Optometrists are professional clinicians responsible for multiple aspects of vision care, specialising in preserving sight by diagnosing and treating visual problems. They’re trained to examine the eyes and detect disorders originating in the eye, brain or other parts of the body.

Studying Optometry at Aston will give you the practical clinical skills, theoretical knowledge and contact with real patients needed to prepare you for a rewarding career in this exciting field of healthcare.

You’ll experience a wide range of learning methods and opportunities like:

Supervised hands-on clinical experience working with patients at the Aston Eye Clinic, based on our vibrant city centre campus.

Virtual patient simulators designed to help you develop your skills and expertise.

Observing treatment of patients in multiple settings such as specialist clinics, local eye hospital departments and the Aston University Day Hospital.

The opportunity to complete a masters level qualification while working as a re-registration optometrist with our optional MOptom year.

Expand your knowledge with our integrated MOptom year

In addition to the BSc (Hons) Optometry degree, you have the opportunity to continue your studies with our MOptom (Hons) Optometry course.

Completing the MOptom enables you to achieve a masters degree as you qualify as a registered optometrist. Whilst undergoing the pre-registration period, your depth of knowledge will be enhanced by the distance learning modules that we offer, and your skills will continue to grow.

Our blend of practical learning, world leading research and links with industry mean that our graduates are highly sought after by major eye-care organisations that offer pre-registration posts.

As a graduate you could enter your career in:

• hospitals
• community-based or private practices
• the optical industry
• optometry research

Professional accreditation

This course is regulated by the General Optical Council (GOC) and is the first step towards becoming a qualified optometrist.

The GOC states that in order to become a fully-qualified Optometrist, you must complete the College of Optometrists Scheme for Registration during the re-registration period. In order to enter the scheme, you must achieve at least a 2:2 (if you are on the BSc Optometry course), or at least an overall average of 50% by the end of Year 3 and completed all clinical competencies (if you are on the MOptom course).

The pre-registration period involves working in-practice, being supported by supervisors, and taking a number of assessments. You will be responsible for finding your own pre-egistration post, however, the Aston Careers and Placements team and optometry careers tutor will be on hand to support you.