Optometrist

Entry Requirements:

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:

• 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

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

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

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.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• 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
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• maths knowledge
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of psychology
• knowledge of English language
• science skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to learn through your work

What you'll do:

Optometrists test vision, identify eye health problems, prescribe glasses and fit contact lenses.

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)

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

Salary:

Starter : £35,000
Experienced : £69,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

36 - 38 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings on shifts

Career Path:

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