Healthcare Careers

Optometry

What is it?

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you’ll know the answer already!

An optometrist examines people’s eyes, gives eye tests and gives advice on sight problems, glasses and contact lenses. They may also advise on treatment, and spot medical conditions that need to be seen by a doctor.

Sight is precious, and needs looking after. For many people who have problems with their vision, their optometrist is someone to rely on.

Even a minor sight problem can cause real hardship. Without good vision things like driving, studying, working or watching TV can be difficult or impossible.

So optometry can be a worthwhile and rewarding career. (If you like the sound of careers in this field, check out what an ophthalmologist and an orthoptist do as well.)

What are the good bits?

• Challenging, interesting – you meet lots of different people
• Rewarding – your input can make a difference
• Lots of job opportunities – small practices, high-street chains and hospitals
• Chance to work abroad and move into management

What about pay?

£9,000 – £55,000

What skills and interests do I need?

• Clear communication
• Able to make people feel comfortable
• Good with your hands – lenses can be fiddly!
• Business skills if you want to run your own business

What qualifications/training will I need?

After GCSEs you need to stay on at school or go to college to take science – for example, A levels in Maths, Biology, Physics or Chemistry, or an AVCE in Science with Maths A level. Then you’ll study Optometry at university for three years, and spend a further year as a trainee before you qualify.

Compiled with reference to:
www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
www.nobarriers2uni.org

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