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).

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.

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