Q: I have appeared for 10+2 in science with mathematics and biology. I heard about a career in optometry after a four-year degree. Please suggest if I should take admission into it or should I graduate in science and prepare for a government job.

Sukriti Singh, West Bokaro

A: Getting a government job is not child’s play. It needs lot of hard work to compete for a government job, so never be over-confident and lose the chance of an alternative option. As far optometry, it is still in the process of gaining popularity. However, a career in optometry and vision sciences has a very good scope. Optometry is an independent profession in eye care. Its practice includes a complete examination of the visual system for estimation of refractive errors. It also covers manufacture, supply and fitting of spectacles and contact lenses and other optical aids. The syllabus for an optometry course includes English, cell biology and histology, physiology, optics, anatomy, pharmacology, mathematics, computers, optometry procedures, ophthalmic instrumentation, anterior and posterior segment disease, contact lens, clinical refraction and dispensing, hospital procedure and patient care, ophthalmic laser applications and low vision aids. The fourth year internship includes clinical and community optometry, diagnosis and management of ocular disease and dispensing optics. Professionals may practice independently or seek employment in optometry clinics, optical establishments, eye hospitals or with ophthalmic surgeon.s Opportunities are also open in multinationals in divisions like marketing and research and development. Teaching is also an option. Eligibility to get admission in this course is 10+2 or equivalent with 50 per cent in Physics, Chemistry, Maths or Biology.

Q: I could not appear for my 10+2 exams (arts) in March due to severe illness. Is there any way I take the exams in this session.

Manisha, Giridih.

A: You can appear for intermediate in arts exams from some lesser known boards at the state level. Almost all states are known to have alternative boards for non-collegiate students. You may enquire for these. Sanskrit board and Hindi vidyapeeth are the options in Jharkhand and Bihar. Forms for the summer examinations are to be filled by end of May and for the winter exams the deadline is late November. Summer exams are held in the end of June or early July. Winter exams are held in the end of December.