Careers in Optics
There are many different roles available in the field of optics, depending on a person’s individual interests and talents. One can enter optics straight from school at 16 or after A-Levels or university study. Alternatively, it’s possible to enter the profession at a later stage through access courses and other schemes and there are many opportunities to train and achieve qualifications from vocational to post graduate degree level whilst working.
What skills and qualifications are required to become an optometrist?
Careers in optics are well suited to students with an aptitude for science subjects (see Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths). Entry requirements are high - applicants should expect to gain at least AAB in science-based subjects (or five subjects for Scottish Highers and six subjects for Irish Highers, all at A or B grades). There are nine universities in the UK that offer optometry degree courses (See ‘list of optometry schools’):
* Anglia Ruskin University
* Aston University
* Cardiff University
* City University
* Glasgow Caledonian University
* University of Bradford
* University of Manchester
* University of Plymouth
* University of Ulster
Earning potential
Starting salaries are, on average, much higher than other graduate roles. Newly qualified optometrists can expect to earn up to £28,000, rising to £37,500 - £53,600 within five years. In the NHS, typical starting salaries for hospital optometrists range from £25,472 - £34,189. Specialist optometrists can earn up to £40,157, whilst typical salaries for consultant optometrists range from £54,454 - £80,810.
Optometrist
An optometrist is a highly trained healthcare specialist who examines the health of your eyes, detects any eye conditions and prescribes and fits spectacles or contact lenses. They work closely with patients, carrying out sight tests and offering advice on managing eye conditions and may also supply specialist appliances such as magnifiers and low vision aids.
Most optometrists work in a High Street location, either for a chain of opticians or in independent practice; they may also work in hospitals, as academic researchers, or in the manufacturing industry advising on the development of lenses and equipment.
Dispensing optician
Dispensing opticians normally work alongside optometrists. Their job is to interpret the optometrist’s prescription for spectacles and talk to patients about what sort of frames and lenses will suit their needs and lifestyle. Following on from this, they make sure each pair of spectacles fits the patient correctly and feels comfortable. As many dispensing opticians are located in the High Street, other useful skills include excellent customer service and a good working knowledge of the products available. With additional training, dispensing opticians can become contact lens opticians, which gives them the opportunity to fit contact lenses.
Laboratory Technicians
Lab technicians use computerised and electronic specialist equipment to create each bespoke pair of spectacles using the customer’s chosen frames and prescription lenses. They produce spectacles, check stock and meet order deadlines. They need practical skills and an attention to detail to work within industry standards.
Retail roles
High Street practices require a number of different job roles to ensure patients receive efficient, knowledgeable service throughout their time in an optical practice. Roles include:
* Retail managers - experienced retail professionals who look after the commercial side of the business, including training staff, organising merchandise and sales.
* Receptionists -book appointments, greet customers and answer queries as they arise.
* Frame stylists - to help customers find a frame to suit their looks, prescription requirements and lifestyle. They may work under the supervision of an optometrist or dispensing optician.
* Optical assistants - assist in testing duties, advise on frame and lens combinations, and do final frame fittings for customers.
Business Management
As well as working in High Street optical practices, there are numerous other management and business opportunities in the regional or head office of a chain of opticians, in optical manufacturing and the contact lens industry. These include working as managers, directors, sales representatives, key account managers, professional affairs consultants or research and development specialists in the UK, Europe and across the world.
What skills and qualifications are required to become an optometrist?
Careers in optics are well suited to students with an aptitude for science subjects (see Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths). Entry requirements are high - applicants should expect to gain at least AAB in science-based subjects (or five subjects for Scottish Highers and six subjects for Irish Highers, all at A or B grades). There are nine universities in the UK that offer optometry degree courses (See ‘list of optometry schools’):
* Anglia Ruskin University
* Aston University
* Cardiff University
* City University
* Glasgow Caledonian University
* University of Bradford
* University of Manchester
* University of Plymouth
* University of Ulster
Earning potential
Starting salaries are, on average, much higher than other graduate roles. Newly qualified optometrists can expect to earn up to £28,000, rising to £37,500 - £53,600 within five years. In the NHS, typical starting salaries for hospital optometrists range from £25,472 - £34,189. Specialist optometrists can earn up to £40,157, whilst typical salaries for consultant optometrists range from £54,454 - £80,810.
Optometrist
An optometrist is a highly trained healthcare specialist who examines the health of your eyes, detects any eye conditions and prescribes and fits spectacles or contact lenses. They work closely with patients, carrying out sight tests and offering advice on managing eye conditions and may also supply specialist appliances such as magnifiers and low vision aids.
Most optometrists work in a High Street location, either for a chain of opticians or in independent practice; they may also work in hospitals, as academic researchers, or in the manufacturing industry advising on the development of lenses and equipment.
Dispensing optician
Dispensing opticians normally work alongside optometrists. Their job is to interpret the optometrist’s prescription for spectacles and talk to patients about what sort of frames and lenses will suit their needs and lifestyle. Following on from this, they make sure each pair of spectacles fits the patient correctly and feels comfortable. As many dispensing opticians are located in the High Street, other useful skills include excellent customer service and a good working knowledge of the products available. With additional training, dispensing opticians can become contact lens opticians, which gives them the opportunity to fit contact lenses.
Laboratory Technicians
Lab technicians use computerised and electronic specialist equipment to create each bespoke pair of spectacles using the customer’s chosen frames and prescription lenses. They produce spectacles, check stock and meet order deadlines. They need practical skills and an attention to detail to work within industry standards.
Retail roles
High Street practices require a number of different job roles to ensure patients receive efficient, knowledgeable service throughout their time in an optical practice. Roles include:
* Retail managers - experienced retail professionals who look after the commercial side of the business, including training staff, organising merchandise and sales.
* Receptionists -book appointments, greet customers and answer queries as they arise.
* Frame stylists - to help customers find a frame to suit their looks, prescription requirements and lifestyle. They may work under the supervision of an optometrist or dispensing optician.
* Optical assistants - assist in testing duties, advise on frame and lens combinations, and do final frame fittings for customers.
Business Management
As well as working in High Street optical practices, there are numerous other management and business opportunities in the regional or head office of a chain of opticians, in optical manufacturing and the contact lens industry. These include working as managers, directors, sales representatives, key account managers, professional affairs consultants or research and development specialists in the UK, Europe and across the world.
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