BSc Optometry: The University of Manchester

Course description

The optometrist’s role goes beyond the correction of refractive errors such as long and short-sightedness using spectacles and contact lenses. It also includes detection and monitoring of eye disease, management of paediatric and geriatric eye disorders and binocular vision problems, care of patients with low vision, offering advice on colour vision and assessing the role of vision at work and in sport.

The first two years of the BSc Optometry programme are identical with the MOptom programme. You spend one week full-time at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital during the vacation between the second and third years. This provides a wealth of practical clinical experience in all hospital departments and sets the theoretical teaching in Ocular Disease in a practical context.

Career opportunities

Optometry is rewarding work, involving meeting a variety of people and helping them to lead a fuller life by correcting their vision with spectacles or contact lenses, establishing the eyes are healthy and advising on eye-care matters. After registration with the GOC, a career is open to you in practice, either privately or within the National Health Service. Alternatively, it is possible to work in the Hospital Eye Service team alongside an ophthalmologist.

Entry requirements

• English language: Either GCSE grade B, IELTS 6.5 (with not less than 6.5 in any component) or an equivalent qualification.
• A level: Grades AAB. Grade A in Biology and one of Maths, Physics or Chemistry at grade A. (normally to be taken in one sitting). General Studies is welcomed, but is not normally included as part of the offer.
• Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications
• GCSE: At least five GCSEs at minimum grade C, including English Language and minimum grade B in Mathematics.
• Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification.
• International Baccalaureate: 35 points overall including 6 points in Biology and Chemistry, Physics or Maths at Higher level.