An estimated 35% of India’s population i.e. approximately 456 million people are in need of vision correction. Unfortunately, less than one fourth currently have had their vision corrected because against the need of at least 1, 15,000 optometrists only 2000 graduate optometrists are available in the country.

Bangalore, Karnataka -- (SBWire) -- 04/27/2011 -- Sankara College of Optometry partners Association of the Schools and Colleges of Optometry to highlight career opportunities in optometry An estimated 35% of India’s population i.e. approximately 456 million people are in need of vision correction. Unfortunately, less than one fourth currently have had their vision corrected because against the need of at least 1, 15,000 optometrists only 2000 graduate optometrists are available in the country.

Optometry is a healthcare profession that is autonomous and regulated (licensed/registered). Optometrists are the primary healthcare practitioners of the eye and visual system. They provide comprehensive eye and vision care, which includes refraction and dispensing, detection/diagnosis and management of disease in the eye.

To create awareness about Optometrist as emerging career option in India, Sankara College of Optometry in association with Association of School & College of Optometry conducted a day long CME (Continuing Medical Education) programme on April 17th at Sankara Eye Hospital Bangalore. This programme witnessed participation of eye care specialist from the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, brainstorming varied subjects with regard to building successful career in optometry and importance of having specialized training center for optometry.

On this occasion Mr. Vivek Mendonsa, President, Association of Schools & Colleges of Optometry said “We are proud to share that the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences was extremely responsive in ensuring that the curriculum adopted for colleges in the state of Karnataka conformed to international norms. We look forward to more eye care institutes to come forward to have specialized courses in Optometry as well.”

Mr. Aditya Goyal, Principal of the Sankara College of Optometry and Secretary of ASCO said that “Students would have a wide range of career options – eye hospitals, retail optical chains, perform clinical research, and pursue academics”. He further added that the “Sankara College of Optometry, the first college in the region to be affiliated to the Association of Schools and colleges of Optometry and the World Council of Optometry, carries forward the traditional heritage of the parent organization.”

The Association of the Schools and Colleges of Optometry is an autonomous body working towards standardization of the curriculum for various colleges in the country and to ensure that international standards in optometric education are met.

Sankara College of Optometry is affiliated to the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka and admits 20 undergraduates every year. The 4 year bachelor’s course has adopted an internationally accredited curriculum. The college is located at the Sankara Eye Hospital campus. The 225 bedded specialty eye hospitals serve as its clinical partner. Prof Jeffery Cooper- Professor Clinical Optometry, State University of New York, Prof James Sheedy- Professor, Director of Optometry Research, Pacific University and Prof Abraham Gonen – Director International Education, Salus University serve on the advisory board of the college.

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