Career Suggestion

Optometrist

Optometrists test vision, identify eye health problems, prescribe glasses and fit contact lenses.

Average salary (a year)

£40000.0 to £65000.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

37.0 to 40.0 a week

You could work

evenings on shifts

You can get into this job through a university course or by working towards this role.

University

To become an optometrist you'll need to:

  • get a degree in optometry, approved by the General Optical Council (GOC)
  • complete a pre-registration work placement which takes 1 year and you'll be supervised by a registered optometrist
  • pass the GOC final assessment to qualify

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

  • 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Work

If you're working as a dispensing optician , you could retrain to become an optometrist.

You'll need to complete an approved optometry degree and pre-registration year.

Volunteering

You'll find it helpful to get some work experience in healthcare before you apply for a course.

You could also contact high street opticians directly for information on work experience schemes.

More Information

Registrations

you'll need to be registered with the General Optical Council

Further Information

You can find out more about working in optometry from:

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of medicine and dentistry
  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of biology
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

Day-to-day tasks

As an optometrist you could:

  • use precision instruments and vision measuring and testing tools
  • diagnose and give advice
  • prescribe, fit and supply glasses or contact lenses
  • discuss the suitability and shape of glasses frames
  • refer clients to specialists or ophthalmologists (eye surgeons)

Working environment

You could work at a store, in an NHS or private hospital, at a GP practice or in a laboratory.

With experience you could:

  • specialise in an area like contact lenses, sports vision, low vision or working with children
  • study for a postgraduate master's degree in optometry
  • train further in prescribing drugs for certain eye problems or working with specific conditions like diabetes or glaucoma

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