Question : OPTOMETRY COURSE

(a) whether All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi is not able to upgrade their very old and outdated course name and course structure of B.Sc.(H) Ophthalmic Techniques;

(b) if so, the remedial measures/ initiatives taken to establish an independent Department for Optometry to regularise the Optometry course at AIIMS, New Delhi;

(c) whether due to the highest number of blindness and refractive error in India requirement of qualified optometrist in India is very high;

(d) if so, whether Dr. R.P. Centre for Ophthalmic Science, AIIMS being an apex Government body in Ophthalmology has given any proposal/suggestions to the Government regarding opening of Optometry Schools/Colleges/Institutes in all Regional Institutes of Ophthalmology (RIO) where basic infrastructure for optometry exists;

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the initiative taken till now regarding this; And

(f) the number of subjects in which Ph.D. course is being offered at present at AIIMS, New Delhi alongwith the reservation for SC/ST/OBC being followed for Ph.D. admissions?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) & (b): AIIMS is running B.Sc (Hons.) Opthalmic Technique 3 years degree course successfully since 1976. The course is not outdated and is still relevant.

(c): Yes, the requirement of qualified optometrist is high.

(d) & (e ): Enough infrastructure for opening of Optometry Schools/ Colleges/ Institutes exists in all Regional Institutes of Ophthalmology(RIO), therefore, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has decided that Dr. R.P. Centre, AIIMS should work out the logistic and expenditure details for opening of the Optometry Schools/Collegs/Institutes on the line of Dr. R.P.Centre, which can be followed in the RIOs.

(f): Ph.D. is offered in 73 Specialties/ Sub-Specialties at AIIMS. There is no reservation for SC/ST/OBC for the Ph.D. admission