Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Ophthalmology is a two-year program for medical students. Ophthalmology is the study of medical conditions related to the eyes. The Candidate must be a Graduate in Medicine/M.B.B.S. or equivalent from a recognized university/college/institute along with a one-year mandatory internship.
Admission to PGD in Ophthalmology is based on merit and entrance exam. NEET is the primary entrance accepted by the renowned PGD in Ophthalmology colleges. PGD in Ophthalmology program is semester and term-end exam based. This course's tuition fees range from INR 10,000 TO INR 15,00,000 for two years.
PGD in Ophthalmology covers physiology, optics, genetics, ocular anatomy, pathology, and clinical and service aspects of Ophthalmology.
The PGD in Ophthalmology Course is one of the most Medical Diploma Courses in India with healthcare professionals and primary care physicians like Optometrists, Orthopedist, Nurses.
Candidates get career options after completion of this course. The average starting salary ranges between INR 3,500,00 to INR 15,00,000 depending on the skills and expertise.
PGD in Ophthalmology: Course Highlights
Course Level | Post Graduate Diploma |
Full-Form | Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology |
Duration | 2 Years |
Examination Type | Semester and Annual Exam Based. |
Eligibility | The candidates must have a Bachelors in Medicine/M.B.B.S or equivalent degree from an Institute recognized by MCI(Medical Council of India), along with a mandatory one-year internship. |
Admission Process | National and University Level Entrance exam based. |
Course Fees | INR 10,000 - 15,00,000 |
Average Starting Salary | INR 3,50,000 - 15,00,000 |
Job Positions | Ophthalmologist, Sales Executive, Assistant Professor, OT Technician, Key Account Manager, Consultant Ophthalmology, Area Sales Manager. |
Top Recruiting Areas | Medical Colleges and Universities’, Defense Services, NGOs, Government Hospitals, Private Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Pharmaceutical Companies, Medical Content Writing, Testing Labs. |
PGD in Ophthalmology: What is it About?
The PGD Ophthalmology is a two-year post-graduate program for graduates in the medical field. This program is based on semester and annual examinations.
- The PGD in Ophthalmology builds on medical and surgical concepts learned in anatomy, physiology, and ophthalmic diseases during the graduate medical degrees. Ophthalmology study aims to avert blindness, confirm ocular health, and rehabilitate patients with vision-related issues.
- The program focuses on the study of ocular anatomy, physiology, optics, pharmacology, genetics, pathology, microbiology, practical ophthalmic science, including refraction. The program also provides a deep understanding of recent advancements like investigative therapeutic procedures.
- The post-graduate program equips students with knowledge provided via clinical and academic work and promotes a self-study approach.
Why Study PGD in Ophthalmology?
- The PG Diploma course is designed to teach students the expertise in both clinical as well as the service aspect of Ophthalmology. This course makes the students confident and adept to handle their patients better.
- Candidates’ can find jobs in both government owned state hospitals and central hospitals.
- Candidates can do research work with prestigious organizations such as ICMR (Indian Council for Medical Research)
- There are a lot of employment opportunities for a diploma holder in Ophthalmology like NGOs, private hospitals and clinics, missionary hospitals, charitable hospitals, railway hospitals, and defense hospitals.
- Candidates can also work in private sectors such as nursing homes, private hospitals, and clinics.
- Candidates can make a career in the research or teaching area after completing the PGD course.
- Lastly, Medicine is considered one of the most honorable fields where the professionals earn not just money but personal satisfaction from helping other human beings and society.
Who Should Study PGD in Ophthalmology?
- Healthcare professionals/students looking to make a career in the field of eye care and treatment are the perfect candidate for PGD in Ophthalmology.
- Candidates should have the knowledge and zeal to deep dive into medical topics related to Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, Clinical, and Surgical fields.
- Candidates with good communication and interpersonal skills have a great chance to excel in this course. Doctors need to behave friendly and respectably to their patients.
- Candidates must have a positive outlook towards life as they need to encourage patients during the treatment of severe diseases.
- Candidates must be able to formulate topical therapies such as cream, lotion, and ointment, etc.
- Candidates should be hardworking and self-motivated since the job requires a great deal of concentration and precision while dealing with lengthy procedures and surgeries.
Medical graduate candidates need to go through the selection criteria of the university/institute of their choice. The most common admission process is based on both the entrance exam and students' merit.
- The popular entrance exams are National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET-PG), AMU Entrance Exam, Bangalore University Entrance Exam, AIIMS PG Entrance Exam, PGIMER, etc.
- Candidates need to apply and appear in national level entrance exams (like NEET PG) or common entrance exams conducted by various medical colleges.
- Entrance exams check the candidate's proficiency level in terms of pre-clinical, para-clinical, medicine, and surgical concepts, reasoning, comprehension, and logical thinking.
- Candidates get an option to apply for their desired college/institute based on their entrance exams score.
- Based on the entrance exam score, candidates are invited to appear for further counseling and personal interviews
- Finally, based on the overall performance in entrance exams and personal interviews, colleges offer admission to the selected candidates.
PGD in Ophthalmology: Eligibility Criteria
- The candidates must have completed an MBBS degree or equivalent from a recognized Institute.
- The candidates must have completed a mandatory one-year internship.
- The candidate should be registered as MBBS with the Medical Council of India or State Medical Councils.
- Candidates who have an MBBS provisional certificate or are likely to complete their internship before the entrance exam dates may also apply. (Admissions are subject to their completing the qualifying exams/internships)
PGD in Ophthalmology: Entrance Exams
Admissions to PGD Ophthalmology is primarily based on entrance exams. Multiple national and college-level entrance exams are held every year. Minimum eligibility is a Bachelors’ degree in medicine or equivalent recognized by MCI, along with a one-year mandatory internship. Here are a few important entrance exams for PGD Ophthalmology
Exam | Exam Date |
---|---|
NEET PG | Check here |
AIIMS PG | Check here |
PGIMER/INICET | Check here |
Read More: PG Medical Entrance Exams in India
PGD in Ophthalmology: How to get Admission in Good College?
Below are key steps involving admission to M. Tech. in Electronics and Communication course.
- Candidates should check the placement/internship policy for respective colleges/universities before applying.
- The candidate should check specific eligibility requirements set aside by different exam governing bodies and follow the guidelines.
- The Candidate needs to have a clear understanding of topics covered during Medical qualifying exams. Most entrance exams focus on topics such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Social and Preventive Medicine, Surgery, ENT etc.
- Make sure to attempt the practice dummy test. NEET PG offers online dummy test for candidates who have applied for NEET.
- If applying based on a provisional certificate and or, pending internship. Candidate should ensure that he/she has successfully completed the internship based on MCI guidelines.
- The Candidate should prepare well for personal interview and counselling rounds.
Read More – Syllabus for NEET PG Entrance Exam
PGD in Ophthalmology: Course Syllabus
PGD Ophthalmology is a 2-year program. Students are assessed via semester and annual term end examinations. Below is a semester wise syllabus for the PGD Ophthalmology course. Please note that course names and subject names may vary according to colleges.
Subjects of Study | Areas Covered |
---|---|
Anatomy and Physiology | Anatomy of the eye and ocular adnexa, Embryology of the eye and adnexa, The visual pathways, Anatomy and Physiology of motor mechanism, Physiology of vision, colour vision, accommodation, Binocular vision and its development, Maintenance of intraocular pressure, The Neurology of vision, Physiology of aqueous humour and its circulation and maintenance of intraocular Pressure, Maintenance of corneal transparency, Tear circulation, Blood-aqueous barrier. |
Pathology and Microbiology | Pathology of ocular and adnexal lesions - Inflammatory, neoplastic, lens specification, etc. Microbiology of common organisms affecting the eye, Virus – Herpes Zoster, Simplex, adenovirus, trachoma etc. Parasites, protozoa and fungi causing ocular lesion |
Biochemistry | Vitamin A and its metabolism, Glucose metabolism, Aqueous composition, Biochemical aspects of cataract (Senile and diabetic), Thyroid function tests Tear film and its composition. |
Pharmacology | Pharmacology of drugs used in Ophthalmology, Autonomic drugs, Use of antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents, Anti-inflammatory agent, Anti-viral and antifungals, Local anesthetics, Dyes used in ophthalmology, Tear Substitutes, Drugs used to reduce intraocular pressure, Ocular penetration of systemically administered drugs and topical agents. Anti-mitotic agents and immunosuppressive |
Optics | Elementary Physiological optics, Optics of radioscopy and other dark room procedures and ophthalmic types of equipment. |
Clinical Ophthalmology including | Clinical Ophthalmology methodologies including Refraction |
Modern Enhancements | Recent advances including investigative therapeutic procedure, Community Ophthalmology including national programme, rehabilitation of blind. |
PGD in Ophthalmology: Course Books
Name of the Book | Author |
---|---|
Paediatric Optometry | Jerome Rosner |
Vision development | ILG & Bullis |
Introduction to Visual Optics | A.R. Elington & H.J. Frank |
Clinical Optics- 2nd ed (1991) | Paul Scherz & Simon Monk |
Management of Special Population | Dominique Maino |
Optics & Refraction | L.P. Agarwal |
Clinical Optics | Borrish |
The Art & Practice of Low Vision | Freeman & Jose, Butterwort Pub |
Understanding Low Vision | AFB Publication |
Low Vision | Fayea E.E. |
PGD in Ophthalmology: Top Colleges
Institute Name | Average Annual Fees |
---|---|
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi | INR 1,500 |
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh | INR 3,470 |
Christian Medical College, Vellore | INR 7,000 |
Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru | INR 35,220 |
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Kochi | Rs. 15,53,000 |
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal | INR 14,00,000 |
King George’s Medical University, Lucknow | INR 43,200 |
Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital, Chennai | Not Available |
Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh | INR 47,570 |
Christian Medical College, Ludhiana | INR 3,90,000 |
JSS Medical College, Mysore | INR 12,62,500 |
PGD in Ophthalmology: Colleges Comparison
College Name | Christian Medical College | JSS Medical College |
---|---|---|
Overview | Situated in Vellore,Tamilnadu CMC is one of the top colleges in providing this course and has been ranked 3 by NIRF in 2020. | JSS Medical college based in Mysore is one of the top most colleges in India which provides quite good salary packages and has been ranked 20 by NIRF in 2020. |
Location | Vellore | Ludhiana |
NIRF Ranking | 3 | 20 |
Average Fee | INR 7,000 | INR 12,62,500 |
Average Package | 5-6 LPA | 6.5 LPA |
Job Profiles | Ophthalmologist, Sales Executive, Assistant Professor, OT Technician, Key Account Manager | Ophthalmologist, Consultant Ophthalmology, Area Sales Manager. |
PGD Ophthalmology V/s Diploma in Optometry Technology: Which is Better?
Parameters | PGD in Ophthalmology | Diploma in Optometry |
---|---|---|
Full Name | Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology | Diploma in Optometry Technology |
Overview | Covers pre-clinical, para-clinical, surgical, pediatrics and other major aspects of eye disorders and their treatment. An ophthalmology expert may assist or perform actual treatment. | Different concepts of eye-health, diseases, diagnosis and treatment of the human eye. An Optometrist may make recommendations for treatment however can not perform surgery. |
Course Type | Post Graduate Diploma | Undergraduate Diploma |
Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree (MBBS or equivalent) | 10+2 |
Duration | 2 years | 3 years |
Course Fees | INR 10,000 - 15,00,000 | INR 10,000- 5,00,000 |
Jobs Profiles | Ophthalmologist, Sales Executive, Assistant Professor, OT Technician, Key Account Manager, Consultant Ophthalmology, Area Sales Manager. | Optometrist Assistant, Lens Consultant, Optometry Technician, Asst. Nutrition Officer/Data Assistant |
Average Salary | INR 3,00,000 - INR 15,00,000 | INR 2,50,000 - 15,00,000 |
PGD Ophthalmology: Job Profiles
Here are the most common job profiles and the average starting median salary per annum.
Job Profile | Job Description | Average Salary |
---|---|---|
Ophthalmologist | Ophthalmologists diagnoses and treats eye-related diseases, like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetes-related vision issues. Performs various types of eye related surgeries. | INR 10,00,000 |
Assistant Professor | Teaches ophthalmology students and helps them in their advanced research related to ophthalmic diseases, academia, and innovations. | INR 9,00,000 |
OT Technician | Responsible for transporting patients, preparing the operating room for surgery, set-up and check surgical equipment, and providing vital technical assistance to surgeons. | INR 4,50,000 |
Consultant Ophthalmology | Exhibits deep knowledge of ophthalmic treatment and assists or performs critical surgical operations. | INR 13,50,000 |
Area Sales Manager | An area sales manager is in charge of marketing and sales of medical products and surgical equipment. Interacts with various hospital authorities and responsible for the overall growth of the business | INR 8,00,000 |
Post Graduate Diploma Ophthalmology: Salary Trends
Below graph shows average salary trends for common job profiles post PGD in Ophthalmology
PGD in Ophthalmology: Future Scope
With the ever-growing population, the need for eye specialists also keeps growing.
- The candidates who have completed PGD in Ophthalmology can work in both government and private sectors set up in the medical field.
- There are plenty of opportunities in NGOs, Private Clinics, Medical Writing Industry, Pharma Industry, Defense Hospitals, Railway Hospitals, Medical Colleges, etc.
- Eye Specialists receive very good remuneration along with respect from society. The scope of earning grows exponentially based on expertise and experience. Candidates can further study and complete their specific specialization related to Ophthalmic treatment.
- Candidates may also work in the research and development of new medicines/techniques by working under reputed government agencies like ICMR.
Top recruiters:
- L. V. Prasad Eye Hospital
- Sankara Nethralaya Eye Care Hospital
- SIMS Healthcare Private Limited
- Aravind Eye Hospital
- Lotus Eye Hospital and Institute
- Fortis Healthcare Ltd
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences
- Max Healthcare, Metro Hospital
- Shroff Eye and Lasik Centre
PGD in Ophthalmology: FAQs
Ques. What can I do after my diploma in ophthalmology?
Ans. The best option is to pursue a fellowship from any prestigious eye hospital/institute. Diploma candidates can get a comprehensive fellowship that includes surgical exposure and learning the best way to diagnose patients.
Que. What is a PGD Ophthalmology?
Ans. Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology is a two-year diploma course that trains and qualifies professionals to help ophthalmologists diagnose and treat patients.
Ques. How do I become an ophthalmologist in India?
Ans. You should complete an MBBS degree first and then go for post-graduation in Ophthalmology. The degrees are Doctor of Medicine, Master of Surgery, and Diploma in Ophthalmology.
Que, Is NEET required for Optometry?
Ans. No, for optometry, you need not give or qualify NEET. Students who wish to do a degree or Diploma courses in ophthalmic technology should clear 10+2 or equivalent examination, with a minimum of 50% marks in physics, chemistry, and biology. However, if you want to do a PG Diploma in Ophthalmology, NEET is required for most colleges.
Que. Which college is good for a PG Diploma in Ophthalmology?
Ans. Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Armed Forces Medical College are few reputed colleges offering PG Diploma Ophthalmology.
Que. What is the eligibility for PGD in Ophthalmology?
Ans. Candidates must have completed an MBBS degree or provisional MBBS pass certificate, which MCI recognizes. The candidate should also possess a permanent/ provisional registration certificate of MBBS qualification issued by the Medical Council of India or State Medical Council.
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