Chennai based Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital has entered into a MoU with Alagappa University to offer certificate, diploma and degree courses in Optometry. These courses would be conducted by Shri Prakash Institute of Optometry, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital.

The courses will provide a comprehensive understanding in secondary and tertiary level in eye care including, refraction and dispensing, diagnosis and management of diseases in the eye, and rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system.

"The Optometry courses at Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital will provide students a scientific understanding of vision while developing their clinical skills for professional practice. The syllabus also includes the fitting, manufacturing and supply of spectacles, contact lenses and other optical aids," said joint managing director of Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospitals.

Vice Chancellor of Alagappa University P Kanniappan, speaking on the occasion said, that there was a serious shortage of qualified optometrists in the country. According to him there were only 6,000 qualified optometrists in India while the requirement was 2 lakh. This was because about 15 million persons in India were visually impaired, he added.

"There is a serious shortage of qualified hands in this field. With such courses being introduced more students should opt for it and get employed. This is because these courses have great value and can provide ample prospects for employment. There are also chances for them to get job opportunities in the Gulf and other countries," he said.

Speaking at the occasion, Sudha, director of Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital said that the Shri Prakash Institute of Optometry will be offering M.S, M.Phil and Fellowship programmes in Optometry in the next academic year. The institute is also planning for short-term fellowship programme for International graduates in Optometry.

"The need for trained optometrists is increasingly being felt in the country. Also, Optometry as a profession is high on demand because of rise in the need for spectacles, contact lenses and low - version aids by people afflicted with eye disorders. As of now, we are offering certificate, diploma and degree courses in Optometry, in the next academic year we will be introducing higher courses," she said.

According to her, students who take this course can independently practice the profession of optometry in a clinic, optical establishment or an eye hospital in India or abroad along with medical professionals including ophthalmic surgeons.

Students who have successfully completed the Higher Secondary Examination (10+2 course) with minimum 50 per cent marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and / or Mathematics are eligible to apply. Selection would be based on Optometry Entrance Test (OET) based on XII STD Syllabus, general English and General aptitude.

For further details about the course, contact Azhaguvel on 044 - 28112811.