A CAREER IN
OPTOMETRYZainab Patel
BSc (Hons) Optometry
My Lord, increase me in knowledge
(Surah Taha 20:114)
WHAT IS AN OPTOMETRISTPrimary health care specialists trained to detect:
� Defects in vision
� Signs of injury
� Ocular diseases
� Problems with general health
WHERE DO OPTOMETRISTS WORK
• High street opticians
• Hospital departments
• Research Departments
• Training and education
• Management and professional services roles in industry
Qualifications• Minimum of five GCSEs at A*-C, including
English, Maths and at least one science subject.
• Entry requirements vary between universities, typically AAB at A Level – at least 2 science subjects
Skills • Good communicator
• Be empathetic
• Strong attention to detail
• Steady hand
• Ability to handle high tech equipment confidently and skilfully
UNIVERSITY11 universities which currently offer accredited
optometry degrees:• Anglia Ruskin University• Aston university• University of Bradford • Cardiff University• City University• Glasgow Caledonian University• University of Hertfordshire• University of Portsmouth• Plymouth university• University of Manchester• University of Ulster
THE COURSE• Courses are full time and last between 3-4
years depending on the university
• The course covers anatomy of the eye, theoretical knowledge and clinical practice
• BSc (Hons) or MSc Optometry
AFTER UNIVERSITYWhen you graduate with a 2:2 or higher and have been awarded a Certificate of Clinical Competency which is valid for 2 years, you can undertake Pre-registration training
PRE-REGISTRATION TRAINING
• 1 Year which Involves working under the supervision of a qualified optometrist
• 4 assessments during the year
• Final exam at the end of the pre-registration year
• Register with the General Optical Council as a qualified optometrist
Further training • WOPEC training in cataract referral, glaucoma
refinement, minor eye conditions and children’s referral pathway
• Independent prescribing
• MSc or PhD
Opportunities to work in:• University clinics
• Pre-reg supervision
• Pre-reg assessment
• Research
• Own your own business!
My Story
• I am a qualified optometrist and have been working since I graduated 10 yrs ago
• Why I chose Optometry
My School Years
My School Years
• Chongololo Primary School in Chipata, Zambia
• St Monicas Girls Secondary School, also in Zambia, a Catholic school
A LEVELSTayyibah Girls School
I Studied
�Maths
� Biology
� Chemistry
City Univeristy
• Went to City University London where I graduated with a 2:1
• Pre-registration with Specsavers Nailsea, Bristol
• Work at SpecsaversGloucester for last 8 years
Pros • I can work part time!
Perfect work/ life balance
• Very rewarding when you help people
• Maintains professionalism
• Continuing education and training (CET)
Cons• Hard work- challenging working with an
ageing population
• Intense course at university
• Pre-registration year very challenging
MY ADVICE TO YOU: • Work hard
• Its never too early to start revising
• Have a revision timetable
• Have regular breaks
• Remain steadfast on your Deen
• Have clear well defined goals
Obstacles are a thing a person sees when he takes his eyes off his goals
Jazakallahfor
listening