Optometrist

You'll need to get a degree in optometry, approved by the General Optical Council (GOC).

You'll also complete a one-year pre-registration paid and supervised work placement, with a registered optometrist, and 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
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

If you're working as a dispensing optician, you could retrain in optometry.

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

You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in a healthcare setting before you apply for a course.

You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.

Registration

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

Further information

You can find out more about working in optometry from:

• The College of Optometrists
• General Optical Council
• Health Careers

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 carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults

As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:

• use a range of precision instruments
• use 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)

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