PG Diploma in Opthalmology: Admissions, Medical Colleges, Fees, Eligibility criteria details here
Post-Graduate Diploma (PG Diploma) in Ophthalmology also known as Diploma in Ophthalmology 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 2 years, and it focuses on the study of various concepts related to the field of 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 in various recognized medical colleges across the country. The medical colleges offering this course include Narayana Medical College, Nellore, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Medical College, Rajkot, 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 Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology varies from college to college and may range from Rs. 3,000 to Rs 5,00,000 per year.
After completion of their respective course, doctors can either join the job market or pursue higher degree courses like master's degree and research degree courses recognized by NMC, where Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology is a feeder qualification. Candidates can take reputed jobs at positions as Senior residents, Junior Consultants, Consultants etc. with an approximate salary range of Rs. 3,50,000 to Rs. 15,00,000 per anum.
What is Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology?
Post-Graduate Diploma (PG Diploma) in Ophthalmology also known as Diploma in Ophthalmology is a two-year postgraduate programme that candidates can pursue after completing MBBS. Ophthalmologists provide both medical and surgical eye care to patients.
Ophthalmology is the branch of medical science dealing with the study of medical conditions which relate to the eye.
National Medical Commission (NMC), the apex medical regulator, has released a Guidelines for Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme for Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology.
The Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme governs the education and training of Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology.
The 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 Ophthalmology would help the specialist to recognize the health needs of the community. The student should be competent to handle medical problems effectively and should be aware of the recent advances in their speciality.
The candidate should be a highly competent specialist in Ophthalmology possessing a broad range of skills that will enable her/him to practice Ophthalmology independently. The PG candidate should also acquire the basic skills in teaching of 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 Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology
| Name of Course | Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration of Course | Two years |
| Course Mode | Full Time |
| Minimum Academic Requirement | MBBS degree obtained from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India |
| Admission Process / Entrance Process / Entrance Modalities | Entrance Exam (NEET PG) Counselling by DGHS/MCC/State Authorities |
| Course Fees | Rs. 3,000 to Rs 5,00,000 per year |
| Average Salary | Rs. 3,50,000 to Rs. 15,00,000 per annum |
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology are defined as the set of rules or minimum prerequisites that aspirants must meet in order to be eligible for admission, which include:
- Candidates must be in possession of an undergraduate MBBS degree from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).
- 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).
- The candidate must have obtained permanent registration of any State Medical Council to be eligible for admission.
- 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 Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology. Candidates can view the complete admission process for Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology mentioned below:
- The NEET PG or National Eligibility Entrance Test for Post Graduates is a national-level master's level examination conducted by the NBE for admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma Courses.
- The requirement of eligibility criteria for participation in counselling towards PG seat allotment conducted by the concerned counselling authority shall be in lieu of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations (as per the latest amendment) notified by the MCI (now NMC) with prior approval of MoHFW.
| S.No. | Category | Eligibility Criteria |
| 1. | General | 50th Percentile |
| 2. | SC/ST/OBC (Including PWD of SC/ST/OBC) | 40th Percentile |
| 3. | UR PWD | 45th Percentile |
Fees Structure
The fee structure for Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology varies from college to college. The fee is generally less for Government Institutes and more for private institutes. The average fee structure for Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology is around Rs. 3,000 to Rs 5,00,000 per year.
Colleges offering Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology
There are various medical colleges across India that offer courses for pursuing Post Graduate Diploma In Ophthalmology.
As per National Medical Commission (NMC) website, the following medical colleges are offering Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology courses for the academic year 2022-23.
| Sl.No. | State | Name and Address of Medical College / Medical Institution | Annual Intake (Seats) |
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | S V Medical College, Tirupati | 1 |
| 2 | Andhra Pradesh | Narayana Medical College, Nellore | 1 |
| 3 | Delhi | Army Hospital Research & Referral, New Delhi | 2 |
| 4 | Delhi | Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi | 1 |
| 5 | Delhi | Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi | 1 |
| 6 | Delhi | University College of Medical Sciences & GTB Hospital, New Delhi | 1 |
| 7 | Gujarat | Government Medical College, Surat | 1 |
| 8 | Gujarat | Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Medical College, Rajkot | 1 |
| 9 | Karnataka | Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum | 10 |
| 10 | Karnataka | St. Johns Medical College, Bangalore | |
| 11 | Karnataka | Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore | 1 |
| 12 | Kerala | Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Calicut | |
| 13 | Madhya Pradesh | Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal | 2 |
| 14 | Maharashtra | Grant Medical College, Mumbai | |
| 15 | Maharashtra | Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Sion, Mumbai | 1 |
| 16 | Maharashtra | Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai | |
| 17 | Maharashtra | Armed Forces Medical College, Pune | 2 |
| 18 | Pondicherry | Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry | 2 |
| 19 | Punjab | Government Medical College, Amritsar | |
| 20 | Punjab | Government Medical College, Patiala | |
| 21 | Tamil Nadu | Thanjavur Medical College,Thanjavur | 4 |
| 22 | Tamil Nadu | Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Annamalainagar | 4 |
| 23 | Telangana | Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad | 7 |
| 24 | Uttarakhand | All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh | 7 |
| 25 | Uttar Pradesh | LLRM Medical College, Meerut | 1 |
| 26 | Uttar Pradesh | King George Medical University, Lucknow | |
| 27 | Uttar Pradesh | Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh | 9 |
| 28 | Uttar Pradesh | S N Medical College, Agra | |
| 29 | Uttar Pradesh | GSVM Medical College, Kanpur | |
| 30 | West Bengal | Burdwan Medical College, Burdwan | 4 |
| 31 | West Bengal | Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata | 1 |
| 32 | West Bengal | Govt. Medical College, Kolkata | 20 |
Syllabus
A Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology is a two years specialization course that provides training in the stream of Ophthalmology.
The course content for Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology is given in the Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme released by National Medical Commission, which can be assessed through the link mentioned below:
Course contents:
These are only broad guidelines and are illustrative, there may be overlap between sections.
I. The Basic Sciences
1. Orbital and ocular anatomy
• Gross anatomy
• Histology
• Embryology
2. Ocular Physiology
3. Ocular pathology:
Gross pathology, Histopathology, basics of general pathology
4. Biochemistry
General biochemistry, biochemistry applicable to ocular function
5. Microbiology
General Microbiology, Specific microbiology applicable to the eye
6. Immunology with particular reference to ocular immunology
II. Optics
1. Basic physics of optics
2. Applied ophthalmic optics
3. Applied optics including optical devices
4. Disorders of Refraction
III. Clinical Ophthalmology
1. Disorders of the lids
2. Disorders of the lacrimal system
3. Disorders of the Conjunctiva
4. Disorders of the Sclera
5. Disorders of the Cornea
6. Disorder s of the Uveal Tract
7. Disorders of the Lens
8. Disorders of the Retina
9. Disorders of the Optic Nerve and Visual Pathway
10. Disorders of the Orbit
11. Glaucoma
12. Neuro-ophthalmology
13. Paediatric ophthalmology
14. Ocular involvement in systemic disease
15. Immune ocular disorders
16. Strabismus & Amblyopia
Career Options
After completing a Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology, 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 (Ophthalmology), Junior Consultant, Senior Consultant (Ophthalmology), Consultant Ophthalmology Specialist etc.
Courses After Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology Course
Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology is a specialization course that can be pursued after finishing MBBS. After pursuing a specialization in Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology, a candidate could also pursue higher degree courses like a master's degree and research degree courses recognized by NMC, where Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology is a feeder qualification.
Candidates possessing postgraduate diploma qualifications can also appear in the DNB PDCET examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations for admission to Post Diploma DNB Broad specialty Courses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – PG Diploma in Ophthalmology Course
Question: What is a Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology?
Answer: Post-Graduate Diploma (PG Diploma) in Ophthalmology also known as Diploma in Ophthalmology 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 a Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology?
Answer: Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology is a postgraduate programme of two years.
Question: What is the eligibility of a Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology?
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 a Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology?
Answer: Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology offers candidates various employment opportunities and career prospects.
Question: What is the average salary for a Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology postgraduate candidate?
Answer: The Post Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmology candidate's average salary is Rs. 3,50,000 to Rs. 15,00,000 per anum depending on the experience.
Question: Which degree is best for Ophthalmology?
Answer: To become an ophthalmologist, you must first complete an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) program and then pursue a postgraduate degree in ophthalmology, such as an MS (Master of Surgery) or an MD (Doctor of Medicine).
Question: What is eye doctor called?
Answer: An ophthalmologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eye. Ophthalmologists may prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and also treat eye diseases with drugs and surgery.
