Are you wondering whether Optometry is the best course to study in college? No doubt, trying to decide on what to study can be confusing, and this article will give you some insights concerning optometry.

What is Optometry and Vision Science?

Optometry and vision studies involve learning how to examine, and diagnosis of optical issues. After studying optometry, you stand a chance working as a certified optometrist in either of the following places;

• Teaching optometry science in universities, colleges, research institutions, etc.
• Working as a qualified optometrist in either a public or private hospital
• Opening your optometry practice where you can create jobs for others

Why an optometry and vision course could be the right choice for you?

Being an optometrist means helping in eradicating loss of sight.

Do you feel sad when you see a blind person? If you always end up wondering whether a doctor could have prevented the loss of sight, this might be the right course for you.

An article on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov reveals a joint venture by the International Agency for the Prevention of blindness and World Health Organization.

The two organizations came together to establish a blindness-related worldwide initiative dubbed Vision 2020. The joint venture focused on eliminating impaired vision and preventable blindness actively through community healthcare activities.

A more in-depth look at the article reveals that there’s a significant world population that suffers from avoidable blindness. Statistics according to the report are as follows;

• 5% of child blindness occurring in developed countries is preventable
• Most of the avoidable blindness goes uncorrected, which is devastating
• Developing countries have also reported about 25% of preventable blindness, with Australia being the leader.

As a qualified optometrist, you will be part of amending the terrible blindness menace. Therefore, no child or adult will ever have to suffer due to blindness.

Most optometrists enjoy career longevity.

Unlike most professions, there’s no retirement cap for optometrists unless of course, it’s by choice. You can, therefore, practice for the rest of your life, helping people regain their sight.

An optometry career in Malaysia is financially rewarding.

Besides having a deep passion in any field of study, it’s also paramount to earn a decent living. Obtaining a good salary means that you can be able to sustain your livelihood and support your family.

Once you’re comfortable salary-wise you can be able to do what you love doing most; your job. You can also pay back your student loans if any, to help you proceed with your life, debt-free.

An optometrist in Malaysian earns from RM137, 962 (MYR) to RM256, 508 (MYR), depending on the level of experience. The salary can provide a pretty decent livelihood in Malaysia.

Short study duration

If you think that you’ll need to study for a lengthy period to start a career in optometry, you’re wrong. A typical Optometry and Vision Science course only last four short years.

Within the four years, you’ll have equipped yourself with the following areas of study;

• Optical Practice
• Vision Science
• Basic science Essentials
• Specialty and General Optometry practices

The above studies will prepare you for the real world, to enable you to practice with the highest degree of professionalism.

Before you ,  ensure that you do so in a reputable institution. The institution must have certified and qualified teaching personnel, and must also have a learning approach that is student and industry-centered. Also, ensure that the school has well maintained and up to date facilities and study equipment.