Working in eye care provides a range of varied and rewarding career opportunities that make a real difference to people's lives, from improving and saving sight to helping to prevent and detect other health conditions and ensuring people get access to the right services.
Information on each of the main eye care roles, including the qualifications and training required, is set out below.
- Optometrists
- Dispensing opticians
- Optical assistants
- Orthoptists
- Ophthalmologists
- Ophthalmic nurses
- Rehabilitation workers
Optometrists are trained to examine the eyes to detect defects in vision, signs of injury, ocular diseases or abnormality and problems with general health, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. They make a health assessment, offer clinical advice, prescribe spectacles or contact lenses and refer patients for further treatment, when necessary.
Information about how to become an optometrist, and how to access undergraduate education and training in Scotland, can be accessed on the following websites:
Dispensing opticians advise on, fit and supply glasses frames and lenses after taking account of each patient's lifestyle and vocational needs. Dispensing opticians are also able to fit contact lenses after undergoing further specialist training.
Information about how to become a dispensing optician, and how to access undergraduate education and training in Scotland, can be accessed on the following websites:
Optical assistants work under supervision in an optical practice to assist people with choosing frames and lenses. Some optical assistants also have training to allow them to carry out initial assessments before an eye examination such as autorefraction.
If you're interested in becoming an optical assistant, you need to apply for a position in an optical practice that offers on the job training. Information about education and training opportunities for optical assistants in Scotland can be accessed on the following websites:
Orthoptists are the experts in diagnosing and treating defects in eye movement and problems with how the eyes work together, called binocular vision. These can be caused by issues with the muscles around the eyes or defects in the nerves enabling the brain to communicate with the eyes.
Information about how to become an orthoptist, including how to access undergraduate education and training in Scotland, can be accessed on the following websites:
Ophthalmologists are medically trained doctors who commonly act as both physician and surgeon examining, diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries in and around the eye.
Information about how to become an ophthalmologist, including how to access undergraduate and postgraduate education and training in Scotland, can be accessed on the following websites:
Ophthalmic nurses are nursing professionals who have training and experience in ophthalmology and provide specialist support for eye clinics, wards and operating theatres. Some also undergo further training to become nurse practitioners, working in casualty and assessing patients with routine ophthalmic conditions.
Information about how to become an ophthalmic nurse, including how to access undergraduate education and training in Scotland, can be accessed on the NHS Scotland Careers website.
Vision rehabilitation workers help identify, deliver and evaluate professional rehabilitation interventions for visually impaired people to enhance their skills and confidence to maximise their independence. They also help assess and provide support plans to help people at risk from harm or becoming dependent on others due to their sight loss.
Information about how to become a vision rehabilitation worker, including how to access education and training, can be accessed on the Rehabilitation Workers Professional Network website.