Optometry BSc(Hons) at University of West of England

An optometrist is a highly skilled health professional trained to provide specialist eye care services, including sight tests. They work in hospitals, the community and other related settings.

There is a growing need for people who can provide these services, particularly as the NHS evolves and other providers move into this area.

Studying this subject will set you on the path for a rewarding career as a health professional, with good employment and salary prospects open to well-trained graduates.

BSc(Hons) Optometry is a specialist bachelor's degree that will give you the in-depth academic and practical grounding you need to go into your pre-registration year as a trainee optometrist.

With a balanced mix of theory and placement experience in Year one and Year two, and a clinic placement at a hospital eye service in Final year, you'll be set up with the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience you need to move forward confidently into this thriving profession.

Benefit from maximum contact time with patients from year one onwards, with extensive clinical experience at our onsite clinic at the University, and external placements each year with a wide range of employers.

Gain real-world experience with varied placement opportunities, such as involvement in hospitals, high street practices, lens manufacturers or optical laboratories.

Hone your clinical skills in our brand new £3.3 million optometry training suite, and treat real patients in our specialist onsite clinic.

Study all the key areas you need to work in this field, including anatomy, physiology, optics, lenses, dispensing, clinical practice, regulation, ocular pathology and patient contact.

In Final year you'll also study more advanced areas such as medical retina and glaucoma. We've made sure you'll cover content from The College of Optometrists higher qualifications, to give you a valuable head start in your career.

Graduate in a strong and confident position to move into your pre-registration year.

Optometry is a solid and growing profession and a UK optometry qualification is highly regarded around the world.

After completing your pre-registration year, you can take your skills into lots of different areas, including a hospital environment or private optometry practice, or a related area of work such as optics research or eye care services for charities working in developing countries.

You could progress onto a master's in optometry, or enhance your clinical skills further by undertaking higher qualifications with The College of Optometrists.