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Optometrists > Optometrist
Healthcare
Optometrists test vision, identify eye health problems, prescribe glasses and fit contact lenses.
You'll need to get a degree in optometry, approved by the General Optical Council (GOC). You'll also complete a one-year pre-registration paid and supervised work placement, with a registered optometrist, and pass the GOC final assessment to qualify. You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science. You'll also need 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science.
Volunteering
You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in a healthcare setting before you apply for a course. You'll need to be registered with the General Optical Council.
You'll need:
As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:
You could specialise in an area like paediatrics (working with children), contact lenses, sports vision or low vision. You could study for an MSc in optometry or train further in contact lens practice, therapeutics (prescribing drugs for certain eye problems) or specific conditions like diabetes and glaucoma.
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*THIS IS NOT A JOB VACACNY OR YOUR APPLICATION TO EXETER COLLEGE APPRENTICESHIPS*By applying here and attaching your CVcover letter you are registering your interest in the Dental Nursing Apprenticeship with Exeter College. From this you are put in a talent pool, sent marketing materials and your CV can be passed onto employers looking for apprentices. Please ensure that you have attached a CV to your application or you will not be considered for any position. Your CV should include why you are interested in becoming a Dental Nurse.
Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction, or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday, and sick pay.
Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job – whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables, or building engines!
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