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Optometrist

Optometrists (sometimes called ophthalmic opticians) are health specialists trained to examine the eyes to detect signs of injury, disease, abnormality and defects in vision. They also fit spectacles (glasses) or contact lenses, give advice on visual problems and detect any eye-related disease or abnormality.

Skills required

Excellent social and interpersonal skills are vital to help you deal with people from every walk of life. Business and management skills are also needed to run a busy practice in the community or in a hospital department.

Training programme

Ulster University offers a BSc Hons Optometry, undergraduate full-time three year programme.

You should contact the university directly for the latest information on entry requirements. Applications should be made through Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

  • Optometry (Ulster University website)

Career pathway

Graduates may choose from a wide variety of interesting, challenging and rewarding careers.

Professional recognition

The course is approved by the General Optical Council (GOC), the regulatory body for optometrists. Graduates of courses recognised by the GOC are eligible to do a pre-registration year during which they work in a registered optometry practice or hospital.

Following this year, graduates take the professional examination for membership of the leadership body, the College of Optometrists. If successful, they will be registered to practice.

More useful links

  • Careers A-Z list
  • Institute of Optometry website
  • Association of Optometrists

Chat with a careers adviser

Careers webchat is available from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.  Outside of these hours, or if all advisers are busy, you can ask questions online.  Before using the webchat service, read the Careers Service’s privacy notice

 Chat with a careers adviser in Northern Ireland

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Careers in Health and Social Care

  • Ambulance Service careers
  • Careers in Health and Social Care: an introduction
  • Careers in pharmacy
  • Careers in social care
  • Careers in the Allied Health Professions
  • Clinical psychologist
  • Dental careers
  • Healthcare scientist
  • Nursing and midwifery
  • Optometrist
  • Wider healthcare team

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