Optometrist
6AI USED FOR6%moving to46%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSC
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY →
Optometrist
Optometrists play a crucial role in safeguarding the vision health of the population, offering essential eye care services that can detect serious health issues beyond vision problems. With an increasing demand for eye care in the UK, this profession not only impacts individual lives but also contributes significantly to public health and well-being.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
This job holds up well against AI
AI is used for very little of what this job actually involves today, and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
Career progression path
Is this the only route?
This is the standard academic trajectory, but modern careers are highly flexible. You can often skip stagesby entering the industry with an advanced qualification (like a Master's or PhD), or pivot sideways from a related discipline.
0ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONUniversity DegreeUsually 3 to 4 years of full-time academic study, explicitly preparing you for the theoretical realities of the industry. Requires A-Levels, BTECs, or equivalent Level 3.-£67,350Avg. UK tuition & living
1FIRST STEPJunior OptometristAs a Junior Optometrist, you will begin your career by assisting experienced optometrists in conducting eye tests and learning the ropes of patient care. This stage is crucial for gaining hands-on experience and developing your clinical skills.£25,000 - £30,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level OptometristIn this role, you will take on more responsibilities, including managing your own patient list and performing advanced diagnostic tests. You will also have the opportunity to mentor junior staff and contribute to practice development.£35,000 - £45,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior OptometristAs a Senior Optometrist, you will lead clinical teams, oversee practice operations, and play a key role in shaping patient care strategies. Your expertise will be invaluable in driving innovation and improving service delivery.£55,000+
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Medicine (Graduate Entry)The University of Manchester · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£48,500 median
🎓Graduate Entry MedicineUniversity of Nottingham, the · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£47,000 median
🎓Medicine with a Gateway YearThe University of East Anglia · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£47,000 median
🎓Gateway Year to MedicineThe University of Leeds · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£46,000 median
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Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Medicine (Graduate Entry)The University of Manchester · DegreeGateway to MedicineUniversity of Bristol · DegreeGraduate Entry MedicineUniversity of Nottingham, the · DegreeMedicine with a Gateway YearThe University of East Anglia · DegreeGateway Year to MedicineThe University of Leeds · DegreeDental TherapySpirit Ssr Limited · Degree