Optometrists, also known as opticians, examine and test eyes. They also look out for underlying health problems such as diabetes. They discuss the patient's needs to see what spectacles or contact lenses would suit them best. They then analyse the test results to prescribe spectacles or contact lenses to improve the patient's sight.
You could be:
Pay rates can vary depending on whether the optometrist works with the National Health Service (NHS), with a private practice, or is self-employed.
During your year of supervised clinical practice you will earn around £15,000.
Qualified optometrists in private practice start on around £25,000 a year. With experience this can rise to £70,000 a year or more plus benefits.
For those working within the NHS, you will be on NHS Agenda for Change scale. Pre-registration optometrists during their supervised clinical practice year are on Band 4, £29,116 to £31,670 a year. Qualified optometrists are on Band 6, £39,912 to £48,635 a year. Specialist optometrist salaries are on Band 7, £48,788 to £56,747 a year. The current pay scales are from April 2024.
Workforce Employment Status
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To work in the UK as an optometrist you must be registered with the General Optical Council (GOC). There is a specific route to this.
You can find work in large optical chain stores, hospital departments or independent practices.
Workforce Education Levels (UK)
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Employment
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You should be:
Courtesy of eHow
The following organisations may be able to provide further information.
Careers in Eyecare
Website:
https://www.careersineyecare.org.uk/
College of Optometrists
Tel: 020 7839 6000
Website:
http://www.college-optometrists.org/
Twitter:
@CollegeOptomUK
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CollegeOfOptometrists/
General Optical Council
Tel: 020 7580 3898
E-mail:
goc@optical.org
Website:
http://www.optical.org/
Twitter:
@GOC_UK
NHS Scotland Careers
Website:
http://www.careers.nhs.scot
Website (2):
https://jobs.scot.nhs.uk/
Twitter:
@NHSScotCareers