STEM careers in optometry
Routes into optometry
Moving your career on...
Start your route
So, you’ve decided that a career in optometry might be for you. But where do you start?
One of the great things about this industry is that there are different ways into it.
GCSE/A-Levels
Become a Bright Futures star
Apprenticeships
University
If you choose to take a university degree in optometry there are plenty of universities that offer great optometry degrees – here’s a few to look at.
- Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge)
- Aston University
- Bradford University
- Cardiff University
- City, University London
- Glasgow University
- Hertfordshire University
- Manchester University
- Plymouth University
- Teeside University (Coming September 2023)
- UHI – University of the Highlands and Islands
- Ulster University (Coleraine)
- UWE – University of West of England (Bristol)
- University of Central Lancashire
Masters
How to get started
If you haven’t already visited it, the College of Optometrists’ website is well worth a look. You’ll find lots of information there on qualifying and the opportunities to develop your career – head to www.college-optometrists.org to find out more.
It’s also a really good idea to make contact with your local Specsavers store. Just put your postcode into our store locator and then drop by – our local teams would love to have a chat about the options open to you, and it’s also worth asking them if they have any work experience opportunities available. They may even have some jobs in store which would give you that first step on the ladder with us.