Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Master of Optometry (M.Optom.) programme at SASTRA Deemed University is a unique 2-year full-time postgraduate degree offered under the School of Chemical and Biotechnology (SCBT) in collaboration with the Elite School of Optometry (ESO) and Shankar Nethralaya (SN), Chennai - two of India's most prestigious eye care institutions. The programme is designed to produce highly skilled optometrists and clinical researchers by combining advanced academic training with real-time clinical experience at ESO/SN. The curriculum covers advanced optometry, ocular biology, clinical research, binocular vision, contact lens, retina, glaucoma, and community optometry. The total fees for the programme are Rs. 3.18 lakhs for the entire 2-year duration. Admission is based on merit in the qualifying B.Optom. degree, and the programme is popular among optometry graduates aspiring for clinical specialization, research, and academic careers.

As of March 2026, SASTRA's Phase 1 Registration for 2026 admissions has begun (March 28, 2026), with the last date to apply ranging between April 19 and June 5, 2026. Candidates are advised to apply early and contact the SCBT admissions office for M.Optom.-specific application details.

Key Points

The M.Optom. programme is offered in collaboration with Elite School of Optometry (ESO) and Shankar Nethralaya (SN), Chennai - India's leading eye care institutions.
Students get hands-on clinical training at ESO/SN through a Practice School model, including orientation, journal club presentations, and completion workshops.
The programme includes a 3-semester research project (OPT598, OPT599, OPT600) spanning Semesters II, III, and IV, ensuring strong research output.
Elective specializations available include Advanced Low Vision, Community Optometry, Binocular Vision, Pediatric Optometry, Neuro-optometry, Contact Lens, Retina, Uvea, and Glaucoma.
Community outreach services are a mandatory component across all three clinical semesters.
SASTRA is ranked #11 among deemed universities by NIRF 2025 and is NAAC accredited.
Graduates are eligible for clinical practice, academic positions, and research roles in vision healthcare.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

SASTRA Latest Updates and News

Key Updates1

Other Updates1

01 Apr, 2026 Sastra University Phase 1 Registration 2026 begins @sastra.edu. The last date to apply ranges between Apr 19 & Jun 5, 2026. Learn more.

SASTRA M.Optom Fees

The M.Optom. programme at SASTRA has a total course fee of Rs. 3.18 lakhs for 2 years (4 semesters). The tuition fee is Rs. 75,000 per semester (Rs. 3.00 lakhs for 4 semesters), with a one-time registration/other fee of Rs. 18,000. Hostel accommodation is optional.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee (per semester)	75,000
Tuition Fee (4 semesters total)	3,00,000
Special/Registration/Other Fees (one-time)	18,000
Total Fees (2 years, excluding hostel)	3,18,000

Hostel Fees (Optional)

Room Type	Non-AC (per annum)	AC (per annum)
Single Room	Rs. 25,000	Rs. 80,000
2-in-1	Rs. 20,000	Rs. 60,000
3-in-1	Rs. 16,000	Rs. 55,000
Single (Bath Attached)	Rs. 30,000	Rs. 90,000

Hostel fees are optional and not included in the total fees above.
Mess/food charges are billed separately at approximately Rs. 4,000 per month.
During clinical semesters at ESO/SN Chennai, students may need to arrange accommodation in Chennai separately.
Education loans are available through Punjab National Bank and other banks.
Fees are paid semester-wise; no EMI option is officially mentioned.

SASTRA M.Optom Admission 2026

SASTRA's M.Optom. admissions for 2026 are currently open as part of Phase 1 Registration (March 28, 2026 onwards). Admission is based on merit in the qualifying B.Optom. degree. There is no specific entrance exam required; selection is based on academic performance and interview.

Important Dates

Event	Date
SASTRA Phase 1 Registration Opens	March 28, 2026
SASTRA Application Last Date (Phase 1)	April 19 - June 5, 2026
SASTRA Application Window (2026 session)	January 19, 2026 - March 30, 2026 (expired)

Note: M.Optom. admission at SASTRA is merit-based (B.Optom. marks). No specific entrance exam is required. Candidates should contact the SCBT admissions office for M.Optom.-specific selection criteria and interview dates.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom.) degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from a recognized university.
Candidates should have a genuine interest in clinical optometry and research.

Admission Process

Apply to SASTRA through the online admissions portal (sastra.edu) during the application window.
Shortlisting is based on B.Optom. marks and academic merit.
Selected candidates may be called for an interview.
Final selection is communicated by email/phone.
Admissions are strictly merit-based.

SASTRA M.Optom Scholarships 2026

Students enrolled in the M.Optom. programme at SASTRA are eligible for various government scholarships. The following are relevant:

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Offered By	Amount	Eligibility
SASTRA Dean's List Fee Concession	SASTRA University	Up to 50% fee reduction	Top-performing students on the Dean's List
AICTE Yashasvi Scholarship	AICTE	Up to Rs. 50,000/year	SC/ST/OBC/EWS students in AICTE-approved institutions
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Scholarships	Govt. of India	Varies	Based on category and income criteria
Education Loan	Punjab National Bank / Other Banks	Full course fee	All eligible students

Candidates should apply for government scholarships independently through the NSP portal.
Education loans are available from Punjab National Bank and other nationalized banks for the full course fee.

SASTRA M.Optom FAQs

Ques. What makes SASTRA's M.Optom. programme unique compared to other universities?

Ans. SASTRA's M.Optom. is offered in collaboration with Elite School of Optometry (ESO) and Shankar Nethralaya (SN), Chennai - India's most prestigious eye care institutions. Students get real-time clinical training at these world-class facilities through a Practice School model, which is a significant differentiator. The programme combines SASTRA's academic rigour with ESO/SN's clinical excellence.

Ques. What is the Practice School component in M.Optom. at SASTRA?

Ans. The Practice School involves an orientation week at ESO/SN at the beginning of the semester, online journal club presentations, and a 10-day completion workshop at ESO/SN at the end of the semester. This gives students direct exposure to clinical optometry practice at one of India's leading eye hospitals.

Ques. What specializations are available in M.Optom. at SASTRA?

Ans. Students can choose from elective specializations including Advanced Low Vision and Rehabilitation, Community Optometry and Preventive Care, Advanced Binocular Vision, Advanced Pediatric Optometry, Neuro-optometry, Advanced Occupational Optometry, Advanced Contact Lens, Advanced Retina, Advanced Uvea, and Advanced Glaucoma.

Ques. What are the career prospects after M.Optom. from SASTRA?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as clinical optometrists in hospitals and eye care chains, academic positions in optometry colleges, research roles in vision science, and positions in ophthalmic industry (lens manufacturers, diagnostic equipment companies). The collaboration with ESO/SN also opens doors to positions within the Shankar Nethralaya network.

Ques. Is there a research component in M.Optom. at SASTRA?

Ans. Yes. The M.Optom. programme has a significant research component spanning three semesters (Semesters II, III, and IV) through Research Projects I, II, and III (OPT598, OPT599, OPT600), totalling 44 credits. Students are expected to conduct original research in optometry and vision science under faculty supervision.

Ques. What is the total fee for M.Optom. at SASTRA and is it worth it?

Ans. The total fee for M.Optom. at SASTRA is Rs. 3.18 lakhs for 2 years (Rs. 75,000 per semester). Given the unique collaboration with ESO and Shankar Nethralaya, the clinical training quality, and SASTRA's NIRF ranking (#11 among deemed universities), this is considered excellent value for a specialized clinical optometry programme.