formalities.
Required Documents
Important Notes
Estimated Fee Structure
| Government Institutions | ₹20,000 – ₹60,000 per year (indicative) |
| Private Institutions | ₹60,000 – ₹1,50,000 per year (indicative) |
Return on Investment
| Total Investment | ₹40,000 – ₹3,00,000 over 2 years, depending on a government or private institution |
| Average Starting Salary | ₹2.5–4 LPA |
| Payback Period | 3–5 years |
Figures are indicative and vary by institution, location and individual career path; they are not a guarantee of placement or salary.
Scholarship Opportunities
| PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students | Regular full-time PG students above the 80th percentile in their Class 12 board exam, with family income up to ₹4.5 lakh a year. | ₹12,000 per year (UG, first three years); ₹20,000 per year (PG, and years 4–5 of five-year courses) |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC students | SC, ST and OBC students within the income limit, applied for through the National Scholarship Portal or the relevant state portal. | Fees and a maintenance allowance; amounts set by the Centre and states |
Career Opportunities
Top Recruiters
Typical Salary Packages
| Clinical Optometrist | Avg: ₹3 LPA | Range: ₹2.4–4 LPA |
| Lecturer/Faculty | Avg: ₹3.5 LPA | Range: ₹3–5 LPA |
| Low Vision Specialist | Avg: ₹3.2 LPA | Range: ₹2.8–4.5 LPA |
| Research Associate (Vision Science) | Avg: ₹3 LPA | Range: ₹2.5–4 LPA |
* These are indicative figures based on industry patterns; actual packages vary by employer, location and individual performance.
Career Pathway
Entry Level
0–2 yearsGraduates typically begin in clinical optometry roles in hospitals or eye-care chains, handling refraction, contact lens fitting and basic vision therapy.
Mid Level
2–5 yearsWith experience, optometrists take on senior clinical or teaching roles, or supervise smaller clinics and departments.
Senior Level
5–10 yearsExperienced professionals may head hospital eye-care departments, lead optometry college departments, or manage larger research projects.
Advanced
10+ yearsAt a senior level, professionals may direct optometry services across hospital chains, head teaching institutions, or lead vision science research programmes.