Job title:

Optometrist

(Used to be ophthalmic optician so we are often still called opticians).

What does your job involve? What do you do on an average day?

An optometrist does eye tests on several people in a day. The person having an eye test is called a patient and can be of any age.

We start by having a chat with the patient to find out things like if they are having or ever had problems with their eyes or vision, if they take any medicines,  do they drive, work or have hobbies. They might need special advice depending on what they do.

We test how well the patient can see and how well the two eyes work together then work out what type of glasses, or other treatment, might help to see better.

Also we look inside the eyes and do tests with  specialist equipment to check that the eyes are healthy. Sometimes health problems can show signs in the eyes so the patient might need to be sent to see a specialist eye doctor  (ophthalmologist), or their GP for more tests and treatment. 

What do you enjoy about your job?

I enjoy meeting and being able to help many different people. Each patient is different and needs to be given the right advice and optical products to help them.

Also it's nice to work as a team with the practice staff to make the practice run smoothly and take care of each patient. 

Optometry is fascinating! We learn how the eyes (and brain!) work and how your health, medicines, lifestyle etc. can affect them. 

The equipment used during an eye test ranges from something as simple as a pen torch to advanced technology and is used to test for and detect many eye and health problems. So interesting!

Do you have to study any STEM subjects to do your job?

Yes. Good GCSE's in sciences, maths and English are needed and currently at least two sciences at A level are needed. (Plus one of any other subject). 

Then you study an "Optometry" degree at university and complete this with a further year working and taking final exams (the pre-registration year) to become a qualified optometrist. 

Would you recommend your job to others? Why?

Yes! It's a clinical healthcare profession, but not messy (usually!)

Good if you like interacting with and helping people.

You can work for a practice, or run your own - if you like the idea of managing a business as well as doing clinical work.

Can work full time, part-time or even sometimes (as a locum).

What encouraged you to do this career?

My dad had eye problems caused by diabetes. This was first noticed by his optometrist. My dad was then referred to a specialist so he could be treated. That inspired me to do the same type of work.

Any more information?

As an optometrist you can study further, specialise in something you find most interesting, teach pre-reg students, research eye conditions and treatments, work in hospitals, work in any part of the country, even abroad.

It's an interesting, fulfilling, flexible and sociable career!