A CAREER IN

OPTOMETRYZainab Patel

BSc (Hons) Optometry

My Lord, increase me in knowledge

(Surah Taha 20:114)

WHAT IS AN OPTOMETRISTPrimary health care specialists trained to detect:

� Defects in vision

� Signs of injury

� Ocular diseases

� Problems with general health

WHERE DO OPTOMETRISTS WORK

• High street opticians

• Hospital departments

• Research Departments

• Training and education

• Management and professional services roles in industry

Qualifications• Minimum of five GCSEs at A*-C, including

English, Maths and at least one science subject.

• Entry requirements vary between universities, typically AAB at A Level – at least 2 science subjects

Skills • Good communicator

• Be empathetic

• Strong attention to detail

• Steady hand

• Ability to handle high tech equipment confidently and skilfully

UNIVERSITY11 universities which currently offer accredited

optometry degrees:• Anglia Ruskin University• Aston university• University of Bradford • Cardiff University• City University• Glasgow Caledonian University• University of Hertfordshire• University of Portsmouth• Plymouth university• University of Manchester• University of Ulster

THE COURSE• Courses are full time and last between 3-4

years depending on the university

• The course covers anatomy of the eye, theoretical knowledge and clinical practice

• BSc (Hons) or MSc Optometry

AFTER UNIVERSITYWhen you graduate with a 2:2 or higher and have been awarded a Certificate of Clinical Competency which is valid for 2 years, you can undertake Pre-registration training

PRE-REGISTRATION TRAINING

• 1 Year which Involves working under the supervision of a qualified optometrist

• 4 assessments during the year

• Final exam at the end of the pre-registration year

• Register with the General Optical Council as a qualified optometrist

Further training • WOPEC training in cataract referral, glaucoma

refinement, minor eye conditions and children’s referral pathway

• Independent prescribing

• MSc or PhD

Opportunities to work in:• University clinics

• Pre-reg supervision

• Pre-reg assessment

• Research

• Own your own business!

My Story

• I am a qualified optometrist and have been working since I graduated 10 yrs ago

• Why I chose Optometry

My School Years

My School Years

• Chongololo Primary School in Chipata, Zambia

• St Monicas Girls Secondary School, also in Zambia, a Catholic school

A LEVELSTayyibah Girls School

I Studied

�Maths

� Biology

� Chemistry

City Univeristy

• Went to City University London where I graduated with a 2:1

• Pre-registration with Specsavers Nailsea, Bristol

• Work at SpecsaversGloucester for last 8 years

Pros • I can work part time!

Perfect work/ life balance

• Very rewarding when you help people

• Maintains professionalism

• Continuing education and training (CET)

Cons• Hard work- challenging working with an

ageing population

• Intense course at university

• Pre-registration year very challenging

MY ADVICE TO YOU: • Work hard

• Its never too early to start revising

• Have a revision timetable

• Have regular breaks

• Remain steadfast on your Deen

• Have clear well defined goals

Obstacles are a thing a person sees when he takes his eyes off his goals

Jazakallahfor

listening