Career as Optometry
Optometrists examine patients' eyes, test their sight, give advice on visual problems and prescribe and fit spectacles or contact lenses when needed. They are trained to recognize diseases of the eye, such as glaucoma and cataract, as well as general health conditions such as diabetes. They refer patients to medical practitioners when necessary, as well as sometimes sharing the care of patients with chronic conditions. Most of these activities involve the use of specialist equipment. Most optometrists work in high street practices which may be independent or part of a regional or national chain. A smaller number work in hospitals alongside other healthcare professionals such as doctors and orthoptists.Some optometrists work in academic settings doing research and/or teaching, and also in the optical manufacturing industry.
Job Profile
- Communicating with patients to get detailed case histories;
- Examining the eyes of patients of all ages to detect signs of injury, disease, abnormality or vision defects;
- Being aware of signs and symptoms of general health conditions (e.g. Diabetes);
- Examining eyes and fitting spectacles or contact lenses;
- Offering advice and reassurance about vision-related matters;
- Offering help and advice for patients choosing frames and lenses;
- Writing referral communications to doctors;
- Liaising with other medical practitioners and sometimes sharing the care of patients with chronic ophthalmic conditions;
- Meeting sales targets with regard to selling spectacles or contact lenses;
- Undertaking continuing education and training (cet).
Skills required
- The ability to understand mathematical and scientific information
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- The ability to adapt to new techniques and instruments
- The ability to maintain concentration for repetitive tasks
- Strong communication skills
- The ability to put anxious patients at ease
- The ability to explain ideas and instructions to children
- Good organisational and administration skills
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- Community Ophthalmologist
- Dispensing optician
- General practice doctor
- Health promotion specialist
- Occupational therapist
- Ophthalmologist
- Women’s' health
Earnings
Optometrists in private practice can earn between £28,000 and £60,000 a year, or more
Recruiting Companies
Hospitals
Eye clinics
Labs
How do I get there?
Option 1:
BSC-Optometry
Pathway Courses
In Abroad
Where to study?
- Andrews University
- Aston University
- Auckland University of Technology
- Bard College
- Clemson University
- Colorado School of Mines
- De Montfort University
- Edge Hill University
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Florida International University
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- Gonzaga University
- Grand Valley State University
- Holland International Study Centre
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- James Cook University
- Kingston University
- Klaipeda State College
- Lancaster University
- Liverpool John Moores University
- London Metropolitan University
- Manchester University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Miami University
- National College of Ireland
- Principia College
- Purdue University
- Riga International School of Business and Administration
- Robert Gordon University (ICRGU)
- Ryerson University
- Stockholm School of Economics in Riga
- Swansea University
- The University of British Columbia
- The University of Sheffield
- The University of Sydney
- The University of Texas
- The University of Western Australia
- Tilburg University
- University of Birmingham
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Canterbury
- University of Central Lancashire
- University of Delaware
- University of Derby
- University of Essex
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Huddersfield
- University of Kentucky
- University of Latvia
- University of Leeds
- University of Michigan
- University of Minnesota- Twin Cities
- University of Otago
- University of South Wales
- University of Strathclyde
- University of Surrey
- University of Warwick
- University of Westminster
- Vanderbilt University
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam