Master of Surgery (MS) Ophthalmology: Admission, Medical Colleges, Eligibility Criteria, Fees, Syllabus details

MS Opthalmology or Master of Surgery in Opthalmology also known as MS in Opthalmology is a Postgraduate level course for doctors in India that is done by them after completion of their MBBS. The duration of this postgraduate course is 3 years, and it focuses on the study of various concepts related to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists provide both medical and surgical eye care to patients.

The course is a full-time course pursued at various recognized medical colleges across the country. Some of the top medical colleges offering this course include ACSR Government Medical College (Nellore), Government Medical College (Ananthapuram), GITAM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (Visakhapatnam), and more.

Admission to this course is done through the NEET PG Entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations, followed by counseling based on the scores of the exam that is conducted by DGHS/MCC/State Authorities.

The fee for pursuing an MS in Opthalmology varies from college to college. The average course fee is Rs 3000 to Rs. 5 Lakh per annum.

After completion of their respective course, doctors can either join the job market or pursue a super-specialization course where MS Opthalmology is a feeder qualification. Candidates can take reputed jobs as Senior residents, Junior Consultants, etc. with an approximate salary range of Rs 2 Lakh to 30 Lakh per annum.

What is MS in Opthalmology?

Master of Surgery in Opthalmology, also known as MS (Opthalmology) is a three-year postgraduate program that candidates can pursue after completing MBBS.

Ophthalmology is the branch of medical science dealing with various concepts related to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of eye disorders.

National Medical Commission (NMC), the apex medical regulator, has released Guidelines for a Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme for MS in Opthalmology.

The Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme governs the education and training of MS in Opthalmology.

PG education intends to create specialists who can contribute to high-quality health care and advances in science through research and training.

The required training done by a postgraduate specialist in the field of Opthalmology would help the specialist recognize the community's health needs. The student should be competent to handle medical problems effectively and should be aware of the recent advances in their specialty.

The candidate should be a highly competent doctor possessing a broad range of skills that will enable her/him to practice Opthalmology independently. The PG candidate should also acquire the basic skills in teaching medical/para-medical students.

The candidate is also expected to know the principles of research methodology and modes of the consulting library. The candidate should regularly attend conferences, workshops, and CMEs to upgrade her/ his knowledge.

Course Highlights

Here are some of the course highlights of MS in Opthalmology:

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for MS in Opthalmology are defined as the set of rules or minimum prerequisites that aspirants must meet to be eligible for admission, which include:

1. Candidates must have an undergraduate MBBS degree from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).

2. Candidates should have done a compulsory rotating internship of one year in a teaching institution or other institution which is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).

3. The candidate must have obtained permanent registration of any State Medical Council to be eligible for admission.

4. The medical college's recognition cut-off dates for the MBBS Degree courses and compulsory rotatory Internship shall be as prescribed by the Medical Council of India (now NMC).

Admission Process

The admission process contains a few steps to be followed in order by the candidates for admission to MS in Opthalmology. Candidates can view the complete admission process for MS in Opthalmology mentioned below:

1. The NEET PG or National Eligibility Entrance Test for Post Graduate is a national-level master's level examination conducted by the NBE for admission to MS/MS/PG Diploma Courses.

2. The requirement of eligibility criteria for participation in counseling towards PG seat allotment conducted by the concerned counseling authority shall be instead of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations (as per the latest amendment) notified by the MCI (now NMC) with prior approval of MoHFW.

3. The following Medical institutions are not covered under centralized admissions for MS/MS seats through NEET- PG:

1. AIIMS, New Delhi, and other AIIMS

2. PGIMER, Chandigarh

3. JIPMER, Puducherry

4. NIMHANS, Bengaluru

Fees Structure

The fee structure for MS in Opthalmology varies from college to college. The fee is generally less for Government Institutes and more for private institutes. The average fee structure for MS in Opthalmology is Rs 3000 to Rs. 5 lakhs per annum.

Colleges offering MS in Opthalmology

There are various medical colleges across India that offer courses for pursuing MS (Opthalmology).

As per National Medical Commission (NMC) website, the following medical colleges are offering MS (Opthalmology) courses for the academic year 2022-23.

Syllabus

An MS in Opthalmology is a three years specialization course that provides training in the stream of Opthalmology.

The course content for MS in Opthalmology is given in the Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme released by National Medical Commission, which can be assessed on the link given below:

Competency-Based Training Programme For MS Ophthalmology

Course contents:

These are only broad guidelines and are illustrative, there may be overlap between sections.

I. Basic Sciences:

1. Orbital and ocular anatomy

i. Gross anatomy

ii. Histology

iii. Embryology

2. Ocular Physiology

3. Ocular Pathology

4. Ocular Biochemistry

General biochemistry, biochemistry applicable to ocular function

5. Ocular Microbiology

General Microbiology, specific microbiology applicable to the eye

6. Immunology with particular reference to ocular immunology

7. Genetics in ophthalmology

8. Community Eye Health

II. Optics

a. Basic physics of optics

b. Applied ophthalmic optics

c. Applied optics including optical devices

d. Disorders of Refraction

III. Clinical Ophthalmology

i. Disorders of the lids

ii. Disorders of the lacrimal system

iii. Disorders of the Conjunctiva

iv. Disorders of the Sclera

v. Disorders of the Cornea

vi. Disorders of the Uveal Tract

vii. Disorders of the Lens

viii. Disorders of the Retina

ix. Disorders of the Optic Nerve and Visual Pathway

x. Disorders of the Orbit

xi. Glaucoma

xii. Neuro-ophthalmology

xiii. Paediatric ophthalmology

xiv. Ocular involvement in systemic disease

xv. Immune ocular disorders

xvi. Strabismus and Amblyopia

xvii. Ocular oncology

Career Options

After completing an MS in Opthalmology, candidates will get employment opportunities in Government as well as in the Private sector.

In the Government sector, candidates have various options to choose from which include Registrar, Senior Resident, Demonstrator, Tutor, etc.

While in the Private sector the options include Resident Doctor, Consultant, Visiting Consultant (Opthalmology), Junior Consultant, Senior Consultant (Opthalmology), Consultant Opthalmology Specialist, etc.

Courses after MS in Opthalmology course

MS in Opthalmology is a specialization course that can be pursued after finishing MBBS. After pursuing a specialization in MS (Opthalmology), a candidate could also pursue super specialization courses recognized by NMC, MS (Opthalmology) is a feeder qualification.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) – MS in Opthalmology

Question: What is an MS in Opthalmology?

Answer: MS Opthalmology or also known as MS in Opthalmology is a Postgraduate level course for doctors in India that is done by them after completion of their MBBS.

Question: What is the duration of an MS in Opthalmology?

Answer: MS in Opthalmology is a postgraduate programme of three years.

Question: What is the eligibility of an MS in Opthalmology?

Answer: Candidates must be in possession of an undergraduate MBBS degree from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India.

Question: What is the scope of an MS in Opthalmology?

Answer: MS in Opthalmology offers candidates various employment opportunities and career prospects.

Question: What is the average salary for an MS in Opthalmology postgraduate candidate?

Answer: The MS in Opthalmology candidate's average salary is Rs 2 Lakh to 30 Lakh per annum.