Optometrist
Optometrists test vision, identify eye health problems, prescribe glasses and fit contact lenses.
Also known as: Ophthalmic optician
- Starter salary£40,000 a year
- Experienced£65,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
What you'll do
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.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of medicine and health conditions that can affect sight
- 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
How to become a optometrist
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
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
Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.
You could also contact high street opticians directly for information on work experience schemes.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
Career path and progression
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
Registration
- you'll need to be registered with the General Optical Council
Guides for this industry
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