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Optometry courses

Are you interested in studying the science of the eye and learning how to examine eyes and correct sight problems? If so, optometry could be for you. If the idea of helping people choose glasses - advising on lenses and frames and finding the right fit - appeals, then an ophthalmic dispensing degree would be worth exploring. For both types of courses, you will need an interest in science and good communication skills.

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Example course modules

Foundation mathematics for science
Foundation biology
Optics of the eye
Introduction to ophthalmic lenses
Communication skills in the optical sector
Practice management
Low vision management and assessment
Practical methods in dispensing
Vocational and recreational dispensing
Ocular anatomy and contact lenses

Teaching hours / week

Average for this subject

Hours

Average for all subjects

Average hours for this subject: 18 (Low N/A - High N/A). Average hours for all subjects: 14.

The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.

More on studying and contact hours at uni

Who studies this subject

Female : 70%

Male : 30%
Mature : 27%

School leaver : 73%
Full-time : 86%

Part-time : 14%

Student

"For the 1st semester of studying Optometry I was in 5 days a week Monday to Friday and had about 15 hours of teaching time including lectures, tutorials, lab sessions and practi..."

1st year, Anglia Ruskin University

Student

"I study optometry. I feel the amount of teaching and clinic work we receive is a good balance, and we always get a chance for extra practice if we need to for our clinics. I fee..."

2nd year, Aston University, Birmingham

Student

"During the first year, we had at least one or two lectures a day, practicals a few times a week, and clinics once a week. This felt like a good balance and we had a good amount ..."

1st year, Cardiff University

Subjects you need

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

Chemistry
Biology

Useful to have

Physics

More advice on A-level requirements

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

January application
October application
Personal statement
Portfolio
Interview
Entry test
Work experience
Audition

More advice on applying to uni

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Personal statement tips and advice

Most students in this category study optometry degrees. Don't get too worried by the salaries you see here. On graduation, the most recent ophthalmics graduates go on to pre-registration training for a year, before taking final assessments and being able to register as an optometrist. At this point, salaries jump to much healthier rates depending on whether you go into private practice with, for example, a high street opticians, or enter the NHS. This is also one of those degrees that can get you a skilled job in most parts of the country – so if you've got good grades but want to work in a particular part of the UK, this can be a good bet. Unemployment rates are low.

Professional and accrediting bodies:

Six months after graduating

Typical graduate job areas

Health professionals

Sources: DLHE & Graduate prospects

Longer term career paths

Jobs where this degree is useful

Opthalmic optician
Dispensing optician
Optometrics

Other real-life job examples

Orthoptist

Students taking a degree in optometry and/ or opthalmics can develop subject-related skills including an understanding of the scientific principles of eye care and the detection, recognition, diagnosis, prevention and management of conditions affecting the eye. Transferable skills you can develop include communication, IT, numeracy, problem-solving and critical evaluation. Optometry graduates tend to work for hospitals, specialist opticians or larger retail stores with optician departments - although some work in universities as researchers.