Ophthalmics

Single Honours 

• Optometry 

• Ophthalmic Dispensing 

• Ophthalmic Medical Technology 

• Healthcare Science (Ophthalmic Imaging) 

Joint Honours 

• Ophthalmics and Biomedical Science 

• Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Research 

• Business Administration with Optometry 

• Optometry and Public Health 

SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI 

Alternative options 

• Foundation years A foundation year in optometry is great for aspiring students who may not meet the standard entry requirements for a full optometry degree. These programs cover the fundamentals of clinical and professional optometric practice. 

• Sandwich degrees Extending your undergraduate degree in ophthalmics by an additional year offers valuable opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, clinical placements, or research projects. Whether working in practices, hospitals, or research laboratories, a sandwich degree provides valuable insights into the field. 

• Integrated Master’s Pursuing an integrated Master's degree in ophthalmics allows students to extend their undergraduate studies by one year, emerging as highly skilled postgraduates equipped to contribute to advancements in the field. 

SOURCE: WHATUNI

You’ll need three good grades at A-level (or equivalent) to study optometry, and at least two of these subjects must be science subjects such as physics, biology, chemistry, or mathematics. General studies and critical thinking will not be accepted as one of your three A-levels.

The field of ophthalmics is relatively specialist to begin with, and yet there are still quite a few areas which require professionals with particular expertise. This indicates the multifaceted nature of eye care, and the extent to which we consider eye health to be of major importance. From paediatric optometry to low vision rehabilitation, students can explore various disciplines and develop expertise in their chosen field.

Some specialisations include: 

• Paediatric optometry Focuses on eye care for children, providing comprehensive examinations to detect and manage vision problems. Optometrists in this field specialise in prescribing glasses or vision therapy as needed, to support healthy vision in young patients. 

• Low vision rehabilitation A specialised field of optometry dedicated to helping people with significant visual impairment maximise their remaining vision and regain independence. Optometrists assess visual function, prescribe low vision aids, and offer adaptive strategies to improve quality of life for patients with conditions like macular degeneration or glaucoma. 

• Geriatric optometry This field specialises in addressing the unique vision needs and challenges faced by older adults, including age-related conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, helping seniors maintain optimal vision and overall eye health. 

• Specialty contact lens fitting The precise customisation and fitting of contact lenses is a specialist area of optometry, and skilled practitioners work with patients who have irregular corneas or other abnormalities, providing comfortable and effective vision correction through bespoke lens designs. 

• Ocular disease management Includes the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care of various eye diseases and conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, helping to preserve vision and prevent vision loss through timely intervention and treatment. 

• Ocular anatomy and physiology 

• Optics and refraction 

• Binocular vision 

• Ocular pathology 

• Clinical optometry and diagnostics 

• Contact lens fitting and management 

• Paediatric and geriatric eye care 

• Low vision assessment  

• Ocular imaging 

Studying ophthalmics at university provides a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and pathology of the eye, as well as the clinical skills and techniques needed to assess and manage various eye conditions.

You can expect to learn both theoretical and practical methods, in addition to clinical skills, and the ethical and professional responsibilities of an optometrist. You’ll learn the importance of lifelong learning and continuing professional development in the field and will also gain a broad repertoire of transferable skills which you can apply to a variety of professional workplaces in ophthalmology, and beyond.

These can include: 

• Quantitative skills 

• Working under pressure 

• Organisational skills 

• Communication 

Once qualified as a consultant ophthalmologists, you must be registered with the GMC to practice legally in the UK. Their registration status a becomes publicly available through the GMC's online register, and patients and employers can verify your credentials and registration status, ensuring that they are receiving care from a qualified and licensed medical professional. The GMC also sets standards for medical practice and ethics, which all registered doctors must adhere to. 

There are many other fields of healthcare which you may consider if the goal is to help people overcome medical conditions, or several scientific options if you are more interested in optics and medical technology. These alternative degrees include: 

• Biomedical science 

• Neuroscience 

• Healthcare management 

• Public health 

• Clinical research 

An ophthalmics degree is a necessary step on the route to becoming a professional ophthalmologist. It's a specialised course, and one which required significant commitment of time and energy to complete, therefore the overwhelming majority of graduates go on to work directly in the field of ophthalmology, whether or not it is in the role of a consultant, technician, researcher, or therapist. 

Eye care is in high demand all over the world, and you’ll have opportunities to work in private practice, hospitals, academic institutions, or even out in the field.

Potential career pathways include: 

• Optometrist 

• Clinical researcher 

• Ophthalmic technician 

• Contact lens specialist 

• Low vision therapist 

• Public health educator 

• Academic researcher 

• Healthcare administrator 

• Industry consultant 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in ophthalmology or a related subject.