A Career in Optometry

What is Optometry?

Optometry comes from the Greek words 'optos' and 'metria', meaning 'eye' or 'vision' measurement.  Optometry is a healthcare profession involved in the examination of the visual system, the diagnosis of visual problems and ocular disease, and in some cases, the treatment of these conditions. The early detection of diseases of the eye such as glaucoma and cataract, and general health problems such as diabetes, is an important role, and optometrists must decide when referral to another professional is necessary.

Another key role of optometrists is the management of refractive errors that can be corrected with spectacles and contact lenses, i.e. short sight (myopia), long sight (hyperopia), astigmatism and presbyopia. They may also prescribe low vision aids to those with uncorrectable visual deficits. Optometrists are also increasingly becoming involved in the care of refractive surgery patients, working alongside the operating surgeon.

Optometry in the UK is a rapidly evolving profession due to the continuous stream of technological and clinical advances. The number of sub-specialties continues to increase and there are numerous career pathways.

Optometrists work closely with other professionals including general medical practitioners, ophthalmologists, orthoptists and dispensing opticians, and play a key role in primary eyecare. They represent the front line of the eyecare service in the UK.

"The first thing that attracted me to the optometry course at Bradford was the reputation of the course. I talked to an optometrist who recommended it and then came to Bradford for a look around. I was really impressed by the eye clinic and the state-of-the-art equipment. I looked at a number of other universities as well but Bradford was my first choice."
Elizabeth Collins - Optometry