Students who complete a Master of Optometry typically go on to work as optometrists, healthcare professionals who examine, diagnose, and manage vision and eye health conditions. In many countries, including the UK, a Master of Optometry includes both academic study and clinical training, allowing graduates to register with a regulatory body (e.g., the General Optical Council (GOC) in the UK) and practice as fully qualified optometrists.
Common Career Paths:
- Community Optometrist – Working in high street optician chains or independent practices, conducting eye tests and prescribing glasses/contact lenses.
- Hospital Optometrist – Specialising in medical eye conditions, working alongside ophthalmologists in NHS or private hospitals.
- Specialist Optometrist – Focusing on areas such as paediatrics, dry eye treatment, or low vision rehabilitation.
- Independent Prescribing Optometrist – With further training, prescribing medications to treat eye diseases like glaucoma or infections.
- Domiciliary Optometry – Providing eye care to elderly or disabled patients in care homes or at home.
- Research & Academia – Conducting research in vision science, new treatments, or teaching optometry students.
- Ophthalmic Industry & Sales – Working in product development, sales, or consultancy for optical and medical device companies.
- Public Health & Policy – Contributing to vision care policies and working with organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO).
Many optometrists continue professional development through postgraduate courses, allowing them to specialise further or expand their scope of practice (e.g., laser surgery co-management).
1. Community Optometrist
This is the most common career path, where optometrists work in high street optician chains or independent practices, performing sight tests and eye health assessments.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting comprehensive eye exams to assess vision and detect eye conditions.
- Prescribing and fitting glasses or contact lenses.
- Screening for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
- Referring patients to ophthalmologists if specialist treatment is required.
- Providing advice on eye health, digital screen use, and lifestyle factors affecting vision.
? Where They Work:
- Large optician chains (e.g., Specsavers, Vision Express, Boots Opticians).
- Independent optometry practices.
- Corporate optometry services (e.g., eye health screening for businesses).
? Progression:
- Becoming a practice owner or senior optometrist.
- Specialising in advanced contact lens fitting or myopia control.
2. Hospital Optometrist
Hospital optometrists work in NHS or private hospitals, often dealing with more complex eye conditions and collaborating with ophthalmologists.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Managing medical eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.
- Running specialist clinics for conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or corneal disease.
- Performing pre- and post-operative assessments for eye surgery patients.
- Using advanced imaging technology (OCT, fundus photography, visual field testing) for diagnosis.
? Where They Work:
- NHS eye hospitals and outpatient clinics.
- Private eye hospitals and laser surgery centres.
? Progression:
- Specialising in areas such as medical retina, neuro-optometry, or ocular disease.
- Studying for Independent Prescribing (IP) to manage eye conditions with medications.
3. Specialist Optometrist
Some optometrists choose to specialise in specific areas of optometry, requiring further study and clinical experience.
? Common Specialties:
- Paediatric Optometry – Working with children to assess vision development, lazy eye (amblyopia), and eye coordination issues.
- Low Vision Rehabilitation – Helping patients with permanent vision loss through magnifiers, training, and therapy.
- Dry Eye & Ocular Surface Disease Management – Treating chronic dry eye using advanced therapies.
- Myopia Control – Using special lenses or orthokeratology to slow myopia progression in children.
? Where They Work:
- Specialist clinics and private practices.
- Hospital outpatient clinics.
? Progression:
- Completing a postgraduate diploma or certification in a chosen specialty.
- Becoming a consultant optometrist.
4. Independent Prescribing Optometrist (IP Optometrist)
With additional qualifications, optometrists can become independent prescribers, allowing them to diagnose and treat eye diseases with medication.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Managing eye infections, glaucoma, and inflammatory eye conditions.
- Prescribing medications for eye conditions (e.g., antibiotics, steroid drops).
- Working alongside GPs and ophthalmologists to reduce NHS waiting times.
? Where They Work:
- Independent and high street practices.
- Hospital eye departments.
- Urgent eye care clinics.
? Progression:
- Specialising in glaucoma care, medical retina, or emergency eye care.
5. Domiciliary Optometrist (Home Visit Optometry)
Domiciliary optometrists provide eye care services to patients who cannot travel to clinics, such as elderly individuals or people with disabilities.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting home-based eye tests.
- Prescribing glasses or contact lenses for patients in care homes.
- Identifying serious eye conditions and referring to specialists.
? Where They Work:
- Domiciliary optometry providers (e.g., Visioncall, OutsideClinic).
- Care homes and home visit services.
? Progression:
- Managing domiciliary optometry services.
- Expanding into low vision rehabilitation or elderly care specialisation.
6. Research & Academia
Optometrists interested in scientific research or teaching can work in universities, hospitals, or private research institutions.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting research on vision science, eye disease, or new optical technologies.
- Teaching optometry students at universities.
- Publishing scientific papers on advancements in eye care.
? Where They Work:
- Universities and research institutions.
- Ophthalmic industry research teams (e.g., companies developing eye care technologies).
? Progression:
- Completing a PhD in Vision Science or Optometry.
- Becoming a university lecturer or research leader.
7. Ophthalmic Industry & Sales
Some optometrists work in product development, consultancy, or sales for companies involved in eyewear, medical devices, or pharmaceuticals.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Advising contact lens or spectacle manufacturers on product innovation.
- Developing new optical technologies and diagnostic tools.
- Working in sales or marketing for eye care companies.
? Where They Work:
- Medical device companies (e.g., Johnson & Johnson Vision, Essilor, Bausch + Lomb).
- Pharmaceutical companies producing eye care treatments.
- Contact lens manufacturers.
? Progression:
- Becoming a product development specialist or clinical consultant.
8. Public Health & Policy
Some optometrists work on a national or international level to improve vision care access and policies.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Developing eye health policies for organisations like WHO or NHS.
- Running public health campaigns to prevent blindness and eye diseases.
- Working with charities like Vision Aid Overseas to provide eye care in developing countries.
? Where They Work:
- Government health departments.
- Charities and NGOs focused on vision care.
? Progression:
- Becoming a policy advisor or global health specialist.
Summary
A Master of Optometry opens doors to various career paths, including community, hospital, and specialist optometry, as well as opportunities in research, industry, and public health. Many optometrists also pursue further qualifications to specialise in prescribing, advanced diagnostics, or surgery co-management.
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 Master of Optometry (MOptom) 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.
