An optometrist is qualified to test sight and examine eyes for health problems. They are also qualified to dispense spectacles and fit contact lenses though in practice they often leave this to their colleagues dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians. In the UK optometrists are registered with the General Optical Council for the protection of the public.

The following links provide more information on careers in optometry, how to qualify as an optometrist, and the eight UK universities where an optometry degree is offered.

The College of Optometrists - controls pre-registration training and professional qualifying examinations:
http://www.college-optometrists.org/

Optical Council - regulates optometrists and dispensing opticians in the UK
http://www.optical.org/

Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge
http://www.anglia.ac.uk/

Aston University, Birmingham
http://www1.aston.ac.uk/

Bradford University, Bradford
http://www.brad.ac.uk/

City University, London
http://www.city.ac.uk/

Cardiff University, Wales
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk

Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/

Manchester University, Manchester
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/

University of Ulster, Northern Ireland
http://prospectus.ulster.ac.uk/

Other useful links
http://www.ucas.com/seps/profiles/optometry.html
http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.aspx?Id=148