Bachelor of Optometry [B.Optom]
at Avinashilingam Institute For Home Science and Higher Education For Women
Accepted entrance exams
Fees
Fees at Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women for the Bachelor of Science [B.Sc] (Food Science and Nutrition) program include an annual fee of approximately 12,000 Indian Rupees. The semester fees vary, with a reported fee of 27,000 INR for the first semester and 18,000 INR for the second semester.
An additional examination fee, estimated to be up to 3,000 INR, is also applicable. Scholarships are available for various categories, including merit-based awards and specific scholarships for ST, SC, and OBC categories, as well as the Puthumai Penn Thittam. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden for eligible students.
About Bachelor of Optometry [B.Optom]
The Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom) is a 4-year full-time undergraduate programme offered by Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore. This specialized allied health science course prepares students to become competent optometrists, equipped to diagnose, treat, and manage eye and vision disorders. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical practice, including 1 year of internship. The total fees for the course is Rs. 60,595 per semester (approximately Rs. 4,84,760 for the entire 4-year programme including internship). The primary entrance exam is CUET-UG 2026. The course offers 20 seats annually and is conducted in full-time on-campus mode. This programme is highly valued for its comprehensive training in optometry, with strong career prospects in hospitals, eye clinics, optical stores, and private practice.
Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are currently ongoing. CUET-UG 2026 registration deadline was February 26, 2026, with the exam scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026. Counselling and seat allocation are expected to commence in June 2026, with the academic session beginning in July 2026. Students who have registered for CUET-UG 2026 can participate in the counselling process based on their merit scores.
KEY POINTS
- Comprehensive 4-year programme combining theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical practice
- 1 year mandatory internship in clinical settings providing real-world experience
- Well-equipped optometry laboratories with modern diagnostic and testing equipment
- Training in refraction, contact lens fitting, and ocular disease management
- Hands-on experience with diverse patient populations across age groups
- Collaboration with leading eye hospitals and clinics for clinical training
- Eligibility for professional registration with Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)
- Strong focus on evidence-based practice and research methodology
Avinashilingam B.Optom Fees
The Bachelor of Optometry is a self-financed allied health programme with comprehensive fee structure covering tuition, laboratory, clinical training, library, and other charges. The total fees per semester is Rs. 60,595, which includes all academic and clinical charges. Over the 4-year duration (8 semesters), the total investment comes to approximately Rs. 4,84,760. The fees structure is designed to be transparent with no hidden charges, and the institute does not accept any capitation fees or donations for admission.
Fee Components
| Fee Components | Per Semester | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | Rs. 650 | Rs. 5,200 |
| Special Laboratory and Clinical Fee | Rs. 48,100 | Rs. 3,84,800 |
| Library Fee | Rs. 400 | Rs. 3,200 |
| Other Charges | Rs. 945 | Rs. 7,560 |
| Caution Deposit (Refundable) | Rs. 1,500 | Rs. 1,500 |
| Hostel Fee (Optional) | Rs. 1,500 | Rs. 12,000 |
| Total Fees (Without Hostel) | Rs. 59,095 | Rs. 4,72,760 |
| Total Fees (With Hostel - Optional) | Rs. 60,595 | Rs. 4,84,760 |
Avinashilingam B.Optom Admission 2026
The Bachelor of Optometry programme follows a merit-based admission process through CUET-UG 2026. The admissions process is transparent and based solely on academic merit, with no capitation fees or donations accepted. Eligible candidates with science background can apply.
Admission Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CUET-UG 2026 Registration Deadline | February 26, 2026 |
| CUET-UG 2026 Admit Card Release | May 5, 2026 (Tentative) |
| CUET-UG 2026 Exam | May 11 - May 31, 2026 |
| CUET-UG 2026 Result Declaration | July 4, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Counselling and Seat Allocation | June-July 2026 (Expected) |
| Academic Session Commencement | July 2026 |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary Examination) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Computer Science or Biology
- Minimum aggregate marks as per university norms (typically 50% depending on category)
- Valid CUET-UG 2026 score is mandatory for admission
Admission Process
- Register and appear for CUET-UG 2026 conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Merit list will be prepared based on CUET-UG scores
- Eligible candidates will be called for counselling
- Seat allocation will be done based on merit and choice of programme
- Candidates must report to the college with original documents for final admission
- Payment of fees and completion of registration formalities
Avinashilingam B.Optom Scholarships 2026
Avinashilingam Institute offers various scholarship and financial aid options for deserving students to support their education. Scholarships are available based on merit, financial need, and specific categories.
Scholarship Options
| Scholarship Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Merit-Based Scholarship | For students with high CUET scores or board exam performance (Up to 50% tuition fee waiver) |
| Need-Based Financial Aid | For economically weaker sections (EWS) (Partial to full fee waiver) |
| Category-Based Scholarships | For SC/ST/OBC candidates as per government norms |
| Institute Scholarships | For university toppers and exceptional performers (Rs. 1,500 - Rs. 5,000 per semester) |
Application Deadline: September 30 of the academic year
Avinashilingam B.Optom Placement 2026
The Bachelor of Optometry programme has excellent placement prospects given the growing demand for optometrists in India. Avinashilingam Institute has an active placement cell that facilitates recruitment drives and industry interactions. The institute has collaborations with leading eye hospitals, clinics, and optical stores. Based on overall allied health programme placement statistics, approximately 70-80% of students secure placements, with average packages ranging from Rs. 3 LPA to Rs. 5 LPA for entry-level positions.
Placement Opportunities
| Career Opportunities |
|---|
| Optometrist in Eye Hospitals and Clinics |
| Optometrist in Optical Stores and Vision Care Centers |
| Clinical Optometrist in Diagnostic Centers |
| Optometry Educator |
| Further Studies: M.Optom or Ph.D. programmes |
| Government Healthcare Positions |
Top recruiters include leading eye hospitals, optical chains, and diagnostic centers. Graduates also pursue entrepreneurial ventures by setting up independent optical clinics. The course curriculum includes mandatory internships that provide industry exposure and networking opportunities.
Avinashilingam B.Optom FAQs
Ques. What is the role of an optometrist?
Ans. An optometrist is a primary eye care professional who performs eye examinations, prescribes corrective lenses, diagnoses common eye diseases, and refers patients to ophthalmologists for specialized treatment. They play a crucial role in vision care and eye health.
Ques. What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
Ans. An optometrist provides primary eye care, performs eye tests, and prescribes glasses/contact lenses. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who performs eye surgery and treats complex eye diseases. Both are essential in the eye care system.
Ques. What is the scope of optometry in India?
Ans. Optometry has excellent scope in India with growing awareness about eye health. Opportunities exist in hospitals, clinics, optical stores, schools, and private practice. The field is expanding with increasing demand for vision care professionals.
Ques. Can I pursue further studies after B.Optom?
Ans. Yes, B.Optom graduates can pursue M.Optom, M.Phil., or Ph.D. programmes. Many also pursue specialized certifications in contact lenses, low vision, or pediatric optometry.
Ques. What is the average salary for optometrists in India?
Ans. Entry-level optometrists earn between Rs. 3 to Rs. 5 LPA. With experience and specialization, salaries can increase to Rs. 6-10 LPA or higher in private practice.
Ques. Is RCI registration mandatory after B.Optom?
Ans. Yes, registration with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) is mandatory to practice as an optometrist in India. The B.Optom programme from Avinashilingam prepares students to meet RCI requirements.