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/index.aspx/pcms/site.education.careers.careers_Home/General Optical Council - regulates optometrists and dispensing opticians in the UK
http://www.optical.org/
Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge
http://www.anglia.ac.uk/ruskin/en/home/faculties/fst/departments/optometry.html
Aston University, Birmingham
http://www1.aston.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/school/lhs/optometry-courses/
Bradford University
http://www.brad.ac.uk/acad/lifesci/optometry/
City University, London
http://www.city.ac.uk/optometry/
Cardiff University
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/optom/
Glasgow Caledonian University
http://rathlin.gcal.ac.uk:8765/different/query.html?qt=optometry
Manchester University
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/search2010/atoz/course/?code=03571
University of Ulster
http://prospectus.ulster.ac.uk/course/?id=6521
Other useful links
http://www.independent.co.uk/student/into-university/az-degrees/optometry-556725.html
http://www.ucas.com/seps/profiles/optometry.html
http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.aspx?Id=148 |