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Diploma in Ophthalmology: Admission 2025, Entrance Exams, Colleges, Syllabus, Scope, Salary

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Updated on May 12, 2025

Akangsha Das

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, JIPMER, Puducherry, etc.


Most colleges offering a Diploma in Ophthalmology give admission based on entrance exams such as NEET-PG and INI-CET. Course fees start from INR 1,000 in colleges such as AIIMS and can go up to  INR 11 Lacs 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 6 lacs and can go up to 30 lacs per annum depending on skills and expertise. 


Diploma in Ophthalmology Course Highlights

Given below are some of the key highlights for the Diploma in Opthalmology course:

FeatureDetails
Course Name Diploma in Ophthalmology
Course Level Postgraduate Diploma
Duration 2 years
Eligibility MBBS degree from a recognized institution
Admission Process Most colleges require NEET-PG,  INI-CET or other entrance exams
Top Colleges AIIMS (Delhi), JIPMER (Puducherry), PGIMER (Chandigarh), CMC (Vellore), MAMC (Delhi)
Key Subjects Anatomy & Physiology of the Eye, Common Eye Diseases & Conditions
Course Fees INR 1,000 – INR 11,00,000 per year (Higher brackets for privately owned institutions)
Job Roles Quality Analyst, Process Control Technician, Supplier Quality Engineer
Average Salary INR 6 – 30 LPA

What is a Diploma in Ophthalmology?

Diploma in Ophthalmology is a 2-year post-graduation diploma program for MBBS medical students. It deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular diseases and disorders. The course includes theoretical education and clinical training in ocular anatomy, physiology, pathology, and surgery. Graduates find employment in hospitals, clinics, research institutions, and health care organizations engaged in eye care and vision well-being.


Why choose a Diploma in Ophthalmology?

Given below are the benefits of pursuing a Diploma in Ophthalmology:

  • 2-year course instead of an MD/MS, so practice can be done quickly.
  • Increase in cataract and glaucoma eye disease cases places an increasing burden on experts.
  • Hospitals, private practice, research centers, 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

To pursue a Diploma in Ophthalmology, students must have completed MBBS from a recognized university to be eligible. Additionally, some institutes may conduct entrance exams as part of the admission process. The selection criteria may vary depending on the institute and its specific requirements.


Diploma in Ophthalmology Admission Process

The admission procedure for a Diploma in Ophthalmology involves a series of steps that may vary depending on the institute’s selection criteria. For example, given below is the procedure for direct admission at KMC, Manipal:

  • Submission of Application Form: Offline/online submission of application form to the desired institute.
  • Merit-Based Selection: Institutes provide direct admission based on marks.
  • Declaration of list of selected students in official college website.

Additionally, some colleges such as the AIIMS and JIPMER take admissions via entrance exams into Diploma in Ophthalmology. Given below is a list of entrance exams for admission to Diploma in Ophthalmology:

Entrance ExamConducting BodyRegistration DeadlineExam 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 18, 2025
PGIMER Entrance Exam 2025 Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) April 15, 2025 May 17, 2025
JIPMER PG Entrance Exam 2025 Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry April 14, 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 RankingCollege NameLocationAnnual Course Fees 
1 All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi INR 1,500
2 Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh INR 2,500
3 Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore INR 23,230
5 Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER) Puducherry INR 1,260
10 Madras Medical College (MMC) Chennai INR 3,000
9 Kasturba Medical College (KMC) Manipal INR 11,00,000
Not Ranked Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) Pune ₹ 64,400
Not Ranked Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) New Delhi ₹ 15,600

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 Diploma in Ophthalmology at AIIMS, New Delhi:

SemesterSubjects
Semester 1 Applied Basic Sciences
Optics & Refraction
Pharmacology in Ophthalmology
Clinical Ophthalmology - I
Semester 2 Clinical Ophthalmology - II
Surgical Ophthalmology - I
Community Ophthalmology
Semester 3 Surgical Ophthalmology - II
Investigative Ophthalmology
Research Methodology & Biostatistics
Semester 4 Recent Advances in Ophthalmology
Ethics & Medico-Legal Aspects
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 a Diploma in Ophthalmology:

Job ProfileJob DescriptionAverage Annual Salary (INR)
Consultant Ophthalmologist Diagnoses and treats eye diseases; performs surgeries. 30,00,000
Associate Professor Educates medical students in ophthalmology; engages in research. 7,00,000
OT Technician Assists in ophthalmic surgeries; maintains operation theaters. 9,00,000
Area Sales Associate Manages sales of ophthalmic products in a designated region. 6,00,000
Optometrist Conducts eye examinations; prescribes corrective lenses. 800,000
Ophthalmic Assistant Supports ophthalmologists in patient care and administrative tasks. 650,000

Diploma in Ophthalmology Future Scope

Upon the completion of Diploma in Ophthalmology, students can follow the below given 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 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 Ophthalmology 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 going on 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 a Diploma in Ophthalmology, you can be an optometrist, medical advisor, clinical scientist, teacher, or public health specialist in pharmaceutical firms, hospitals, or research organizations.

How well accepted is a Diploma in Ophthalmology abroad?

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).


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