DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY - O.D
Doctors of Optometry (O.D.) are the independent primary health care professionals for the eye. As primary eye care specialists, optometrists are the first eye health professionals who examine, diagnose and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.
Their scope of practice includes patient counseling regarding surgical and non-surgical options that meet their visual needs related to their occupations, avocations, and lifestyle, providing vision therapy and low vision rehabilitation, as well as prescribing and fitting eye glasses and contact lenses.
Optometrists also carry out comprehensive eye exams. This exam looks at the entire eye and visual system and can detect eye diseases and disorders such as glaucoma and cataracts, as well as other systemic health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. A comprehensive eye examination is an important first step in determining a person’s current level of vision, determining the cause of any sight loss, and, when applicable, establishing an optimal treatment plan.
An optometrist has completed four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree.
The Doctor of Optometry degree awarded by the Swiss American International Academy (SAIA) is an additional professional qualification for practicing optometrists representing the highest level of achievement in academic and clinical studies of Optometry. Conferral of this rigorous program from SAIA indicates that a candidate has achieved mastery of the principles of optometry and has demonstrated proficiency in applying this knowledge in a clinical setting. The badge of an OD degree distinguishes graduates in the profession of Optometry, granting access to prestigious employment opportunities and other enticing prospects.
The optometrists awarded with the OD degree are independent primary healthcare professionals of the eye, with the authority to prescribe treatments in low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, spectacle lenses, and contact lenses. Doctors of Optometry are equipped with comprehensive skills and knowledge to examine, diagnose, treat, and manage disorders of the visual systems and their associated structures. The OD degree allows qualified candidates to earn the designation of “Doctor”, which pushes them into an upper echelon in the field of optometry.
There are several pathways in the OD degree depending on the candidate’s level of study, qualification, and experience.
To apply for the OD examination, candidates must achieve the following by the closing date of applications:
● A Bachelor of Optometry degree (BSc) or a Master of Optometry degree (MSc) that is approved by the SAIA.
● Post-BSc clinical experience not less than 4 years, or 2 years of residency at an approved SAIA training centre.
● Post-MSc clinical experience not less than 2 years or 1 year of residency at an approved SAIA training centre
● Your BSc/MSc course transcripts and certificates from the relevant college/university.
Admission to the OD program is limited and highly selective. The course being a challenging one demands wholehearted effort and exemplary capabilities from the candidates. Admission requirements are entirely based on merit and departmental review.
The candidate will be graded based on the following:
- Academic qualifications (school/university)
- Personal interview
There is always a high demand for optometrists because of the growing need for optical care for the aging population. Thanks to this demand, optometry remains one of the most highly-paid professions with good job mobility, career prospects, and job safety around the globe, offering an ample number of opportunities to work in a variety of roles, such as:
● Participating in interdisciplinary care with other healthcare providers to treat patients holistically as private/government hospital or community optometrists;
● Pursuing an academic career, helping to prepare the next generation of aspiring optometrists by teaching at one of the many educational institutions around the world.
● Entering ocular research and exploring new avenues for the diagnosis, treatment, and cure of different ophthalmic disorders and diseases, particularly helpful in pediatric/geriatric eye conditions, vision rehabilitation, and many more through various research and fellowship programs.
● Administration and marketing management of various MNCs that manufacture ophthalmic prosthesis and lenses.
The fee for the OD examination is $14000 USD. The fee is payable online by credit/debit card/Net Banking.
The candidate can make up to 3 attempts in a single registration, each new attempt costing $100 USD. After which the candidate will have to re-register after completing one year of residency at any approved centre and doing a re-registration payment of $200 USD.
Apart from the above expenses, candidates will have to pay Application fee of $100