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Optometry

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A degree in optometry focuses on basic sciences, optometric studies and clinical practice. In addition to the General Optical Council's list of clinical competencies, a graduate in optometry typically will have developed the transferable skills and abilities to:

  • understand and apply scientific principles and methods
  • demonstrate a high degree of accuracy
  • develop good organisational and administrative skills
  • pay attention to detail
  • demonstrate manual dexterity
  • do repetitive tasks
  • display strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • command knowledge of scientific principles relevant to area of study
  • review the evidence base for interventions and have sufficient statistical knowledge to evaluate critically research findings
  • apply flexibility in addressing problems of an unfamiliar nature
  • communicate effectively with peers and colleagues
  • understand the application of IT to practise management
  • maintain clear, accurate and appropriate records
  • exercise written and oral communication skills and the ability to relate to the wider society
  • use numeracy skills to evaluate data generated through audit and research
  • evaluate critically relevant literature
  • use problem solving skills relating to qualitative and quantitative information
  • apply sufficient learning skills to sustain lifelong learning and continuing professional development
  • learn and apply a very substantial body of scientific and practical knowledge.

Optometrists are primary health care specialists trained to examine the eyes for defects in sight, ocular diseases and problems relating to general health. Optometrists are responsible for detection, diagnosis and management of ocular disease and the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system. They are also trained to fit and supply optical appliances such as spectacles, contact lenses and low vision aids. The profession is regulated by the General Optical Council. The registered optometrist examines the visual system to establish its state of health and to provide, if necessary, an optical correction to optimise visual performance.

All optometrists follow a similar undergraduate degree programme followed by a pre-registration year working under the supervision of an experienced optometrist. This period of postgraduate training is controlled and examined by the College of Optometrists.

Graduates should possess knowledge and understanding of the fundamental scientific principles relevant to the practice of optometry in the context of primary eye care. In particular, they should be able to apply these principles to human biology, ocular and visual biology, visual perception and psychology and optics. They will be aware of the normal development of the visual system and of the disruptive effects on development of congenital and infantile abnormalities. They will be able to apply their knowledge of basic science and their undergraduate clinical experience to the investigation, prevention, diagnosis and management of visual disorders. They will be able to examine patients safely and competently under the personal supervision of an experienced optometrist.

Most optometrists are independent primary care general optometric practitioners though some practise part-time or full-time in hospital eye departments and others are active in research and teaching.

To check the growing range of resources produced by the Subject Centre to support employability and the use of this profile (including the Skills and Attributes map) go to www.health.heacademy.ac.uk.

This profile, produced in 2006, is based on the QAA benchmark to be found at www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/honours/default.asp.


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