On April 10, 2021, the World Optometry Day, the Department of Allied Health Sciences organised an online workshop

An insight into the bright future of optometry

In honour of all the optometrists and vision care workers who are devoted to maintaining a healthy India, The Department of Allied Health Sciences organised an online workshop on April 10, 2021 from 11 AM. The main aim of the workshop was to appreciate and raise awareness about the career opportunities in the profession of optometry among young students of the department.

Eminent optometry professionals Ms Lakshmi Shinde (Executive Manager, Global Education, International Association of Contact Lens Educators(IACLE), Australia) and Mr Nilesh Thite (IACLE, Australia) were the guest speakers for the event.

Ms Shinde informed the students about the recent Allied Health Professionals Bills introduced recently and the different opportunities it would bring in for young optometrists. “You must keep an eye on recent legislation. This bill has made registration with standard healthcare bodies a mandatory part of your clinical practice. Familiarising yourself with the process now will save you a lot of trouble later on,” she advised.

Mr Thite too stressed on the need to be appropriately registered since “quacks are flooding the market and you won’t be taken seriously without a license. It is very dangerous to practice without some degree of standardisation.” He also discussed the different career opportunities for optometrists. “These days the field is booming with near 100% placements, make full use of it,” he said.

Both Ms Shinde and Mr Thite advised students to read healthcare journals and be aware of the recent developments in vision care. “If you want to provide your patients the best treatment you need to be very well-versed in medical developments,” Ms Shinde said. The workshop ended with a skit which raised awareness about eye donation and maintaining healthy vision.