Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

B.Sc. (Optometry) at IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar is a 4-year (8-semester) full-time undergraduate paramedical programme offered under Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (SOA) Deemed to be University. The programme provides comprehensive training in optics, visual science, clinical optometry, contact lens practice, low vision rehabilitation, and ocular disease management, preparing graduates for careers as optometrists in hospitals, eye clinics, optical retail chains, and research institutions. The total fee for the programme is Rs. 4 Lakhs (approximately Rs. 1 Lakh per annum), and admission is through SAAT 2026 (Siksha 'O' Anusandhan Admission Test) 2026. B.Sc. Optometry is a growing allied health profession in India, with increasing demand for qualified optometrists driven by the rising burden of refractive errors and eye diseases.

Admissions for the academic year 2026-27 are open through SAAT 2026. The SAAT 2026 Phase 1 application opened on December 7, 2025, with the exam tentatively scheduled for May 2026. Counselling and final admissions are expected in June-July 2026. Candidates are advised to monitor the official SOA University admission website (admission.soa.ac.in) for the latest updates.

Key Points

B.Sc. Optometry is a 4-year (8-semester) full-time undergraduate programme with strong clinical training at IMS & SUM Hospital's Ophthalmology department.
The programme covers optics, visual science, contact lens practice, low vision rehabilitation, and ocular disease management.
Graduates can work as optometrists in hospitals, eye clinics, optical retail chains, or pursue higher studies (M.Sc. Optometry, MBA in Healthcare, etc.).
SOA University is ranked 15th in Medical Science by NIRF India Rankings 2025 and accredited by NAAC with 'A++' Grade.
The programme is affiliated to SOA University and recognized by the relevant regulatory bodies.

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

IMS & SUM Hospital B.Sc. Optometry Fees

B.Sc. (Optometry) at SOA University has a total fee of Rs. 4 Lakhs for the 4-year programme, which works out to approximately Rs. 1 Lakh per annum. This makes it one of the more affordable allied health science programmes at SOA University.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount
Tuition Fees (Per Annum)	Rs. 1,00,000
Tuition Fees (Total - 4 Years)	Rs. 4,00,000
College Caution Money (One-time, Refundable)	Rs. 5,000
Total Fees (Excluding Hostel)	Rs. 4,05,000

Hostel Fees (Optional)

Hostel Type	Per Annum
2-Bedded (Non-AC)	Rs. 70,000
3-Bedded (AC)	Rs. 1,05,000
2-Bedded (AC)	Rs. 1,25,000
Mess Charges	Rs. 54,000
Hostel Caution Money (One-time, Refundable)	Rs. 5,000

College Caution Money of Rs. 5,000 is refundable upon completion/exit from the programme.
Hostel Caution Money of Rs. 5,000 is also refundable.
Hostel accommodation is optional and not mandatory.
Fees are payable via RTGS/NEFT or Demand Draft in favour of "Siksha 'O' Anusandhan", payable at Bhubaneswar.
Scholarships are available for meritorious and economically weaker students; check with the university for details.

IMS & SUM Hospital B.Sc. Optometry Admission 2026

Admission to B.Sc. (Optometry) at SOA University is conducted through SAAT 2026 (Siksha 'O' Anusandhan Admission Test) 2026, a national-level entrance test. SAAT 2026 is the 17th edition of this test and is conducted in online mode across multiple rounds. Shortlisted candidates are called for counselling for final admission. The SAAT 2026 Phase 1 application opened on December 7, 2025, with the exam tentatively scheduled for May 2026.

College Admission Dates

Event	Date
SAAT 2026 Phase 1 Application Start	December 7, 2025
SAAT 2026 Phase 1 Application Last Date	April 2026 (tentative)
SAAT 2026 Phase 1 Exam	May 7-18, 2026 (tentative)
SAAT 2026 Phase 2 Exam	June 2026 (tentative)
Merit List / Result Declaration	June 2026 (tentative)
Counselling and Admission	June-July 2026 (tentative)
Commencement of Academic Session	July-August 2026 (tentative)

Accepted Entrance Exams

Exam	Conducting Body	Remarks
SAAT 2026	Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (SOA) University	Primary admission exam for B.Sc. Optometry

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidate must have passed 10+2 (Science stream) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and/or Mathematics from a recognized board.
Minimum 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics taken together (40% for SC/ST and 45% for Physically Challenged candidates).
Minimum age: 17 years as on December 31, 2026. Maximum age: 35 years.

Admission Process

Apply online for SAAT 2026 through the SOA University admission portal (admission.soa.ac.in).
Appear in SAAT 2026 (online mode, multiple choice type test).
Merit list is prepared based on SAAT 2026 scores.
Shortlisted candidates are called for counselling.
Report to SOA University/IMS & SUM Hospital with original documents for final admission.
Pay the required fees at the time of admission.

IMS & SUM Hospital B.Sc. Optometry Scholarships 2026

SOA University offers scholarships for meritorious and economically weaker students admitted to B.Sc. (Optometry). Government scholarships for reserved category candidates are also available.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Amount	Eligibility
SOA University Merit Scholarship	As per university norms	Based on SAAT rank and academic merit
SC/ST/OBC Government Scholarships	As per government norms	Category candidates
Post-Matric Scholarship (Odisha Government)	As per government norms	Odisha domicile SC/ST/OBC students
National Scholarship Portal Scholarships	As per scheme norms	Eligible students as per scheme criteria

Candidates should apply for government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
Odisha domicile students from SC/ST/OBC categories should apply for Post-Matric Scholarship through the Odisha government portal.
SOA University merit scholarships are awarded based on SAAT rank and academic performance; check with the university for current scholarship details.

IMS & SUM Hospital B.Sc. Optometry FAQs

Ques. What is the total fee for B.Sc. Optometry at IMS & SUM Hospital / SOA University?

Ans. The total fee for B.Sc. Optometry is Rs. 4 Lakhs for the 4-year programme (approximately Rs. 1 Lakh per annum). Additionally, a one-time refundable caution money of Rs. 5,000 is payable.

Ques. What is the scope of B.Sc. Optometry in India?

Ans. B.Sc. Optometry graduates can work as optometrists in hospitals, eye clinics, optical retail chains (like Lenskart, Vision Express, etc.), and research institutions. They can also pursue higher studies such as M.Sc. Optometry, MBA in Healthcare, or specialize in contact lens practice, low vision rehabilitation, or pediatric optometry.

Ques. Is B.Sc. Optometry the same as MBBS Ophthalmology?

Ans. No. B.Sc. Optometry is a paramedical programme focused on vision testing, prescribing corrective lenses, and managing refractive errors. MBBS Ophthalmology (MS Ophthalmology) is a medical degree that involves surgical treatment of eye diseases. Optometrists work alongside ophthalmologists in clinical settings.

Ques. What is the admission process for B.Sc. Optometry at SOA University?

Ans. Admission is through SAAT 2026 (Siksha 'O' Anusandhan Admission Test). Candidates must apply online, appear in the SAAT exam (tentatively May 2026), and participate in counselling based on their merit rank.

Ques. Can I pursue M.Sc. Optometry after B.Sc. Optometry from SOA University?

Ans. Yes, after completing B.Sc. Optometry, graduates can pursue M.Sc. Optometry from various universities in India. SOA University may also offer postgraduate programmes in allied health sciences; candidates should check with the university for current offerings.

Ques. What is the duration of B.Sc. Optometry at SOA University?

Ans. B.Sc. Optometry at SOA University is a 4-year (8-semester) full-time programme. The programme includes both theoretical coursework and clinical training at IMS & SUM Hospital's Ophthalmology department.