What is an optometrist?
Optometrists are healthcare professionals that focus on the health of eyes. Optometrists can test your sight, provide glasses and diagnose eye diseases – these are the people who check your vision when you have a sight test! Optometrists manage some eye conditions or may refer you to an ophthalmologist (a doctor who has specialised in eye health) for further treatment.
Applying for Optometry
To gain a degree in optometry, universities look for certain subjects that will give you the right skills and knowledge.
- At GCSE level, ensure you pick Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths.
- At A-level, all universities require Biology and one other science subject of your choosing (Chemistry/Physics). Maths is not compulsory.
A degree in optometry is typically three years. There are currently eleven universities in the United Kingdom that offer this course. After you have completed your degree, there is a one year training period before you become a fully qualified optometrist.
Life as an optometrist
Optometrists have a good work life balance, usually working a normal 9-5pm day with no emergency or on-call hours. You can choose how many days a week you would like to work. Some optometrists work in multiple optician practices or in the hospitals too. Optometrists meet many new people every day, from young toddlers aged 3 to the elderly. A typical day consists of carrying out eye tests, fitting people with contact lenses and often writing a few letters to the hospital for any diseases you have diagnosed.
If you enjoy learning something new every day and are fascinated by different diseases, you will find optometry an interesting career choice. Optometry is best suited to someone who is social, enjoys meeting new people and can communicate well. Even if you are not completely confident in your communication skills yet, you can still pursue this career. In your Optometry degree, you will get a lot of practice and become much more comfortable.
My entry into Optometry
After receiving my GCSE results and doing really well, Alhamdollilah, it was time for me to decide what career I wanted to pursue. I had picked Biology, Chemistry and Philosophy & Ethics for my A-level subjects as I really enjoyed them however I was unsure of what to do. Since I am Waqfe Nau, I decided to ask Huzoor (aba) as whatever he picked for me would carry immense blessing. I booked a Mulaqat with Huzoor (aba) and made a list of possible degree choices that I could do with my A-level subjects. I presented these to Huzoor (aba) in my mulaqat and he graciously looked at my long list and shortened it for me. He advised me try to apply for Optometry first, and if I am unable to obtain a place, then I should try Pharmacy instead. I thanked Huzoor for his blessed guidance and also humbly requested that Huzoor pray for me as there is only one university in London that offers an Optometry degree and thus is it difficult to obtain a place. Alhamdollilah, I completed my application and got accepted within a week! Since then, throughout my degree and now into working life, I continuously write to Huzoor and keep him updated in Mulaqats about my upcoming exams and whenever I receive my results.
Conclusion
A career in optometry is highly satisfying. Ultimately, it is about helping others with their problems and requires a caring and empathetic nature. It is always a pleasure to help treat a patient’s symptoms and make their vision, eye heath and day better. Our beloved Khalifa is always there to guide us and pray for us, so if you are unsure, always seek his advice and his prayers so that you are always guided in the best way throughout your education and beyond!
By Mashel Maliha Chaudhry
