Optometry is a healthcare profession concerned with examination, diagnosis and treatment of the human visual system.

In our ageing population the demand for eye care is expected to increase, and optometrists are ideally placed to help meet this demand.

The programme is based on both fundamental academic sciences as well as detailed clinical and practical studies. The emphasis is very much on the optometric service to patients.

You will see patients in the University's own eye clinic, and attend local hospitals where you are instructed in the recognition and management of eye disease by senior ophthalmologists.

Our three-year programme enables you to progress towards practising as a registered optometrist - you will need to complete a year's pre-registration training after graduation in order to do this.

Professional accreditation

This programme is accredited by the General Optical Council.

Most graduates, on completion of the pre-registration year and having passed the Final Assessment Examinations set by the College of Optometrists, become registered with the General Optical Council to practise as optometrists.

Once qualified you can work in private practice, in hospital optometry or in optometric teaching and research. You will need an interest and ability in scientific work, in helping and communicating with people, and a measure of manual dexterity.