Optometry

Optometry is the health profession responsible for examining eyes, diagnosing visual conditions and diseases, prescribing corrective lenses, and managing a growing range of ocular conditions that were previously referred exclusively to medical ophthalmologists. As an optometrist, you are a primary healthcare practitioner with direct patient contact, and your clinical decisions have a real impact on the quality of people's vision and quality of life. The profession is increasingly clinically involved, with optometrists taking on roles in the management of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other conditions within both community practice and hospital eye services.

At Anglia Ruskin University, this three-year full-time programme gives you the practical patient contact that is central to optometry education. You will examine real patients and manage real eye health cases, developing the clinical judgement and communication skills that theoretical training alone cannot produce. The programme is structured around both the scientific knowledge base of optometry, including optics, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, and the clinical skills of examination, refraction, contact lens practice, and the assessment and management of ocular disease.

Anglia Ruskin's strong links with NHS eye care services and independent optical practices in the East of England and London provide a rich and varied clinical learning environment.

A typical entry tariff of 120 points reflects an accessible entry standard for this professionally registered degree. On graduation, students are eligible to apply for registration with the General Optical Council as qualified optometrists. The profession offers excellent employment prospects, a clear structure for continuing professional development, and increasingly diverse career opportunities across NHS eye care, community optometry, hospital practice, and specialist clinical services.

Postgraduate specialisation in areas such as low vision, paediatric optometry, or contact lenses is available to those who wish to develop further expertise.