Himalaya Eye Institute (HEI), located in Gharipatan, Pokhara, offers a four-year undergraduate program in Optometry affiliated with Pokhara University. Founded in 2018, this course addresses the national demand for trained optometrists by combining academic instruction with hospital-based clinical training.
As part of the Himalaya Eye Hospital, the program emphasizes hands-on experience, ethical patient care, and public health involvement. Students learn in real-time settings, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to support diverse eye care needs across Nepal.
The course is delivered across eight semesters. Each semester combines theoretical knowledge with applied clinical learning. Core subject areas include:
Ocular anatomy and physiology
Visual optics and refraction
Binocular vision and contact lens practice
Low vision rehabilitation
General pathology and systemic diseases
Public health, epidemiology, and outreach eye care
Students participate in routine outpatient care, school screening programs, vision assessments, and mobile eye camps. By the final year, learners are involved in minor procedure units, low vision clinics, and patient counseling, followed by a supervised dissertation.
The Bachelor of Optometry program is designed to:
Prepare students for entry-level roles in clinical optometry
Develop a strong foundation in vision science and diagnostic procedures
Support national efforts in reducing preventable blindness
Promote academic inquiry and clinical decision-making
Graduates are eligible for roles in various settings, including:
Hospitals and vision centers
Community health programs
Optical dispensing units
Academic teaching and basic research
The program also serves as a pathway for postgraduate optometry or public health studies.
Upon completion of the course, graduates will be able to:
Assess and correct visual disorders using evidence-based methods
Diagnose and manage refractive errors and binocular vision issues
Support patients with low vision and refer complex cases as needed
Contribute to community screening, education, and health promotion
Students gain practical experience through modules such as:
Vision screening in rural and urban communities
Spectacle dispensing and optical workshop training
Use of ophthalmic tools like slit lamps and retinoscopes
Patient documentation and ethical communication
HEI’s teaching is delivered through:
Lectures and seminars
Case discussions and diagnostic rounds
Hands-on laboratory training
Faculty-guided clinical practice
The teaching team includes experienced ophthalmologists, full-time optometrists, and subject-specific visiting faculty.
Applicants must:
Have completed 10+2 Science with Biology or an equivalent diploma
Meet the minimum academic eligibility as per Pokhara University guidelines
Pass the national entrance exam conducted by the Medical Education Commission
Graduates of the program are prepared for positions in:
Eye hospitals and private clinics
Community vision screening and rehabilitation
Public health and outreach initiatives
Entry-level academic roles or further studies
The program includes government scholarships administered by the Nepal Medical Education Commission. In 2024, 54 seats were available, with general and reservation category allocations. Need-based support is also accessible through institutional and external partnerships.
Direct involvement in clinical eye care from early semesters
Academic and practical balance with real patient interaction
Integrated community eye health exposure
Supportive learning environment under experienced mentors
The Bachelor of Optometry program at Himalaya Eye Institute provides structured academic and clinical training for students committed to advancing eye health in Nepal. Through real-world engagement, ethical practice, and applied research, graduates are ready to contribute meaningfully to Nepal’s evolving healthcare needs.
