Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

Bachelor of Science in Optometry at GITAM Visakhapatnam is a 4-year full-time undergraduate degree program focused on the science of eyesight care. The course encompasses examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of various visual system disorders. With total fees of 6.28 lakhs for the entire course, this program is offered on campus and includes a mandatory one-year internship for practical experience. The primary entrance exam is GITAM GAT (GITAM Admission Test), with an annual seat intake of approximately 30-40 students. This full-time on-campus program equips graduates to become skilled optometrists capable of providing comprehensive eye care services.

Admissions for 2026 are currently ongoing with the application deadline on March 25, 2026. The GITAM GAT entrance exam is scheduled for March 28-29, 2026. Candidates can also qualify through AP EAPCET, TS EAPCET, or NEET (UG) scores. Counselling and seat allotment will follow in April-May 2026, with the last date for fee payment on April 4, 2026. The academic session typically begins in June 2026.

Key Points:

Advanced clinical diagnostics infrastructure including Slit Lamp, Retinoscope, Ophthalmoscope, Visual Field Analyzers, OCT, Fundus Camera, and Corneal Topography
Speciality clinics for Low Vision Aids, Contact Lens fitting, Orthoptics, and Vision Therapy
In-house clinical experiences and medical camps for practical exposure
Specialization bundles including Low Vision Aids, Contact Lens, Orthoptics, and Clinical Diagnostics
Hands-on workshops and academic CMEs for continuous professional development

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Placements
FAQs

GITAM Visakhapatnam Latest Updates and News

Key Updates1

Other Updates1

24 Apr, 2026 GITAM Visakhapatnam B.Sc Optometry Admission 2026 is ongoing till May 14 (Round 3). Apply Now!. The Entrance exam/Interview is scheduled for May 17.

GITAM B.Sc Optometry Fees

The B.Sc Optometry program at GITAM Visakhapatnam charges a total tuition fee of 6.28 lakhs for the entire 4-year course. Students are required to pay 1.57 lakhs in the first year, with the fee structure divided into two semesters of 78,500 each. The fees increase by 5-8% in subsequent years. Students opting for full first-year payment as a single annual amount are eligible for a 3% discount on the total payable amount.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Semester 1 (First Year)	78,500
Semester 2 (First Year)	78,500
First Year Total	1,57,000
Total Course Fees (4 Years)	6,28,000

Fees are subject to 5-8% increase in subsequent years.
Students paying full first-year fees as a single annual payment receive a 3% discount.
Refundable deposits and other charges may apply as per university norms.

GITAM B.Sc Optometry Admission 2026

GITAM Visakhapatnam conducts admissions for B.Sc Optometry through the GITAM GAT entrance exam. The admission process is merit-based, with scholarships available for qualifying candidates. The current admission season is ongoing with multiple phases of application and examination scheduled throughout 2026.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Application Deadline (Phase 1)	March 25, 2026
GITAM GAT Exam (Phase 1)	March 28-29, 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment (Scholarship Candidates)	April 4, 2026
Counselling and Seat Allotment	April-May 2026
Academic Session Start	June 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with minimum 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and English
Valid GITAM GAT score or equivalent entrance exam qualification (AP EAPCET, TS EAPCET, or NEET UG)
Age requirement: Candidates must be eligible as per GITAM norms

Admission Process

Register and apply online through the GITAM admission portal (apply.gitam.edu)
Appear for GITAM GAT entrance exam on scheduled dates or submit scores from AP EAPCET, TS EAPCET, or NEET
Participate in counselling based on merit and entrance exam score
Complete document verification and fee payment
Receive seat allotment and join the program

GITAM B.Sc Optometry Scholarships 2026

GITAM Visakhapatnam offers comprehensive scholarship programs for B.Sc Optometry students based on merit and financial need. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on GITAM GAT scores, with additional need-based scholarships available for students from economically weaker backgrounds. Scholarships range from 15% to 100% of tuition fees, with additional hostel fee waivers for qualifying candidates.

Merit-Based Scholarships

GAT Score Range	Scholarship %	Annual Benefit (Approx.)
141-200	100%	1,57,000
131-140	75%	1,17,750
121-130	60%	94,200
111-120	40%	62,800
101-110	25%	39,250
86-100	15%	23,550

Additional Scholarships:

Employee Children Scholarships: 60%, 40%, and 20%
Loyalty Scholarships: 10% for alumni children, siblings, and retired employee children
Sports Scholarships: 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 15%
Need-Based Scholarships: For families with combined income below 8 LPA
Hostel Fee Scholarships: 20% additional for need-based scholarship recipients

Merit scholarships from GAT apply only in the first year; minimum CGPA of 8.0 required to continue in subsequent years.
Need-based scholarships require income verification.
Hostel scholarships are applicable only for students residing in college hostels.

GITAM B.Sc Optometry Placement 2026

GITAM Visakhapatnam has a strong placement record for B.Sc Optometry graduates with approximately 90% placement rate. The average salary package offered is around 6 lakhs per annum, with the highest package reaching 22 lakhs. Graduates are placed in leading eye care hospitals, optical chains, and healthcare institutions across India. The college has partnerships with major eye care organizations and provides career guidance workshops to enhance placement prospects.

Placement Statistics

Placement Metric	Details
Placement Rate	Approximately 90%
Average Salary Package	6 LPA
Highest Salary Package	22 LPA
Entry-Level Salary	4-5 LPA
Primary Employers	Eye Care Hospitals, Optical Chains, Healthcare Institutions

GITAM B.Sc Optometry FAQs

Ques. What is the scope of B.Sc Optometry after graduation?

Ans. Graduates have excellent career prospects in eye care hospitals, optical stores, and private practices. They can establish their own eye clinics or optical businesses, work as optometrists in hospitals, or collaborate with ophthalmologists. The expanding eye care sector in India, with preventable sight loss costing the economy 27 billion annually, offers significant opportunities. Graduates can also pursue higher studies like M.Sc or PhD in Optometry.

Ques. What is the difference between B.Sc Optometry and B.Sc Nursing?

Ans. B.Sc Optometry is a specialized program focused specifically on eye care, vision testing, and optical diagnostics. B.Sc Nursing is a broader healthcare program covering general patient care across various medical settings. Optometry graduates specialize in refractive errors, contact lens fitting, and eye disease management, while nurses provide comprehensive patient care.

Ques. Can I pursue higher studies after B.Sc Optometry?

Ans. Yes, graduates can pursue M.Sc in Optometry, specialized diplomas in clinical optometry, or advanced certifications. Many graduates also pursue MBA in Healthcare Management or research-oriented programs. Some opt for PhD programs to work in academia and research institutions.

Ques. What are the career opportunities in optometry?

Ans. Career options include working as an Optometrist in hospitals and eye care centers, establishing private optical practices, working in optical retail chains, scientific research, public health initiatives, and industries manufacturing optical products. Specializations include pediatric optometry, low vision aids, contact lens fitting, and orthoptics.

Ques. Is GITAM GAT mandatory for admission to B.Sc Optometry?

Ans. GITAM GAT is the primary entrance exam, but candidates can also qualify through AP EAPCET, TS EAPCET, or NEET (UG) scores. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on entrance exam performance. The admission process is merit-based with seats allotted on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Ques. What is the average salary for B.Sc Optometry graduates from GITAM?

Ans. According to placement data, the average salary package is around 6 lakhs per annum, with the highest package reaching 22 lakhs. Entry-level positions typically offer 4-5 lakhs annually. Salary varies based on location, employer type, and individual performance. Experienced optometrists in private practice can earn significantly higher incomes.