Optometry in Sri Lanka: Careers, Curriculum & Future Outlook

📘 Overview

Optometry is the primary eye-care profession — examining eyes, testing vision, prescribing glasses and contact lenses, and detecting eye diseases. Offered as a four-year degree by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, it combines clinical science with hands-on patient care. It suits precise, caring, science-minded students who want a respected healthcare career focused on vision and eye health.

It earns a future-proof score of 8.3 because demand for eye care is rising with ageing populations and heavy screen use, the profession is portable overseas, and its clinical examination and patient care are highly resistant to automation.

📚 What You'll Study

The programme combines visual science with extensive clinical training in eye care.

• Ocular anatomy and physiology of the eye
• Optics and visual science
• Refraction and prescribing
• Contact lens practice
• Ocular diseases and pathology
• Binocular vision and paediatric optometry
• Low vision and visual rehabilitation
• Clinical placements and a research project

⏳ Duration

This is a four-year B.Sc. degree in Optometry, including substantial clinical training.

✅ Entry Requirements

This is a Biological Science stream degree. To be eligible you must obtain at least three Simple (S) passes in Physics, Biology and Chemistry at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.

• Physics — minimum grade S
• Biology — minimum grade S
• Chemistry — minimum grade S

Final selection also depends on your Z-score, which varies by university and district every year — check your eligibility with the free tool on findmydegree.lk.

🏛️ Where It's Offered

• University of Sri Jayewardenepura — 60 seats

ℹ️ Entry requirements, seats and universities are sourced from official UGC data (2024/2025 A/L). Career and curriculum details are general guidance — confirm specifics with each university.