Optometrist : Entry requirements

To qualify as an optometrist it is necessary to obtain a degree in optometry approved by the General Optical Council (GOC) , the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. It is also necessary to register as a student with the GOC - check with the GOC for further details on registration.

The following universities run approved courses:

• Anglia Ruskin University;
• Aston University;
• Cardiff University;
• City University;
• Glasgow Caledonian University;
• University of Bradford;
• University of Manchester;
• University of Ulster.

Entry requirements are usually a minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade C or above, including English Language, maths and a science-based subject. A-level grades, typically of AAB, in science-based subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics or in mathematics (or five subjects for Scottish Highers and six subjects for Irish Highers, all at A or B levels) are required at the majority of universities. Applications for courses should be made via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)  website.

Graduates with a degree in a health-related subject (e.g. pharmacy), usually a 2:1 or above, may also be considered for entry on to an approved undergraduate course. Contact individual institutions for more information.

Mature students with non-standard qualifications should contact individual universities for further information on eligibility for entry onto an approved undergraduate course.

Degree courses usually last three years full time (four years in Scotland) and are followed by one year’s salaried pre-registration training. You must obtain a 2:2 or above from one of the approved courses and have a valid Certificate of Clinical Competency, which is awarded on graduation (valid for two years), in order to undergo pre-registration training. Trainees whose certificate has expired or who fail to achieve a 2:2 must successfully complete the GOC’s Optometry Progression Scheme before entering a pre-registration placement.

The pre-registration period enables trainees to build on the knowledge they have gained at university and apply it to real practice in the workplace. It includes work-based assessment and supervision by a registered optometrist. During this time you must also pass a practical final assessment examination, administered by the College of Optometrists . Successful completion of the pre-registration training and final assessment examination allows you to register as an optometrist with the GOC. (The University of Manchester has a four-year Masters (MOptom) course, which incorporates the pre-registration year. Students who successfully complete this course are fully qualified and able to register as optometrists with the GOC.)

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• excellent communication skills to deal with a wide range of people;
• good interpersonal skills, with the ability to put anxious patients at ease;
• the ability to understand and apply scientific principles and methods;
• confidence in using complex equipment;
• teamworking skills;
• manual dexterity and accuracy;
• good organisational and administrative skills;
• the ability to keep up to date with scientific and technological developments;
• being comfortable working in close proximity to patients;
• patience to carry out repetitive tasks.

Competition for pre-registration positions is high so gaining prior work experience is important. Some students work in practices at weekends. Some of the larger chains also run summer programmes for students between their second and third year. Visit company websites for details of these schemes. JCL Optics  runs the Centralised Hospital Application Scheme for those who want to do their pre-registration year in a hospital.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.