BSc Optometry Salary: Are We Undervaluing the Eyes Behind the Glasses?

 

Introduction: The Irony in Sight

If you can read this clearly, thank an optometrist. Yet, ironically, the people responsible for maintaining our vision often find their own professional worth clouded by misperceptions—especially when it comes to salary and recognition.

For those pursuing a Bachelor of Optometry, especially in Kerala, the question isn’t just “What will I earn?” It’s “Will I be seen as a doctor?” Spoiler: You should be.

Let’s talk about money, respect, and the blurry line between passion and profession in the world of optometry.





Act 1: The Road to Becoming a Vision Doctor

I remember a student, Anjali, who once shared her dilemma: “I love eyes. I love helping people see. But when I tell people I’m studying optometry, they think I’m just going to hand out glasses at a shop.”

Let’s set the record straight.

A BSc in Optometry is not a casual diploma. It's a rigorous four-year journey through anatomy, physiology, optics, and clinical practice. Graduates aren’t sales reps. They are primary eye care providers—doctors in their own right, equipped to detect glaucoma, manage diabetic retinopathy, and even spot signs of brain tumors through a retinal scan.

Yet, while their skills are sharp, their salaries often don’t reflect that clarity.





Act 2: The Salary Story—And What’s Missing

A fresh BSc Optometry graduate in India typically starts with a salary ranging between ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 per month. Sounds modest, right?

But here’s the twist: this is just the beginning. With 2-3 years of experience, and especially for those who specialize or work in multispecialty hospitals or private clinics, salaries can grow significantly—crossing ₹50,000 and even reaching six figures with the right expertise.

Still, the problem isn’t just the pay. It’s the perception.

Unlike MBBS graduates, optometrists often fight for the “doctor” title, even though their clinical training is extensive. This lack of recognition can limit opportunities and confidence, pushing many to abandon clinical practice or move abroad where the profession is more respected—and better paid.





Act 3: Shifting the Lens—The Rise of Optometry in Kerala

Here’s the good news: Kerala is becoming a hub for quality optometry education. Institutions like Rayhan College of Optometry are setting new standards, combining technical excellence with hands-on training.

For students looking for alternative entry points, there are also valuable optometry diploma courses in Kerala that offer faster access to the field.

These programs are not just producing graduates—they’re producing change-makers who can elevate the status of optometry from “option” to “calling.”





Conclusion: Vision is Priceless—So Is the One Who Protects It

So, is the BSc Optometry salary underwhelming? Perhaps at first glance. But like every good optometrist knows, it’s all about perspective.

With better awareness, institutional support, and a shift in public mindset, optometrists in India can and should claim their place as frontline healthcare professionals.

If you’re considering this path, don’t just ask, “What will I earn?” Ask, “What kind of doctor do I want to be?”



Because vision isn’t just what we see—it’s what we dare to believe in.