Opthamology

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the eye and visual system. An ophthalmologist is a medically trained doctor, who commonly acts as both physician and surgeon. Ophthalmologists examine, diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in and around the eye. They provide a full spectrum of care including routine eye exams, diagnosis and medical treatment of eye disorders and diseases, prescriptions for eye-glasses, surgery and management of eye problems that are caused by systemic illness.

An ophthalmologist is a skilled professional who deals with diseases and surgery related to eye and brain, the word ‘ophthalmologist’ has come from the Greek word ophthalmos which means eye and logos. An ophthalmologist is the right and capable person to be consulted for problems related to eyes.

Career Prospects:

Ophthalmology, a specialized branch of medicine, has ample career prospects. The job openings are in government and private hospitals, health centres, health departments and NGOs. As an ophthalmologist, one can apply for the Combined Medical Services entrance examination conducted by the U.P.S.C for the position of ophthalmologist or senior specialist of Ophthalmology. Also state health services entrance examinations are conducted by the respective state provincial services commissions. One can also join  defence services - in army, air force or navy as an ophthalmologist.

ELIGIBILITY:

• The student must have passed M.B.B.S/BDS course from any recognized institution. Some institutes might also need the rank obtained in entrance examination. The duration of the course is 3 years.
• For admission into master’s degree one must have completed his bachelor's degree in relevant field from a MCI recognized university or equivalent. Usually the duration of the course is 2 years.

Jobs:
There are several career options available for those who completed their ophthalmology degree.  Employment can be found in sectors such as hospitals undertaken by state and central government. In addition , they also have opportunities available in NGOs, private hospitals, clinics, missionary hospitals and charitable hospitals run by railways and defense. Students can also take up research work with organizations such as ICMR .

Most of the ophthalmologist prefer private sectors such as nursing home, private hospitals and clinics because of high remunerations available. Those who have relevant experience of at least 4-5 years in ophthalmology can start their own private eye-clinic as well. A student can also begin his/her career in research or teaching area after completing postgraduate and/or PhD degree in any specialized field of ophthalmology.

There is massive requirement for Indian ophthalmologists in abroad mainly in USA, Australia, UK, Gulf countries.

Remuneration

Ophthalmic technology is a highly remunerative career option. A fresh ophthalmologists working in government hospitals can earn Rs 12,000- 15,000 per month. Private sector hospitals offer very high pay packages to ophthalmologists, which may be with in the range of Rs 25,000-40,000 per month. While working one can also earns from part-time private practising in some eye-clinics. Senior eye-surgeons can earn Rs 60,000 to 1 lac for month.

Colleges Offering:

• A J Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Mangalore
• ACPM Medical College, Dhule
• Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences Bellur
• Dr BR Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore
• Father Mullers Institue of Medical Education and Research, Mangalore
• Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum
• JJM Medical College, Davangere
• JSS Medical College, Mysore
• K S Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore
• K V G Medical College, Sullia
• Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore
• Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
• Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore
• Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad
• M S Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore
• Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College, Gulbarga
• MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Bangalore
• Navodaya Medical College, Raichur
• Rajarajeswari Medical College & Hospital, Bangalore
• S S Institute of Medical Sciences& Research Centre, Davangere
• SDM Medical College , Dharwad
• Shri B M Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Bijapur
• Sri Devaraj URS Medical College, Kolar
• Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur
• St. Johns Medical College, Bangalore
• Vydehi Institute Of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Bangalore
• Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore
• Dr. Panjabrao Alias Bhausaheb Deshmukh Memorial Medical College, Amravati
• Khaja Banda Nawaz Institute of Medical Sciences, Gulbarga
• S. Nijalingappa Medical College & HSK Hospital & Research Centre, Bagalkot

Colleges in Maharashtra:

• Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College & Hospital, Sangli
• Bharati Vidyapeeth University Medical College, Pune
• Dr. D Y Patil Medical College, Kolhapur
• Dr.Vasantrao Pawar Med. Col. Hosp. & Research Centre,Nasik (Prev. NDMVP Samaj Medical College)
• Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha
• Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha
• Mahatma Gandhi Missions Medical College, Aurangabad
• Mahatma Gandhi Missions Medical College, Navi Mumbai
• N. K. P. Salve Instt. of Medical Sciences and Research Centre and Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur
• Padmashree Dr. D Y Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune
• Padmashree Dr. D.Y.Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai
• Padmashri Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Foundations Medical College, Ahmednagar
• Rural Medical College, Loni
• Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital,Pune
• Maharashtra Institute of Medical Education & Research, Pune
• Maharashtra Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Latur