WAVIKAR COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY

In the current COVID pandemic, we have realised the value of paramedical staff. The technical and ancillary services are handled very well by them and they become valuable assets in the medical field.

Wavikar Eye Institute (WEI) sensed this long back and took the bold step of opening an Optometry College. It is the only optometry college in Thane district and amongst five other colleges across Maharashtra recognised by MUHS. Its aim is to focus on the tribal areas of Thane for getting students, who will then get an opportunity to excel in life.

Optometry is a branch connected to Ophthalmology. An optometrist plays an important role in ophthalmologist’s (Eye Doctor) clinic. The basic eye check up in out patient department (e.g. refraction, intraocular pressure,vision) is done by the optometrist and later reviewed by the ophthalmologist. Various diagnostic tests (e.g.OCT, perimetry, FFA, IOL power) are conducted by the optometrist. They are a major work force for community services like camps.

The optometrist further can do fellowships in specialised subjects like speciality contact lens, low vision aid, ocular prosthesis etc. They can choose to do post graduation (MSc) followed by Ph.D.

This is a very lucrative career as the job opportunities are plenty in the ophthalmic hospitals, optical shops, as well as in teaching field. Some are going ahead for the training in hospital management. All these jobs are handsomely paid.

Wavikar College of Optometry offers Degree course in Optometry (BSc) of three years duration and Diploma course of two years duration. Both the courses have eligibility criteria of 12th (Science) pass with a minimum score of 50%.

The best of teaching faculty which includes highly qualified Ophthalmologists from WEI and outside teachers of excellent caliber form the part of the college. Besides the university curriculum, the students are equipped with computer knowledge, language proficiency and communication skills. This makes them efficient to handle their personal as well as professional challenges. We have also introduced ‘Mentorship Program’ for the students. The students’ performance is regularly tracked through ‘Progress Card’.

WEI’s huge patient base gives the students the exposure of handling large number of patients thus making them more experienced. Also there are lot of camps organized which help students. The state of art instruments in the institute gives them opportunity to become technically perfect.

Quality care with human approach and excellence in service delivery are Wavikar Eye Institute’s mottos! Its educational initiative, Wavikar College of Optometry reflects its values.This is its small but valuable contribution to ‘Atmnirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Skill India mission’.