• Question: is optometry a kind of science? i am considering choosing this as a career option. thank you :)

    Asked by lizziebee to Emma, James, Jayne, Kara, Sharon on 21 Mar 2011 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Sharon Sneddon

      Sharon Sneddon answered on 21 Mar 2011:

      Hi Lizziebee,
      Yes, optometry is a kind of science and it’s a great career.
      The word literally means “measuring vision”, although that is only part of the optometrist’s current role. Optometrists work in high street practice or hospital eye clinics, where they prescribe and dispense spectacles and contact lenses, and low vision aids; treat problems with binocular vision; and increasingly work alongside ophthalmologists to monitor the treatment of ocular disease. About 90% of the information we receive about the world around us comes via our vision, so its important that it functions at optimum efficiency. Optometrists make sure it does by offering important advice about many varied aspects of eyecare, such as eye protection or occupational visual standards, and monitoring eyes for the effects of general health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

      At Manchester uni, you would do a 3-year BSc degree followed by a pre-registration period of 1 year in a hospital or high-street opticians. I think most universities would be similar!

      Good luck with it all!

    • Photo: Kara Cerveny

      Kara Cerveny answered on 21 Mar 2011:

      Hi Lizziebee — optometry is based on the science of vision and optics. Making sure people can see well by fitting them with the appropriate glasses and contacts is a very important job, but in terms of day to day work, it more of a service based on science rather than an investigation or discovery type process. I think vision and eyes are really amazing, and wish you luck with your career choices.

    • Photo: Jayne Charnock

      Jayne Charnock answered on 21 Mar 2011:

      In a way I would consider it a science, and certainly a profession allied to science. it considered more of a healthcare profession, although i know quite a few scientists who have gone on to study optometry. I think it sounds like an excellent career choice, especially if you are interested both in science and healthcare/a medical career. Im certain you could combine research with a career in optometry as study into eyesight and the way the eye functions/blindness are always ongoing.

      Best of luck if you do decide to go for it!

    • Photo: Emma King

      Emma King answered on 21 Mar 2011:

      Hi lizziebee – I think the previous answers have covered anything that I could say on the subject of optometry. Congratulations for considering such a cool career. I have great respect for optometrists as I have an immune condition that affects my eyes – I spend a lot of time seeing people at the eye hospital 🙁
      I hope that you enjoy whatever career you choose in the end.

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