Ophthalmic Surgeon banner
a Ophthalmic Surgeon thumbnail
Ophthalmic Surgeon

Overview, Education, Careers Types, Skills, Career Path, Resources

Ophthalmic surgeons diagnose and treat eye conditions with surgery. They improve vision and eye health, crucial for quality of life.

Average Salary

₹15,00,000

Growth

high

Satisfaction

high

Home/Careers/healthcare and biomedical fields/ophthalmic surgeon
Educational Requirements

Education Requirements to Become an Ophthalmic Surgeon

To become an ophthalmic surgeon in India, a rigorous educational path must be followed. Here's a detailed breakdown:

  • MBBS Degree:
    • The first step is to complete a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. This typically takes 5.5 years, including a one-year internship.
  • Postgraduate Degree:
    • After MBBS, you need to pursue a postgraduate degree in ophthalmology. The common options are:
      • MS (Master of Surgery) in Ophthalmology: A three-year program focusing on surgical aspects.
      • MD (Doctor of Medicine) in Ophthalmology: A three-year program with a broader medical perspective.
      • DNB (Diplomate of National Board) in Ophthalmology: Equivalent to MS/MD, conducted by the National Board of Examinations.
  • Residency:
    • Residency is a crucial part of the training, providing hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating eye conditions.
  • Fellowship (Optional):
    • For specialization in a specific area of ophthalmology (like retina, cornea, glaucoma, or pediatric ophthalmology), a fellowship is recommended. Fellowships can last from one to two years.

Key Skills Required

  • Surgical Precision: Excellent hand-eye coordination and surgical skills.
  • Diagnostic Abilities: Ability to accurately diagnose various eye conditions.
  • Communication Skills: Effective communication with patients and their families.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail during surgeries and examinations.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to handle complex cases and emergencies.

Important Points

  • Entrance Exams: Admission to postgraduate programs typically requires clearing entrance exams like NEET PG.
  • Continuous Learning: Ophthalmology is a rapidly evolving field, so continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements are essential.
Study Path
Top Colleges

Top Colleges in India for Ophthalmology

To pursue a career as an Ophthalmic Surgeon, obtaining quality education and training from reputable institutions is crucial. Here are some of the top colleges in India for studying ophthalmology:

  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi:
    • Overview: AIIMS, New Delhi, is consistently ranked as one of the top medical colleges in India. It offers excellent programs in MBBS and postgraduate courses in Ophthalmology (MD, MS).
    • Why: Renowned faculty, advanced research facilities, and comprehensive clinical exposure.
  • Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh:
    • Overview: PGIMER is another leading medical institute in India, offering high-quality education and research opportunities in ophthalmology.
    • Why: Experienced faculty, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a strong focus on research.
  • Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore:
    • Overview: CMC Vellore is a well-reputed medical college known for its excellent medical education and patient care.
    • Why: Dedicated faculty, extensive clinical training, and a commitment to serving the community.
  • Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi:
    • Overview: MAMC is one of the top medical colleges in Delhi, offering comprehensive medical education and training.
    • Why: Experienced faculty, diverse patient exposure, and a strong alumni network.
  • Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune:
    • Overview: AFMC Pune is a premier medical college that trains medical professionals for the armed forces.
    • Why: Disciplined environment, comprehensive training, and opportunities to serve in the armed forces.
  • Grant Medical College, Mumbai:
    • Overview: GMC Mumbai is one of the oldest medical colleges in India, offering a wide range of medical courses.
    • Why: Experienced faculty, diverse patient exposure, and a rich history.
  • King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow:
    • Overview: KGMU is a well-known medical university in Uttar Pradesh, offering quality medical education and training.
    • Why: Experienced faculty, comprehensive clinical training, and a strong regional presence.
Fees

The fee structure for courses required to become an Ophthalmic Surgeon in India varies significantly depending on the type of institution (government, private, or deemed university) and the location. Here’s a detailed overview:

  • MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery):
    • Government Medical Colleges:
      • Annual Fees: ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per year.
      • Government colleges offer subsidized education, making it more affordable.
    • Private Medical Colleges:
      • Annual Fees: ₹8,00,000 to ₹20,00,000 per year.
      • Private colleges have significantly higher fees, which may also include additional charges like development fees.
    • Deemed Universities:
      • Annual Fees: ₹12,00,000 to ₹25,00,000 per year.
      • Deemed universities often have a fee structure similar to or higher than private medical colleges.
  • MS/MD in Ophthalmology (Postgraduate Courses):
    • Government Medical Colleges:
      • Annual Fees: ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 per year.
      • Postgraduate courses in government colleges are also heavily subsidized.
    • Private Medical Colleges:
      • Annual Fees: ₹5,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 per year.
  • DNB (Diplomate of National Board) in Ophthalmology:
    • Government/Trust Hospitals:
      • Annual Fees: ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 per year.
    • Private Hospitals:
      • Annual Fees: ₹2,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 per year.
Related Exams

To become an Ophthalmic Surgeon in India, several entrance exams need to be cleared to gain admission into the required medical programs. Here’s a detailed description of the relevant exams:

  • NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Undergraduate):
    • This is the primary entrance exam for MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) programs in India. Since an MBBS degree is the first step to becoming an ophthalmic surgeon, clearing NEET-UG is mandatory.
    • Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA).
    • Eligibility: Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects.
    • Syllabus: Covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology) from the 11th and 12th-grade syllabus.
  • NEET-PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Postgraduate):
    • After completing MBBS, NEET-PG is the entrance exam for postgraduate programs like MS (Master of Surgery) or MD (Doctor of Medicine) in Ophthalmology.
    • Conducted by: National Board of Examinations (NBE).
    • Eligibility: Candidates must possess an MBBS degree from a recognized institution.
    • Syllabus: Covers subjects taught during the MBBS course.
  • INI-CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test):
    • INI-CET is conducted for admission to postgraduate courses, including MS/MD in Ophthalmology, at AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, and other Institutes of National Importance.
    • Conducted by: AIIMS, New Delhi.
    • Eligibility: Candidates must have an MBBS degree from a recognized institution.
    • Syllabus: Covers subjects taught during the MBBS course, similar to NEET-PG but with a specific focus on the standards of Institutes of National Importance.
Exam NameExam Date
Pros And Cons

Pros

  • High earning potential.
  • Opportunity to restore vision.
  • Intellectual stimulation.
  • Respect and prestige.
  • Specialization options.
  • Continuous learning.
  • Making a significant impact.
  • Job security.

Cons

  • Long and demanding education.
  • High-stress environment.
  • Emotional toll.
  • Risk of complications.
  • Sedentary lifestyle.
  • Keeping up with technology.
  • Ethical dilemmas.
  • Dealing with emergencies.