How to become an optometrist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- working towards this role
University
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
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Work
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.
Volunteering
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 on hospital placements.
You can contact high street opticians directly for information on work experience schemes.
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Registration
- you'll need to be registered with the General Optical Council
Further information
You can find out more about working in optometry from: