Optometrist

Also known as:

Ophthalmic Optician
Optician, Ophthalmic

Introduction

Optometrists test eyesight, looking for any disease or defect, and may recommend patients to a doctor. They prescribe and fit glasses or contact lenses. They may work in private practice, hospitals or with lens manufacturers.

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Work Activities

Optometrists (formerly known as ophthalmic opticians) work in three main areas - private practice, hospitals and lens manufacture. By far the largest number work in private practice where they examine patients' eyes by administering a series of tests in a logical order. Using observation and questions, the optometrist can learn about the general health of the eyes.

At an early stage, the amount the patient can read with each unaided eye is established. The optometrist then examines the eye tissues from a variety of directions, using instruments that shine light into the patient's eye and magnify various features, such as the cornea and retina. If a serious abnormality or disease is detected, further tests can be administered and a full report is sent to the patient's doctor.

At a later stage in the examination, the optometrist places combinations of lenses in front of one or both eyes, to check the state of focus of the eye. This will detect any errors in form vision, colour vision or binocular vision. Having diagnosed a vision problem, the optometrist works out a lens prescription to correct it.

In some practices, particularly small ones, the optometrist will go on to supply and fit spectacles and test the accuracy of the lenses. In larger practices, a dispensing optician who undertakes this work will assist the optometrist. Experienced optometrists may specialise in prescribing contact lenses or in correcting the visual problems of young children.

Optometrists in hospitals treat patients referred to them by family doctors. This usually involves treating more complex eye conditions, often caused by disease. Certain problems may require an operation and the optometrist will advise the eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) on this.

Hospital optometrists may specialise in certain types of work, such as devising optical aids for the partially sighted or counselling parents with a hereditary eye disease who may pass this on to their children. In some hospitals, the optometrist may give lectures to ophthalmic nurses or medical students.

Glass or lens manufacturers employ optometrists to research into lens theory and design, optical instrumentation and optical design. Much of the work is laboratory based and there is little contact with patients.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Optometrists need to relate well to patients and have good communication skills. You will need tact, understanding and the ability to inspire confidence in others. Good judgement, accurate powers of observation and a logical, methodical approach to your work are also necessary.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for optometrists vary depending on the organisation they work for.

National Health Service (NHS) employees are paid on a rising scale within defined pay bands, according to their skills and responsibilities.

Optometrists are in Band 6, earning from £24,103 to £32,653 a year. Optometry specialists and those with management responsibilities can earn up to £38,352 a year.

At the highest levels, optometry managers and consultants can earn up to £77,179 a year, depending on responsibilities.

In the private sector, pay rates vary depending on the organisation and role and responsibilities, but are broadly in line with NHS rates.

Optometrists usually work a basic 35-hour week. Weekend working and some late finishes may be required.

Many optometrists work in independent general practice, including in self-employment. Others work in hospitals, consultancy and research, e.g. for companies that make lenses.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Cardiff University offers an optometry degree course with an extra foundation year (Year Zero) for students without the traditional science Highers usually required for entry to optometry courses.

If you don't have the qualifications usually needed to enter an accredited degree in optometry, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, eg, Access to Science.

You don't usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider.

There are some exemptions to entry requirements for optometry degree courses if you are a graduate with a relevant background.

• 40% of optometrists are self-employed.
• 22% work part-time.

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