Your route, step by step
- 1Class 11–12: take PCBPhysics (optics) and Biology both matter. Some colleges also accept PCM.
- 2Apply through Tamil Nadu paramedical counsellingGovernment quota seats are allotted on Class 12 marks by the Directorate of Medical Education — NEET is not needed.
- 3B.Optom · 4 yearsIncludes clinical training and an internship in an eye hospital.
- 4Work or specialiseContact lenses, paediatric optometry or low vision; M.Optom for teaching and research.
What an optometrist does
- Test vision and measure the power of the eye
- Prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses
- Screen for glaucoma, cataract and diabetic eye disease
- Run vision therapy and low-vision aids
Entrance exams & admission
- TN paramedical counsellingOn Class 12 marks, via tnmedicalselection.net
- University admissionSome private and deemed universities run their own admission
Where you may work
Eye hospitals, optical chains, eye-care NGOs and camps, lens companies, research and your own optical practice.
Well-known colleges in and near Tamil Nadu
- Elite School of Optometry (Sankara Nethralaya), Chennai
Official links
Links checked: Oct 2026. Always confirm dates and rules on the official site.
Outlook
Screen use and an ageing population are increasing eye problems, and eye hospitals and optical chains hire optometrists steadily.
Specialise later
- Contact lenses
- Paediatric optometry
- Low vision
- Binocular vision
- Community eye care
