Optometrist
On this page
- What's it like to be an Optometrist?
- How to become an Optometrist
- Latest Optometrist jobs
- Top skills and experience for Optometrists
- Optometrist role reviews
What's it like to be an Optometrist?
An Optometrist (Kaimātai Whatu) provides eyecare to people with vision problems and eye conditions. Their role includes diagnosing and treating eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts, performing eye tests, fitting glasses and prescribing eye medicines. They may also advise on the use of lighting in the workplace or home. Optometrists work in various areas of the health sector including optical retail stores, eye clinics and hospitals. They sometimes run their own private practice.
Tasks and duties
- Conducting eye examinations.
- Performing tests in order to detect and diagnose eye diseases, such as glaucoma.
- Advising patients on their best treatment options, such as prescription glass, contact lenses, eye exercises and medications.
- Communicating with patients and customers to understand their needs.
How to become an Optometrist
You need to study for around five years and be registered to become an Optometrist.
Complete a Bachelor of Optometry at an accredited university. This usually takes five years of full-time study.
Alternatively, graduate entry is available depending on prior academic performance in a relevant programme at a recognised university.
Register with the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board (ODOB) to get your Annual Practising Certificate (APC). Your certificate must be renewed annually.
