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Discover Optometry

Explore a future in eye care

Try virtual work experience

See your future a little clearer with our brand-new Virtual Work Experience Programme. This interactive experience gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens at Specsavers, and the people who make it all work. Discover how eyes work, learn to spot common vision problems, and see what it's like to help patients with their sight. You'll explore real-life examples, try interactive activities, and gain the skills to explain eye health in a confident, caring way.

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Curious about the eye?

The muscles that move your eyes are some of the fastest, strongest muscles in your body. And they don’t just help us to make sense of the world around us. Your eyes can also tell us about your health and help detect diseases like diabetes. That’s one of the reasons why Optometry is so important.

Your eyes are incredibly complex, processing millions of pieces of information every second and working closely with your brain to help you navigate the world. No two eyes are exactly the same, which means every patient brings a new challenge and opportunity to make a difference. That’s where Optometrists come in. Combining science, technology and patient care, they help people protect one of their most important senses while supporting their overall health and wellbeing.

What is optometry?

Optometry is a healthcare profession, just like being a doctor, nurse or physiotherapist. It's all about looking after people's eye health and helping them see clearly throughout their lives.

But it's about much more than just sight tests. Optometrists use specialist knowledge and technology to assess eye health, detect signs of eye conditions and sometimes even spot wider health issues. Every day brings the chance to solve problems, build relationships with patients and make a real difference to someone's quality of life.


If you're interested in science, healthcare and helping people, optometry could be the perfect career for you.


What skills do you need?

The eye is one of the most complex organs in the body, so an interest in science and how the human body works is a great place to start. You'll be curious, enjoy learning and be excited by new developments in healthcare and technology.

You'll also have a keen eye for detail, as accuracy is essential when examining eyes and supporting patients. Strong communication skills are important too, as you'll be helping people from all walks of life understand their eye health and make informed decisions about their care.


Most importantly, you'll be passionate about helping others. Whether you're improving someone's vision, supporting their confidence or helping to detect health conditions, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives every day. 

What kind of roles are there?

Optometrists
Optometrists examine eyes to check vision, identify eye conditions and spot signs of wider health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure. It's a rewarding healthcare career that combines science, technology and patient care. To become an optometrist, you'll need to study optometry at university.


Dispensing Optician (DO)
Dispensing opticians turn prescriptions into personalised solutions. They help people choose the right glasses for their vision, lifestyle and individual needs, making a real difference to their confidence and everyday life.


Contact Lens Optician (CLO)
With additional specialist training, contact lens opticians support people who choose contact lenses. They fit and assess lenses, provide expert advice and help customers wear them safely and comfortably.


Home Visits team (Domiciliary)
Our Home Visits team brings eyecare directly to people who can't easily visit a store. Optometrists and optical assistants travel to patients in their homes or care settings, helping some of the most vulnerable people in our communities access vital eye care.

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Bright Stars Scholarship

The Bright Stars Scholarship is designed to help talented students take the first step towards a career in optometry. The scholarship provides financial support, valuable work experience and the opportunity to build connections with experienced professionals from the very start of your journey.

It's about more than funding - the programme is designed to help you develop your confidence, gain real-world insight into the profession and feel supported as you work towards becoming an optometrist.


If you're passionate about eye health, helping people and making a difference, the Bright Stars Scholarship could be the perfect way to kick-start your future career.

I want to be a Bright Star

Start your pre-reg journey with us

As the UK's leading employer of trainee optometrists, we offer an unrivalled pre-registration experience. From industry-leading support and dedicated development programmes to experienced supervisors and a nationwide network of practices, we'll help you build the confidence, skills and clinical expertise you need to succeed.

Find out more about our pre-reg programme
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Your early career starts here

Why not get in touch with your local Specsavers store to arrange a visit with your parent or guardian? It's a great opportunity to meet the team, learn more about Optometry and discover what a career in eye health could look like.

You can also ask about our work experience opportunities, where you'll gain first-hand insight into life in an optical practice and explore the different career paths available.


Not sure university is the right route for you? We also offer a range of apprenticeships that allow you to earn while you learn, gain recognised qualifications and start building your career straight after school or college.

Explore apprenticeships

Frequently asked questions

Learn more about working in optometry.

All Optometrists study a degree in optometry which can last three or four years. During training, they also have a period of placement in a practice; usually lasting at least a year. There are a small number of graduates who complete their placement as part of their four-year degree, but most do it as salaried supervised work after they graduate – the choice is yours.

Anyone! As long as you have the right degree, demonstrate our values and behaviours, and are ready to make a difference, you can become an optometrist.

An optometrist salary can begin at around £30,000 once you’ve got your qualification. This can (and will) increase depending on factors like scope, level of practice, additional responsibilities, and local market forces.

The required university degree in optometry, on top of the College of Optometrists pre-registration period in practice usually takes four years in total, but it can take a little longer in some cases. Once both things are completed, the optometrist can join the General Optical Council’s (GOC’s) register.

Here at Specsavers, you can work towards a range of qualifications while you’re working. That includes learning about all things Audiology too. You also have the chance to swap between store or home visits, depending on what you prefer. And, with our incredible joint venture partnership, you can even own and run your own Specsavers business. The opportunities for progression are (almost) endless.

You will need a university degree to become an Optometrist. But there are certain requirements you’ll need to get into university in the first place. University requirements can vary a little, but anyone who applies to study optometry should aim to get good grades across one of the following:

  • Three A-Levels (at least two of which in science subjects)
  • BTEC in sciences
  • Access to Science

You’ll also need five GCSE’s (A*-C) including English, Maths and Science. But you don’t have to go straight into university. You can also get into optometry by first qualifying as a dispensing optician in practice, then applying to university to study optometry.