Your PAth to Becoming an Optometrist

This page is intended as a guide for students who would like to move into optometry after finishing their degree in NUI Galway.

Courses in Ireland

Study Abroad

What's the difference between Optometrist, Optician and Ophthalmologist? 

Useful links

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Courses in Ireland

In Ireland, there is only 1 institution where you can study Optometry.

Dublin Institute of Technology – 4 years BSc Optometry. Approved by Opticians Board. Application through CAO. Email: optometrydit.ie for more information. 

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Study Abroad

It is possible to train abroad and then work in Ireland. However, you must first register with the  Opticians Board in order to practice in Ireland.  

UK: Applications are through UCAS. Please note that you are permitted a maximum of five choices on the UCAS form . The deadline for applications is 15th January. Students should contact the university departments for more information. UK courses are generally 3 years long followed by a clinical training year after which (and on successful completion of clinical exams) they can register with the General Optical Council (GOC).  See courses that are accredited by the GOC.

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What's the difference between Optometrist, Optician and Ophthalmologist? 

Optometrists (Ophthalmic Opticians): Optometrists examine the eye for optical defects and correct these using prescription glasses and contact lenses. Also assess disorders of the eye.

Ophthalmologists: Fully qualified medical doctors who have specialised in the correction of vision and the treatment of all conditions and diseases of the eye.

Dispensing opticians: Advise on, fit and supply prescription glasses, they may also fit contact lenses. See Association of British Dispensing Opticians for routes into the profession.

Orthoptists: Allied health professionals who work mainly in hospitals alongside ophthalmologists in the assessment and treatment of squints, double vision etc. See http://www.hpc-uk.org/  for details of accredited courses in the UK.

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Useful Links

Careers Information

Opticians Board
Includes register of Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians, and details on how to register as an optician in Ireland. 

College of Optometrists
Information on careers in Optometry in the UK including links to university courses.

Association of British Dispensing Opticians
ABDO is the qualifying body for Dispensing Opticians in the UK. This links to their 'Careers in Dispensing Optics' page.

Further study

General Optical Council
Information on approved courses in the UK for Optometry and Dispensing Optician.

Postgraduate Medical & Dental Board
Have careers advisers and speciality database for Medical students interested in further study – e.g., for Ophthalmology.   

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Details were correct at time of writing - December 2008. The Career Development Centre offers advice and information in good faith and based on the best information available to it. The Service does not accept any responsibility for any decisions made by individuals based on such advice or information. The Career Development Centre does not take responsibility for the contents of any sites linked to from its pages.
Please check with individual universities before applying for courses.

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