Optometrist

Optometrists deal with patients’ eyes and can make a big difference to a persons’ life. They are trained to test vision; recognise eyesight defects or abnormalities, eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts, and serious health conditions such as diabetes, brain tumours or high blood pressure; prescribe glasses and fit contact lenses. They use their skills and experience to improve patients' eyesight and can deal with a wide range of patients, from young children to the elderly. Optometrists can work at an opticians’ store, in an NHS or private hospital, at a GP practice or in a laboratory.

As a trainee optometrist working for the NHS in a hospital, you will be paid on the Agenda for Change (AFC) pay system, typically starting on band 4, with salaries currently ranging from £27,485 to £30,162. As a qualified and registered optometrist, you would start on band 6 (£38,682 to £46,580). With further training, education and experience, you could apply for more senior posts such as specialist optometrist at band 7 (£47,810 to £54,710) or principal optometrist at bands 8a-8b (£55,690 to £74,896). As a consultant optometrist or head of service, you could be on band 8c (£76,965 to £88,682).

Terms and conditions can vary for employers outside the NHS. The starting salary for a newly qualified optometrist in a high street business is typically around £30,000 - £35,000 per annum.

You will usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science and 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science.

First you will need to complete a General Optical Council (GOC) approved undergraduate degree or an integrated four years’ master’s degree in optometry. Details of the universities that offer optometrist courses can be found here. You will then need to complete a one-year pre-registration placement, with a registered optometrist. Lastly, you will need to complete a final assessment to qualify and register as an optometrist with the General Optical Council.

To research local education and training opportunities that could lead to a career as an optometrist, visit our partner website >log on | move on>.

Details of relevant degree courses can be found on the UCAS website.

The College of Optometrists - a career in optometry

Health Careers - Optometrist

General Optical Council - a career in optics

Association of Optometrists - Your Career

National Careers Service - Optometrist

What is an optometrist?

Want to know what it's like to work as an optometrist in the NHS? Watch the optometrist video in How Did You Get That Job?