Optometrist
Optometrists test vision, identify eye health problems, prescribe glasses and fit contact lenses.
What you'll do
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.
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
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
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
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
How to become
You can get into this job through a university course or by working towards this role.
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
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.
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.
Registration
- you'll need to be registered with the General Optical Council
Further information
You can find out more about working in optometry from:
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.