Top Ophthalmology Colleges in India: Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that studies and treats eye disorders. In India, several top-ranked colleges offer specialized courses in ophthalmology. These colleges are renowned for their high-quality education, state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and excellent clinical exposure.
This article provides a detailed information about the top ophthalmology colleges in India.
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Ophthalmology Overview
A brief overview about Ophthalmology is given below:
| Particulars | Description |
| Course Name | Ophthalmology |
| Course Level | Post Graduation (MD, MS) |
| Course Duration | 3 years for Master |
| Examination Type | Yearly/Semester |
| Eligibility | MBBS with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate. |
| Admission Procedure | NEET PG Entrance Exam |
| Average Course Fees | 10 K to 30L |
| Average Starting Salary | 90K to 30L |
| Top Recruiters | AIIMS, Fortis, MAX, Care Hospitals, Indian Council of Medical Research, Apollo Hospital etc. |
What is Ophthalmology?
Ophthalmology is a three-year postgraduation course. The ophthalmology course prepares candidates to study, diagnose, prevent and treat diseases pertaining to the eye and the visual system as a whole. Candidates who wants to pursue MD/MS in Ophthalmology must complete their MBBS and appear for NEET PG as well.
Top 10 Colleges for Ophthalmology in India
The following are the top Ophthalmology colleges in India. Click the college link to get detailed info about fee structure, admission procedure, placement stats, cut-off, facilities available, and more.
Join NEET PG News 2025 | Serial No. | College Name | State |
| 1 | Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences | Patna |
| 2 | Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Bhagalpur | Bihar |
| 3 | Lady Hardinge Medical College | Delhi |
| 4 | Maulana Azad Medical College | Delhi |
| 5 | Vardhman Mahavir Medical College | New Delhi |
| 6 | University College of Medical Sciences | Delhi |
| 7 | Govt. Medical College | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 8 | King Georges Medical University | Lucknow |
| 9 | Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati | Assam |
| 10 | Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU | Uttar Pradesh |
Scope of Pursuing Ophthalmology
- High Demand for Eye Specialists
With rising screen time, aging populations, and increased awareness about eye care, the demand for ophthalmologists is steadily growing. - Wide Range of Career Options
You can work in government hospitals, private clinics, super-specialty eye hospitals, medical colleges, or open your own practice. - Opportunities for Specialization
After MD/MS or DNB in Ophthalmology, you can further specialize in fields like retina surgery, cornea, glaucoma, pediatric ophthalmology, or oculoplasty. - Academic and Research Roles
Ophthalmologists can also pursue teaching positions in medical colleges or contribute to research in eye diseases and treatment innovations. - International Scope
Eye care is a global health priority. With the right qualifications and licensing, you can work in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East. - Work-Life Balance
Compared to other surgical branches, Ophthalmology often offers more predictable working hours and fewer emergency cases.
Salary in Ophthalmology (India)
- Starting Salary (After Postgraduation)
₹60,000 to ₹1.2 lakh per month in government or private hospitals. - Private Practice or Clinic
Earnings can range from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh per month, depending on patient load, location, and reputation. - Super-Specialists (After Fellowship)
Retina or cornea specialists can earn ₹2 lakh to ₹6 lakh+ per month in top-tier hospitals or through private setups. - Academic Positions
Assistant Professors earn around ₹80,000 to ₹1.5 lakh/month, with growth based on seniority and institution. - International Salary
In countries like the USA, ophthalmologists can earn $200,000 to $400,000 annually, depending on experience and specialization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the eligibility criteria for admission to Ophthalmology courses in India?
To pursue an Ophthalmology postgraduate course (MS/MD/DNB), candidates must have completed an MBBS degree with a valid NEET-PG score and mandatory internship.
Which entrance exams are required for Ophthalmology admissions?
Most colleges accept NEET-PG scores for admission. Some institutions like AIIMS or JIPMER may conduct their own entrance exams.
What is the average fee for Ophthalmology courses in India?
Fees vary widely:
Government colleges: ₹50,000–₹2 lakh (entire course)
Private colleges: ₹10–25 lakh (entire course)
What is the course duration for Ophthalmology in India?
The MS/MD Ophthalmology program is of 3 years, while the diploma courses are of 2 years.
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What are the career opportunities after completing Ophthalmology?
Graduates can work as eye surgeons, consultants, or researchers in hospitals, eye clinics, NGOs, or start their own practice. Super-specialty (MCh/Fellowships) options are also available.
