Introduction
Recently, while on a visit to a University located in Gurugram, I inadvertently asked a Student what course she is pursuing and immediately replied that she is doing a Health Professional Course OPTOMETRY. I asked why? Looking amazed, she quickly retorted that optometry is so much more than just looking at peoples’ eyes; it’s caring for a patient and cultivating relationships. I then realized how important the aspect of Health Care is in our daily life. India is slowly progressing itself to be an aging nation. Therefore, the need for such courses to be a part and parcel of our Higher Educational eco system is highly imperative. As an optometrist, you’ll specialize in eye care and visual health, allowing you to help patients in many ways. Optometry plays an integral role in the healthcare system. A single comprehensive eye exam can lead to a patient obtaining corrective lenses, contact lens, discovering a previously undetected eye injury or disease, or services such as low-vision rehabilitation, vision therapy and even artificial eyes. Beyond the standard optometry clinic, you also promote visual health, and provide eye care in numerous specialized environments. India is going through an era of specialized health care and a specialized Optometrist stands out as a crucial pillar of comprehensive eye care. If you are looking for Bachelor in Optometry Colleges in Gurgaon, one that stands out is the School of Health and Sciences of Sushant University located in the heart of Gurugram.
The School of Health and Sciences
The School of Health Sciences is a vital component of Sushant University, offering a diverse array of programs geared towards preparing students for careers in various healthcare fields. These schools provide comprehensive training, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills necessary for success in the healthcare industry. The School has it’s own eye clinic where students can have a hands on training with high end equipments. The School emphasizes skill-based training and an overall development of personality which goes a long way in shaping their careers. The School has MoU with reputed eye hospitals in Delhi, NCR where students get a real case scenario of their profession and an all comprehensive clinical training and internship. The need of the hour in these times is multitasking and our curriculum adapted from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with clinical training aims to achieve the same.
Program Offerings: The School of Health Sciences offers Bachelor & Master of Optometry.
Bachelor of Optometry program spans four years, strategically blending three years of academic exploration with a fourth year dedicated to immersive internship experiences. This holistic approach of our optometry course imparts theoretical knowledge while ensuring students gain hands-on exposure, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities ahead as an Optometrist.
Eligibility: (10+2 with PCB / PCM with 50% aggregate)
Master in Optometry: This has regular Master degree M. Optometry as well as Master of Optometry (P&R)
Eligibility: Bachelor in Optometry from reputed institutes. For Master of Optometry(P&R) work experience of 1 year is required
PhD in Optometry: Master in Optometry
Admission Process: The admission process is very simple. Once you fulfill the eligibility conditions as above, you apply on the website of Sushant University admissions – https://admissions.sushantuniversity.edu.in/. Your application form is scrutinized and once the team clears the same, you are given a ticket for appearing for a written test either on the campus or appearing for an online test. On successfully qualifying in the written test /online test, you are called for an interview with faculty of the School and the Director and on being cleared, issued with a Selection letter from the University, giving a date of joining the School and completing the admission formalities.
Lateral entry The School of Health Sciences offers a Lateral entry in Bachelor of Optometry.
USP of the School
1. Accreditation and Licensure: Sushant University is recognized by UGC to ensure that it meets established standards of educational quality. Additionally, many programs within the School of Health Sciences prepare students for professional licensure or certification exams required to practice in their chosen field.
2. Faculty Expertise: Faculty members in the School of Health Sciences typically possess a combination of academic credentials and professional experience in their respective fields. They play a crucial role in delivering quality education, mentoring students, conducting research, and staying abreast of advancements in healthcare practice and technology.
3. Clinical Training: Hands-on clinical experience is a crucial component of education in the health sciences. Students participate in clinical rotations or internships at premier hospitals and healthcare centers where they apply their knowledge in real-world settings under the supervision of experienced professionals. This practical training is essential for developing clinical skills, gaining exposure to different specialties, and preparing for professional life
4. Curriculum: The curriculum in School of Health Sciences is carefully designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the preclinical health sciences, as well as specialized knowledge related to their chosen field. Courses cover healthcare ethics, patient care techniques, disease prevention, healthcare management, and research methods.
5. Research Opportunities: Many Schools of Health Sciences emphasize research and scholarly activities, providing opportunities for students and faculty to engage in scientific inquiry and contribute to advancements in healthcare knowledge. Research projects may focus on areas such as disease prevention, treatment outcomes, healthcare disparities, health policy, and innovative healthcare technologies
6. Student Support for Placement The University has a very robust student placement system which helps students in internship as well as facilitating in Placement on completion of the course. It has collaboration with major corporate hospitals like Max Hospital, Medanta Hospital, Fortis Hospital, Paras Hospital, Lenskart, Prakash Hospital, Centre for Sight, Sarvodaya Healthcare, Prajnam and many more. An industrial visit provides students with a practical understanding of how theoretical knowledge is applied in real-world settings within various industries.
7. Careers Graduates of the School of Health Sciences are well-positioned for careers in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, public health agencies, research institutions, and private practices. Some of the careers include Diagnostic Prescription, Fitting eye lenses, conducting eyesight exams, identifying the problem and providing recommendations. Global opportunities are available to a very large extent.
Work life Balance
Optometrists can practice in nearly any location, urban or rural, and work flexible hours, part- or full-time. Compared to many jobs in healthcare, they receive few emergency calls regarding patients that require immediate attention. Compared to many healthcare and medical career paths, the path to practice optometry is relatively short. Most programs are four years, with the fourth year including rotations in different clinical settings. One can see that unlike other medical professions this has the Best Work life Balance.
Conclusion
A growing demand in this profession with very high salaries in a country like India has made this program very exciting. Needless to add, many Institutions are catching on to this new trend and offering this program. But it is indeed a matter of concern that many do not have the infrastructure nor the qualified faculty members to run this course in a Professional manner. We can single out School of Health and Sciences of Sushant University as the best college in Gurgaon for a Bachelor of Optometry Course. Before making a final call do visit the campus at Sector 55 Gurgaon to see for yourself the type of Infrastructure and facility available. Also make it a point to interact with the faculty members and be familiar with the surrounding and college life for yourself in person.
For more information about the course, kindly visit the Sushant University: https://sushantuniversity.edu.in/school-of-health-sciences
