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A Diploma in Ophthalmology (DO)
is a postgraduate medical course for physicians who aspire to become
ophthalmology specialists of eye care, diagnosis, and treatment of eye
diseases. The course covers enough knowledge about eye anatomy, eye disorders,
operations, and advanced diagnostic equipment.
Ophthalmology is a most important
branch of medicine, and this diploma provides the medical professionals with
the skills to diagnose and cure disorders such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal
problems, and refractive problems. The graduates are eligible to practice in
hospitals, eye clinics, research institutes, or even begin their own practice.
|
Course
Name |
Diploma in Ophthalmology (DO) |
|
Duration |
2 years |
|
Eligibility |
MBBS degree from a recognized university |
|
Admission
Process |
Entrance exam or merit-based |
|
Average
Fees |
50,000 – 2, 00,000 per year |
|
Career
Scope |
Ophthalmologist, Eye Surgeon, Consultant,
Researcher |
|
Top
Colleges |
AIIMS, PGIMER, Sankara Nethralaya, LV Prasad Eye
Institute |
For Diploma in Ophthalmology, the
candidates must fulfill the following:
Educational Qualification: MBBS from a recognized medical college.
Internship Completion: Should have completed 1-year rotating
internship.
Registration: Satisfactory registration with Medical Council of
India (MCI) or State Medical Council.
Entrance Exam: Quota seats in some institutes need qualifying marks
in entrance exams such as NEET PG, AIIMS PG, or state-level entrance tests in
medicine.
NEET PG Exam: March 2025
Application Start: January 2025
Last Date of Application: February 2025
Counseling Starts: May-June 2025
Classes Start: August 2025
1. Check Eligibility: Check eligibility before applying.
2. Registration of Entrance Exam: Register for NEET PG or state-level
exams.
3. Fill Application Form: Fill form on the official website of
university/college.
4. Documents Upload: MBBS degree, internship certificate,
registration proof, and ID.
5. Payment of Fees: Pay the fee of application.
6. Admit Card: Download admit card, if entrance exam is necessary.
7. Counseling: Proceed for counseling based on rank/merit.
Merit-Based: Limited colleges accept students based on MBBS marks.
Entrance Test: NEET PG, AIIMS PG, or state levels are typical.
Counseling: Selected students will have to proceed for counseling
for allotment of seats.
Document Verification: Provide original documents for verification.
Fee Payment: Finish the admission process by paying the course fee.
All India Institute of Medical
Sciences Delhi
PGMIER Chandigarh
Sankara Nethralaya Chennai
LV Prasad Eye Institute Hyderabad
Armed Forces Medical College Pune
|
Semester
1: Fundamental Ophthalmology & Ocular Anatomy |
|
Theory Subjects: |
|
1. Anatomy of the Eye & Orbit |
|
Eyeball structure |
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Extraocular muscles & nerve supply |
|
Blood supply & lymphatic drainage |
|
2. Physiology of the Eye |
|
Visual pathway |
|
Aqueous humor dynamics |
|
Physiology of vision |
|
3. Ocular Biochemistry & Pharmacology |
|
Biochemistry of tears, cornea, lens |
|
Fundamental ocular pharmacology (glaucoma,
infection, allergy drugs) |
|
4. Optics & Refraction |
|
Basic optics |
|
Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia,
astigmatism) |
|
Glasses prescription |
|
Practical & Clinical Training: |
|
Slit-lamp examination |
|
Direct & Indirect Ophthalmoscopy |
|
Fundamentals of refraction methods |
|
Semester
2: Ocular Pathology & Diagnostic Techniques |
|
Theory Subjects: |
|
1. Ocular Pathology & Microbiology |
|
Frequent eye infections (bacterial, viral,
fungal) |
|
Histopathology of eye tumors |
|
2. Investigative Ophthalmology |
|
Diagnostic instruments: |
|
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) |
|
Visual field testing |
|
Corneal topography |
|
3. Community Ophthalmology |
|
National blindness control programs |
|
Epidemiology of eye diseases |
|
4. Pediatric Ophthalmology |
|
Common childhood eye conditions (squint,
retinoblastoma) |
|
Practical & Clinical Training: |
|
Fundus photography |
|
Gonioscopy & Tonometry |
|
Hands-on training on diagnostic equipment |
|
Semester
3: Medical & Surgical Ophthalmology |
|
Theory Subjects:
|
|
1. Medical Ophthalmology |
|
Glaucoma (diagnosis & medical management) |
|
Uveitis & Eye Inflammation Neuro-ophthalmology
|
|
2. Ophthalmic Surgery – Principles Pre-operative
and post-operative care Minor procedures: Chalazion excision, pterygium |
|
3. Cornea & External Eye Diseases Keratitis,
corneal ulcers Dry eye management |
|
4. Lens & Cataract Classification of cataracts
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) |
|
Practical & Clinical Training: |
|
Assistance in cataract surgery |
|
Suturing techniques |
|
Corneal scraping & culture |
|
Semester
4: Advanced Surgical Techniques & Specialized Training |
|
Theory Subjects:
|
|
1. Advanced Ophthalmic Surgery |
|
Phacoemulsification (cataract surgery) |
|
Glaucoma surgery (Trabeculectomy) |
|
Vitreo-retinal procedures |
|
2. Retina & Vitreous Disorders |
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Diabetic retinopathy |
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Retinal detachment management |
|
3. Strabismus & Oculoplasty |
|
Squint surgery
|
|
Eyelid reconstruction |
|
4. Recent Advances in Ophthalmology |
|
LASIK & Refractive Surgery |
|
Gene therapy in retinal disease |
|
Practical & Clinical Training: |
|
Minor procedures under supervision |
|
Laser procedures (YAG capsulotomy, PRP for
diabetic retinopathy) |
|
Last clinical case presentations |
|
Additional Training (During the Course) |
|
Hospital Postings: Rotations in OPD, OT, &
emergency eye care. |
|
Research Work: Case studies & submission of
dissertation |
|
Workshops & Conferences: Hands-on training in
new surgical techniques. |
Career and Scope
After completing a Diploma in
Ophthalmology, the graduates have various career options to explore:
Job Roles:
Ophthalmologist (Hospitals,
Clinics)
Eye Surgeon (Specializing in
cataract, LASIK, glaucoma surgery)
Consultant (Corporate hospitals
or private practice)
Researcher (Medical research
organizations)
Academician (Medical college
teachers)
Salary Expectations:
Freshers: 4 – 6 LPA
Experienced Professionals: 8 – 15
LPA
Private Practitioners: Can earn
much higher depending on patient volume.
Higher Study Options:
MS/MD Ophthalmology
Fellowship in Sub-specialties
(Retina, Cornea, Glaucoma)
High Demand: Rising eye diseases need ophthalmologists with
expertise.
Lucrative Profession: Good salary and career growth opportunities.
Flexibility: Private practice or hospital jobs options.
Social Impact: Brings vision back and improves lives.
|
1. Do I require NEET PG for a Diploma in
Ophthalmology? |
|
Yes, most government colleges require NEET PG
scores. Private colleges may have their own entrance tests. |
|
2. Can I practice alone after this diploma? |
|
Yes, after registering yourself with the Medical
Council, you can open your own clinic. |
|
3. How is
DO and MD Ophthalmology different? |
|
DO (Diploma): 2-year course, basic training. |
|
MD (Master's): 3-year course, greater
specialization. |
|
4. Is
there an online course in Ophthalmology? |
|
There are few certificate courses but some
Diploma in Ophthalmology involves clinical training. |
|
5. In
which country can I study Ophthalmology best? |
|
India, USA, UK, and Australia are some of the
best options for studying ophthalmology. |
MBBS students have a wonderful chance in pursuing a Diploma in Ophthalmology, and it is one of the most viable chances that they can go for eye care specialization. With good career options, high demand for professionals, and opportunities for further studies, the course offers a gateway to a flourishing medical career.
