Students who study Clinical Optometry at university typically pursue careers as optometrists, healthcare professionals who examine, diagnose, and manage conditions related to vision and eye health. After completing their degree, they usually need to undertake a pre-registration year under supervision and pass professional qualifying exams before becoming fully registered with a regulatory body (such as the General Optical Council (GOC) in the UK).
Common Career Paths:
- High Street Optometry – Working in optician chains or independent practices, performing eye tests, prescribing glasses or contact lenses, and detecting eye diseases.
- Hospital Optometry – Working within NHS or private hospitals, often specialising in medical management of eye conditions alongside ophthalmologists.
- Specialist Optometry – Further training in areas such as paediatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation, or dry eye treatment.
- Research & Academia – Conducting research in vision science, developing new treatments, or teaching optometry students.
- Ophthalmic Industry & Sales – Working in product development, sales, or consultancy for optical and medical device companies.
- Domiciliary Optometry – Providing home visits to elderly or disabled patients who cannot attend clinics.
- Public Health & Policy – Involvement in shaping eye health policies, working with organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or charities focused on vision care.
Some optometrists choose to pursue further qualifications, such as independent prescribing, allowing them to treat eye diseases more extensively, or even transition into ophthalmology through additional medical training.
1. High Street (Community) Optometry
This is the most common career path, where optometrists work in optician chains (e.g., Specsavers, Boots, Vision Express) or independent practices. Their responsibilities include:
- Conducting sight tests and prescribing glasses/contact lenses.
- Detecting and managing common eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
- Advising patients on eye care and visual health.
- Referring patients to specialists or hospitals when necessary.
? Progression: Senior optometrist, practice manager, practice owner (self-employed).
2. Hospital Optometry
Optometrists in NHS or private hospitals work alongside ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals, often dealing with more complex eye conditions. Their role involves:
- Managing advanced eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy or keratoconus.
- Working in specialist clinics, such as contact lens, paediatrics, or low vision services.
- Assisting with pre- and post-operative care for eye surgery patients.
? Progression: Specialisation in areas like medical retina or neuro-optometry, advanced clinical roles, or research.
3. Specialist Optometry
Some optometrists choose to develop expertise in a specific area, such as:
- Paediatric Optometry – Working with children, diagnosing visual development issues like lazy eye (amblyopia) and strabismus (squint).
- Low Vision Rehabilitation – Helping patients with permanent visual impairments through magnification aids, training, and therapy.
- Dry Eye Management – Specialising in treatment of dry eye syndrome using advanced therapies.
? Progression: Further study (e.g., MSc in Clinical Optometry), consultant roles.
4. Research & Academia
Optometrists interested in the scientific study of vision may pursue research careers in universities, hospitals, or private institutions. They may:
- Develop new treatments and technologies for eye diseases.
- Teach optometry students at universities.
- Work in clinical trials for pharmaceutical or optical companies.
? Progression: PhD, lecturer, professor, or industry researcher.
5. Ophthalmic Industry & Sales
Optometrists with an interest in business and innovation may work for companies that manufacture optical products, including:
- Spectacle lenses & contact lenses (e.g., Essilor, Johnson & Johnson Vision).
- Medical devices (e.g., eye imaging equipment, surgical lasers).
- Pharmaceuticals (e.g., eye drops, drug treatments for eye conditions).
Roles include sales representatives, consultants, or research developers.
? Progression: Senior management, product development, or business ownership.
6. Domiciliary (Home Visit) Optometry
Optometrists can provide eye care to patients who cannot travel to clinics, such as:
- Elderly people in care homes.
- Patients with disabilities or mobility issues.
This career is suited for those who prefer one-on-one patient care in non-clinical settings.
? Progression: Senior domiciliary optometrist, business owner.
7. Public Health & Policy
Some optometrists work to improve eye health on a wider scale by:
- Working with charities such as Vision Aid Overseas or RNIB.
- Developing eye care policies for organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Leading public health campaigns to prevent blindness.
? Progression: Public health researcher, policy advisor.
8. Independent Prescribing & Further Specialisation
Some optometrists pursue further qualifications, such as:
- Independent Prescribing (IP) – Allows optometrists to prescribe medications for eye diseases without referring to a doctor.
- Medical Optometry – Specialising in managing and treating conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration.
- Ophthalmology Training – Some optometrists transition into surgical ophthalmology by studying medicine.
Summary
Most Clinical Optometry graduates start in high street optometry, but there are many options for specialisation and career progression. Whether through hospital work, research, industry, or public health, optometrists can shape their careers based on their interests.
Choosing the Correct Pathway
The units listed below include 15 ungraded and 45 graded credits at Level 3, enabling you to apply to university for a Clinical Optometry course. Most UK universities accept the Access to Higher Education Diploma; however, we recommend checking the entry requirements on the undergraduate course webpage of your chosen institution.
For more details about the Access to HE (Health Science Professions) Biology & Chemistry Pathway, click HERE.
You may also be interested in the Access to Optometry diploma that has the same units as below. If the units do not match the University entry requirement we may be able to tailor a custom course with 60 credits to make a Level 3 Diploma.
