Optometry
What is Optometry?
The word literally means “measuring vision”, although that is only part of the optometrist’s current role. Optometrists work in high street practice or hospital eye clinics, where they prescribe and dispense spectacles and contact lenses, and low vision aids; treat problems with binocular vision; and increasingly work alongside ophthalmologists to monitor the treatment of ocular disease. About 90% of the information we receive about the world around us comes via our vision, so its important that it functions at optimum efficiency. Optometrists make sure it does by offering important advice about many varied aspects of eyecare, such as eye protection or occupational visual standards, and monitoring eyes for the effects of general health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Optometry is regulated in the UK by the General Optical Council, and you will need to be registered by them in order to practice. This involves a 3-year BSc degree followed by a pre-registration period of 1 year in a hospital or high-street practice during which your clinical skills will be examined; alternatively you can register directly following the 4-year Master of Optometry degree which is unique to The University of Manchester.
Eef van Der Worp gives a seminar.