Five reasons to study Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics

1. New research, new techniques

Medical treatments are ever evolving. This makes Optometry, Ophthalmics and Orthoptics an exciting and dynamic field to work in. If you want the chance to improve people’s health and also work with new technologies and techniques, this degree could be a good choice for you.

2. Specialisation options

The list of specialist routes within these subjects is substantial. Take, for example, oculoplastic surgery, where you work with plastic surgery around the eye area. Other options include glaucoma, medical retina or eye diseases in children.

3. Transferable skills

Optometry, Ophthalmics and Orthoptics courses help you develop a specific set of skills, but many of them are widely transferrable. You learn how to problem solve, work under pressure and perform well in a multidisciplinary team. All of these skills can be used in various professions across different sectors.

4. Graduate prospects

This is an occupational degree, so the chances of getting into professional employment soon after graduating are high. This is reflected on the Optometry, Ophthalmics and Orthoptics league table, where most universities have a graduate prospects score higher than 90%. This means most students enter into professional work or continue their studies within 15 months of graduating.

5. Work abroad

Job opportunities around the world are plentiful. A degree and career in Optometry, Ophthalmics and Orthoptics set you up with transportable skills that can be taken across the globe.

Like the sound of being an optometrist, ophthalmist or orthoptist? You can register your interest with the NHS to receive further information about a career as an optometrist, ophthalmist or orthoptist and see what benefits the NHS offer.