Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Working Life

Optometrists (formerly known as ophthalmic opticians) work in three main areas - private practice, hospitals and lens manufacture. By far the largest number work in private practice where they examine patients' eyes by running a series of tests in a logical order. Using observation and questions, the optometrist can learn about the general health of the eyes.  
 
At an early stage, the amount the patient can read with each unaided eye is established. The optometrist then examines the eye tissues from a variety of directions, using instruments that shine light into the patient's eye and magnify various features, such as the cornea and retina. If a serious abnormality or disease is detected, further tests can be done and a full report is sent to the patient's doctor.  
 
At a later stage in the examination, the optometrist places combinations of lenses in front of one or both eyes, to check how well the eye focuses. This will also detect any errors in colour vision and binocular vision. If a vision problem is diagnosed, the optometrist works out a prescription to correct it.  
 
In some practices, particularly small ones, the optometrist will go on to supply and fit spectacles and test the accuracy of the lenses. In larger practices, a dispensing optician will assist the optometrist. Experienced optometrists may specialise in prescribing contact lenses or in correcting the visual problems of young children.  
 
Glass or lens manufacturers employ optometrists to research into lens theory and design, optical instrumentation and optical design. Much of the work is laboratory based and there is little contact with patients.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.
• Analyse test results and develop a treatment plan.
• Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
• Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
• Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
• Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
• Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
• Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
• Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
• Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.

Further Information

• Optometrist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Optometrist- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

CORU Requirements

There are a variety of study routes for students wishing to pursue a career in the health and social care professions. However, not all courses lead to the direct path of being able to practise in Ireland once qualified. In Ireland, if you want to practise as a Optometrist, you must be registered with CORU, - Ireland's regulator of health and social care professionals.

One of the functions of the Registration Boards at CORU is to approve and monitor education and training programmes. The purpose of regulating education and training programmes is to ensure that all graduates entering the Register meet the necessary standards and have the knowledge and skills required for public protection. This ensures the delivery of safe and effective practise to the benefit of the service user.

What does this mean when selecting a course to study in Ireland?

This is the current list of Approved Qualifications to work as a Optometrist. If you achieve one of these qualifications, you are eligible to apply for CORU registration.

What about studying abroad, and practising in Ireland once qualified?

If your professional qualification is awarded outside of Ireland and you want to register and work in Ireland, the process is a little more complex. You must first apply to have that qualification recognised by the Registration Board for your profession.

To be eligible to apply for recognition of your international qualification, you must have completed professional training, which gives you eligibility to practise your profession in the country where you were awarded the qualification.

The Registration Board will assess your qualification as well as any other relevant qualifications and work experience for compliance with the standards required for practising in Ireland.

If you are unsure about health and social care regulation, CORU is happy to help with any questions. You can contact CORU at [email protected]

To work as an Optometrist in Ireland, you need to be registered with the CORU’s Optical Registration Board, and to do that you need to complete an approved qualification.

Training & Development Pathways

FET Further education training colleges PLC Courses: pre-university science, laboratory techniques, applied science, forensics, biomedical science.

FET Courses leading to CASLT under 5M3807/ CASFX/ 5M5267 with modules 6 Distinctions with 5 Distinctions from the following:

• 5N2751
• C20006/5N2746
• D20001/5N0749
• C20048/5N1460
• C20041/5N0737
• C20140/5N2006
• B20029/5N2066
• C20011/5N2747
• C20022/5N2748

AND a Distinction in C20139 or 5N1833 (or LCE Maths O3/H7) search our FET PLC course finder.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €50k - €71k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ HSE/ Indeed/ Talent.com

Last Updated: August, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Paramedics; pharmaceutical technicians; medical and dental technicians; dental hygienists; Health associate professionals n.e.c.; Dental nurses.  

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth was strong for this occupation, particularly between 2021 and 2022. Census data shows that employment grew across all roles in this group between 2016 and 2022, with the strongest growth for pharmaceutical technicans.

The number of online job adverts for pharmaceutical technicians grew strongly in 2022 (+14%); skills in demand included, among others pharmaceutical knowledge, the ability to provide customer service & advice, and business skills, such as product sales.

A small number of employment permits were issued in 2022 for cardiac physiologists and paramedics. The available data sources do not signal any issues in relation to supply and demand for health associate professional occupations; however, if employment was to continue to increase, recruitment issues may emerge.

• Association of Optometrists of Ireland (Optometry Ireland)

  • Kevin Culliton Rooms, 13 Greenmount House, Harolds Cross Rd, Dublin 6W.
  • 01 453 8850
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Optical Registration Board, CORU

  • 18 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2
  • Click Here

• CORU - Regulating Health & Social Care Professionals

  • Infinity Building, George’s Court, George’s Lane, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 E98Y
  • (01) 293 3160
  • [email protected]/ [email protected]/ [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Specsavers

  • Cirrus House 10 Experion Way Nottingham NG2 1EP
  • 0044 01566 771888/ 0044 0115 9330500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here