Planning a career in optometry?
Your choice of college matters more than you think.
Where you study will shape your clinical skills, confidence, and future job offers.
If you’re looking for the best optometry colleges in Maharashtra, this guide is for you.
Let’s explore the top 10 options based on practical training, reputation, and academic support.
1. Laxmi College of Optometry, Panvel
Laxmi College of Optometry takes the top spot for one simple reason — strong clinical training.
It operates under the guidance of Laxmi Eye Institute, a respected name in eye care.
As a student here, you won’t just learn theory. You’ll work directly with patients under expert supervision.
The curriculum includes diagnostic optometry, contact lenses, binocular vision, and community eye care.
Located in Panvel, the college is well-connected to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
If you’re serious about becoming a skilled optometrist, this is the college to aim for.
Website: https://www.laxmicollege.org/
2. Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune
This college offers a structured optometry program with access to a large teaching hospital.
Students start clinical exposure early, which helps develop real-world confidence.
The university has a solid academic reputation and good placement support in Pune and beyond.
Website: https://www.bvuniversity.edu.in/
3. MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai
MGM’s School of Biomedical Sciences runs a full-time optometry program.
You’ll train at MGM Hospital and other associated facilities.
The course focuses on diagnostics, low vision, and pediatric eye care.
You’ll also get chances to participate in outreach activities.
Website: https://www.mgmuhs.com/
4. DY Patil University, Pune
The School of Optometry at DY Patil offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
What makes it stand out is its emphasis on clinical lab sessions and patient simulations.
Students benefit from in-house eye clinics and real-time case discussions with faculty.
Website: https://dpu.edu.in/
5. Lotus College of Optometry, Mumbai
This college is based in Juhu and affiliated with Lotus Eye Hospital.
It offers strong urban clinical exposure, including vision therapy and contact lens practice.
Internships and community screening programs are part of the regular curriculum.
Website: https://lcoo.edu.in/
6. ITM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai
Located in Sanpada, ITM runs a B.Sc. in Optometry with industry-aligned coursework.
The college provides a combination of theoretical classes and hospital postings.
It also organizes soft skills sessions and career guidance workshops.
Website: https://www.itm.edu/
7. PBMA’s H. V. Desai Eye Hospital, Pune
This college functions within one of Pune’s well-known charitable hospitals.
Students engage in hands-on training with a high volume of patients every day.
This experience builds strong refraction and diagnostic skills.
It’s a good choice if you want to serve in both urban and rural health settings.
Website: https://hvdeh.org/
8. Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad
This institute offers a full-time optometry course through its Allied Health Sciences faculty.
Students get exposure to both basic and advanced eye care services.
Training includes fieldwork, clinical observation, and supervised internships.
Website: https://kvv.edu.in/
9. Vidarbha Institute of Optometry, Nagpur
This college in central Maharashtra is known for its accessible fees and patient-based learning.
The focus is on developing core optometry skills such as retinoscopy, slit-lamp examination, and spectacle dispensing.
The institute is actively involved in eye check-up camps in nearby towns.
10. Shree Bharati Institute of Optometry, Mumbai
Based in the city, this college offers smaller class sizes and a focused teaching approach.
Students get good faculty support and access to practical sessions in local clinics.
Courses include anatomy, optics, and clinical optometry with optional internship support.
What Should You Look for in an Optometry College?
- Will you get real patient interaction during training?
- Is the college attached to a functional eye hospital?
- Are the faculty experienced and easy to approach?
- Does the course include community outreach or rural camps?
Ask these questions before enrolling.
Why Your Training Environment Matters
Optometry is hands-on.
Sitting in lectures won’t make you job-ready. You need clinical rounds, patient feedback, and lab time.
The colleges listed here provide exactly that — practical learning backed by real experience.
Don’t settle for a program that only focuses on exams and grades.
Your skills will set you apart in this field.
Take Your First Step
Still confused about where to apply?
Visit a few campuses. Speak to current students. Compare course structures.
You’re not just choosing a college. You’re choosing your future work environment.
Which one on this list feels right to you?
That might be the best place to begin.
