Potential earnings
£52,366.83
Ophthalmic opticians test patients’ vision, diagnose defects and disorders and prescribe glasses or contact lenses as required.
Main tasks
- Carries out research with glass and lens manufacturers.
- Refers patient to a specialist, where necessary.
- Advises patient on proper use of glasses, contact lenses and other aids, and on appropriate lighting conditions for reading and working.
- Prescribes appropriate spectacle lenses, contact lenses and other aids.
- Examines eyes and tests vision of patient, identifies problems, defects, injuries and ill health.
Source: Office for National Statistics.
Salary and earnings
Average earnings
£35,303.94
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Skills & knowledge
The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Psychology
Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.
What course level do I need to study?
The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.
Educational requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree
Source: Office for National Statistics.
| Level of study | Percentage achieved |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | 1% |
| Level 3 | 1% |
| Level 4-5 (Higher Education) | 8% |
| Level 6 (Bachelors) | 81% |
| Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) | 8% |
| Level 8 (Doctorate) | 1% |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.
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Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.