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CONTENTS

1. Routes to becoming an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or orthoptist

2. Skills you’ll need

3. Finding work experience

4. How to get a job as an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or orthoptist

5. What it's like to be an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or orthoptist

Routes to becoming an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or orthoptist

Whether you pursue a career as an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or an orthoptist, your role is fundamental in helping those with eye disorders have their vision restored. Each role does the following:

• Optometrists assess eyesight and evaluate whether there are any issues
• Ophthalmologists are doctors that diagnose, treat, and prevent eye disorders
• Orthoptists specialise in vision and eye movement defects

A degree course in Optometry, Ophthalmology, or Optometry will cover:

• The anatomy and physiology of the eye
• How to measure vision and diagnose disorders
• Professional and clinical skills to care for patients

Undergraduate and postgraduate courses are both available. All courses will combine clinical training alongside theoretical learning.

Undergraduate degrees

Bachelor’s degrees in Optometry & Orthoptics usually take three years to complete. If you choose to take an integrated foundation year or study part-time, the degree can take four years or more.

To be an ophthalmologist you’ll first need to complete an undergraduate medical degree. This will take a minimum of five years. If you wish to become an ophthalmologist but graduate with a degree that isn’t Medicine, you’ll need to complete a medical graduate entry programme. This accelerated degree takes four years.

Studying Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics entitles you to the NHS bursary each year. You’ll be given £5,000 towards tuition fees that you won’t need to pay back. Orthoptics students receive an extra £1,000 per year due to the current shortage in the specialism.

More info on these courses can be found in our Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics subject guide, where we detail entry requirements, what topics you’ll cover, and how you’ll be assessed.

Degree apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships may be available with a healthcare provider. This will allow you to work and earn while you study towards a qualification.

Search and to see which apprenticeships have vacancies. The healthcare provider will set entry requirements.

Your employer will finance your apprenticeship, so you won’t be eligible for any loans or grants towards your tuition.

Postgraduate degrees

Postgraduate degrees are available in Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics. You can study a postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma, master’s or doctoral degree. You’ll need to have a relevant undergraduate degree to apply.

Those wishing to become an orthoptist but who studied a related field can apply for a graduate-entry pre-registration course. This can take up to two years to complete.

Skills you'll need

Successful optometrists, ophthalmologists & orthoptists all share the following skills:

• Calm and analytical decision-making
• Manual dexterity and careful handling of equipment
• Empathy and compassion for different people and backgrounds
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to break down complex information
• Strong time management and organisation

Finding work experience

You won’t be required to have work experience when applying for an undergraduate course, but it’s encouraged and will help your application. It demonstrates your interest in and enthusiasm for the subject – both of which admissions tutors are eager to see.

To find work experience prior to or during your studies, reach out to:

• Any
• Optometrists, ophthalmologists, or orthoptists whose work you can shadow
• Hospitals with optometry, ophthalmology or orthoptic departments
• Societies or organisations, such as the British and Irish Orthoptics Society (BIOS)
• Companies or clinics that offer work experience schemes
• Care homes, retirement villages, or hospices
• Volunteer with charities such as St John Ambulance

Graduate roles will want to see that you’ve had practical experience in a clinical setting too. You’ll be afforded this during your undergraduate course, but it’s worth getting as much as you can.

How to get a job as an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or orthoptist

You’ll need an approved qualification in the subject area as a minimum – at either degree level or through a degree apprenticeship.

Optometry

Your degree needs to be approved by the (GOC) to be an optometrist. You then must complete a year of pre-registration training under the guidance of a GOC-registered optometrist, finishing with passing the GOC final assessment. You'll be paid to do this training, and registration to the GOC is £380. If you are transferring from the student register, then you will pay £380 plus a transfer fee of £40.

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmologists must complete a degree approved by the General Medical Council (GMC), followed by two years of hospital training on a foundation programme. You must then take ophthalmologist specialist training (OST) once you’ve passed the foundation programme. OST takes seven years. You can then join the register and apply for consultancy positions.

Orthoptics

You must register with the (HCPC) before practising professionally as an Orthoptist. Graduating with an HCPC-approved degree will qualify you for registration. The new graduate’s registration fee for a full two-year registration cycle is £116.36, which works out at £58.18 per year.

Optometry, ophthalmology, and orthoptic vacancies can be explored at or . You’ll only be considered once you’re fully registered with the relevant bodies.

What it's like to be an optometrist, ophthalmologist or orthoptist

Depending on your role, your daily tasks could include:

• Diagnosing issues of and around the eye
• Using specialist equipment to test vision
• Prescribing and fitting glasses or contact lenses
• Treating issues such as diseases
• Giving practical advice
• Referring clients to specialists
• Carrying out surgical procedures

Your work could be based in the NHS or a private hospital, clinics, or community environments. You’ll work alongside other healthcare professionals in similar fields, such as vision scientists.

Once qualified, you’ll have regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) meetings, where you discuss future career goals. You can become a member of organisations such as the British and Irish Orthoptic Society, which support your career development.

A working week is typically 37.5 hours, and you may have to work evenings and weekends. Salaries are on the Agenda for Change system (the NHS staff grading and pay scale), usually on band 5. The NHS give you access to generous pension schemes, holiday allowances and health service discounts.

Is a role as an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or orthoptist right for you?

Vision can be a challenging area, especially if you’re performing advanced medical surgery on people’s eyes. Despite this, the results can be immensely gratifying. You’re able to make a significant difference to people’s eyes, vision, and lives. The relationships you form along the way will make it a fulfilling profession.