A Diploma in Ophthalmology is typically a 2-year PG diploma. The most focused topics in Diploma in Ophthalmology courses are Anatomy & Physiology of the Eye and Common Eye Diseases & Conditions. Students who have completed MBBS are eligible for a Diploma in Ophthalmology. Well-known colleges offering a Diploma in Ophthalmology are AIIMS, Delhi, Christian Medical College, etc.
Most colleges offering a Diploma in Ophthalmology give admission based on entrance exams such as NEET-PG. Course fees start from INR 13,000 and can go up to INR 7,00,000 annually for private colleges such as KMC Manipal. The job profiles after completion of a Diploma in Ophthalmology are Quality Analyst, Process Control Technician, Supplier Quality Engineer, etc. The average annual salaries for freshers start from INR 4.5 LPA and can go up to 30 LPA, depending on skills and expertise.
- Diploma in Ophthalmology Course Highlights
- What is a Diploma in Ophthalmology?
- Why choose a Diploma in Ophthalmology?
- Diploma in Ophthalmology Eligibility and Admission Process
- Diploma in Ophthalmology Entrance Exam
- Diploma in Ophthalmology Colleges in India
- Diploma in Ophthalmology Syllabus
- Diploma in Ophthalmology Job Profiles
- Diploma in Ophthalmology Future Scope
- Diploma in Ophthalmology FAQs
Diploma in Ophthalmology Course Highlights
Given below are some of the key highlights for the Diploma in Ophthalmic course:
Feature | Details |
Course Name | Diploma in Ophthalmology |
Course Level | Postgraduate Diploma |
Duration | 2 years |
Eligibility | An MBBS degree from a recognised institution |
Admission Process | Most colleges require NEET-PG, INI-CET or other entrance exams |
Top Colleges | AIIMS (Delhi), CMC (Vellore), Acharya Institute of Health Sciences (Bangalore) |
Key Subjects | Anatomy & Physiology of the Eye, Common Eye Diseases & Conditions |
Course Fees | INR 13,000 – INR 7,00,000 per year |
Job Roles | Quality Analyst, Process Control Technician, Supplier Quality Engineer |
Average Salary | INR 4.5 – 30 LPA |
What is a Diploma in Ophthalmology?
An ophthalmology diploma course is a postgraduate diploma course of 2 years for students studying MBBS. The whole course will provide a detailed understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular diseases and their disorders. This will include both theoretical education and clinical training with several topics related to ocular anatomy, physiology, pathology and surgery. Thus, after completing an Ophthalmic Assistant Diploma course, students can employ themselves in hospitals, clinics, research institutions and healthcare organisations related to eye and visual well-being.
Why choose a Diploma in Ophthalmology?
Given below are the benefits of pursuing a Diploma in Ophthalmics:
- 2-year course instead of an MD/MS, so practice can be done quickly.
- An increase in cataract and glaucoma eye disease cases places an increasing burden on experts.
- Hospitals, private practice, research centres, and government health programs offer scope.
- Less expensive than MS/MD courses, thus saving money.
- Can result in fellowships or further research in ophthalmology.
Diploma in Ophthalmology Eligibility and Admission Process
To pursue a Diploma in Ophthalmology, students must have completed MBBS from a recognised university to be eligible. Additionally, some institutes may conduct entrance exams as part of the admission process.
Admission Process
The Diploma in Orthopaedics admission process is procedural as per the respective colleges’ selection criteria. However, the Diploma in Orthopaedics admission process is as follows for the Christian Medical College:
- Visit the official website of the institution.
- Fill out the application form with the necessary details.
- Upload the necessary documents, including marksheet, address proof, etc.
- The list of selected students will be announced on the official college website.
Diploma in Ophthalmology Entrance Exam
Some colleges, such as the AIIMS and JIPMER, take admissions via entrance exams into the Ophthalmologist Diploma course. Given below is a list of entrance exams for admission to the Diploma in Ophthalmic:
Entrance Exam | Conducting Body | Registration Deadline | Exam Date |
NEET-PG 2025 | National Board of Examinations (NBE) | 3rd week of May, 2025 | June 15, 2025 |
INI-CET 2025 (July Session) | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) | April 15, 2025 | May 17, 2025 |
PGIMER Entrance Exam 2025 | Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) | April 15, 2025 | May 17, 2025 |
Diploma in Ophthalmology Colleges in India
Given below is a list of colleges that offer a Diploma in Ophthalmology, along with their location and course fees:
NIRF 2024 Ranking | College Name | Location | Annual Course Fees |
1 | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) | New Delhi | INR 1,00,000 |
3 | Christian Medical College (CMC) | Vellore | INR 43,000 |
9 | Kasturba Medical College (KMC) | Manipal | INR 7,00,000 |
Acharya Institute of Health Sciences | Bangalore | INR 1,42,000 | |
- | Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) | Pune | INR 34,000 |
- | Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) | New Delhi | INR 13,000 |
Diploma in Ophthalmology Syllabus
The Diploma in Ophthalmology is a 2-year postgraduate program that provides in-depth knowledge of eye diseases, diagnostics, surgical procedures, and patient care, preparing students for a career in ophthalmic healthcare. Given below is the syllabus of the Ophthalmologist Diploma course at AIIMS, New Delhi:
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Applied Basic Sciences | Clinical Ophthalmology - II |
Optics & Refraction | Surgical Ophthalmology - I |
Pharmacology in Ophthalmology | Community Ophthalmology |
Clinical Ophthalmology - I | - |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Surgical Ophthalmology - II | Recent Advances in Ophthalmology |
Investigative Ophthalmology | Ethics & Medico-Legal Aspects |
Research Methodology & Biostatistics | Thesis Submission & Clinical Case Studies |
Diploma in Ophthalmology Job Profiles
Given below is an overview of career opportunities and starting salary ranges for professionals post the completion of an Ophthalmologist Diploma course:
Job Profile | Years of Experience | Average Salary Range |
Consultant Ophthalmologist | 5–10 years | INR 20 – 30 LPA |
Associate Professor | 4–8 years | INR 6 – 10 LPA |
OT Technician | 2–5 years | INR 6 – 9 LPA |
Area Sales Associate | 1–3 years | INR 4.5 – 7 LPA |
Optometrist | 1–4 years | INR 6 – 8.5 LPA |
Ophthalmic Assistant | 1–3 years | INR 4.5 – 7 LPA |
Diploma in Ophthalmology Future Scope
Upon the completion of the Diploma in Ophthalmics, students can follow the following career paths:
- One can pursue an MS in Ophthalmology for further in-depth knowledge in this field.
- Certification courses such as Clinical Optometry or LASIK Surgery can also be done for upskilling.
- Some colleges offer a PhD in Ophthalmology and related fields that can help with specialisation.
Diploma in Ophthalmology FAQs
Can students study a Diploma in Ophthalmology in online or distance mode?
No, as the course includes clinical training, practical experience, and surgical procedures, it cannot be studied in online or distance mode. Students must attend classes in person in a medical college.
What is the difference between a Diploma in Ophthalmology and an MS in Ophthalmology?
A Diploma in Ophthalmics is a 2-year postgraduate diploma with specialization in basic and clinical ophthalmology for those who would prefer an early practice start. An MS in Ophthalmology is a master's course that lasts for 3 years with proper surgical training.
What can be done after a Diploma in Ophthalmology if I do not plan on pursuing surgery?
If you want to pursue non-surgical professions after completing an Ophthalmologist Diploma course, you can be an optometrist, medical advisor, clinical scientist, teacher, or public health specialist in pharmaceutical firms, hospitals, or research organisations.
How well accepted is a Diploma in Ophthalmology abroad?
A diploma in Ophthalmology is accepted globally, but to practice overseas, one might have to sit for a licensing exam such as the USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), or DHA (Dubai).
