Choose Optometry
Optometry at Manchester
We continually update our courses in line with the constantly evolving role of the optometrist.
Study in our modern £4 million optometry facilities at the institution with the longest tradition of teaching optometry in the UK.
Start to examine patients from Year 1 and benefit from our strong links with neighbouring Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, one of the most prestigious eye teaching hospitals in Europe.
From our students
Following my passion for all sciences on the Optometry BSc
Suman talks about why she chose optometry and her experience of studying at Manchester.
Read the blog : Following my passion for all sciences on the BSc Optometry course.
Representing students for the Association of Optometrists
Hajra discusses exploring optometry outside of a university setting in her student rep role.
Read the blog : My role as a student representative for the Association of Optometrists.
Careers
Employability
Get ready for a successful career as a clinical optometrist, or set the wheels in motion for an alternative career in the optical industry or as a researcher.
Learning and support
Clinical and practical experience
You’ll begin to apply your knowledge with patient interaction from your very first year.
The amount of time dedicated to clinical practice will then increase as you progress through the course.
- 30% of time in a practical/clinical environment.
- Learn the basics of anatomy, geometric and physical optics and visual perception.
- Learn the basics of clinical subjects such as optometric examination and dispensing.
- Practise with patients from Semester 2 of your first year.
- Personal and professional development: ready to study.
- 50% of time in a practical/clinical environment.
- Hone your skills in ocular examination and dispensing and learn about visual optics, psychophysics, vision in the real world and ocular health.
- Increase your clinical knowledge with subjects such as contact lenses, pharmacology, binocular vision, and instrumentation, vision in the real world and ocular disease.
- Do a one-week placement at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.
- Personal and professional development: ready to interview.
- 70% of time in a practical/clinical environment.
- See patients at regular specialist clinics at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.
- Continue to build your knowledge in contact lenses, ocular disease, binocular vision, pharmacology, low vision and the latest developments in the profession.
- Become an optometrist who uses the latest scientific evidence when treating their patients.
- Personal and professional development: ready to practice.
- 100% of time in a practical/clinical environment.
- Complete two five-month placements in a hospital and/or a leading independent practice.
- Complete a research project while on clinical placement, and present case records to show the full range of your skills.
- Complete the only fully registerable degree in the UK.
- Personal and professional development: ready to qualify.
Personal and professional development
Throughout the course, you’ll attend small-group sessions to help you develop transferable skills to support your learning. You'll become familiar with the profession of optometry in the UK and abroad, enabling you to become a well-developed practitioner of the future.
From our students
Ahmad's optometry placement
Watch the video to find out about Ahmad's placement at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.
Practical learning on the BSc Optometry course
Final year student Emily talks about hands-on learning at Manchester.
Read the blog : Learning practically at The University of Manchester
Learning environment
Research strengths
You’ll be taught by research and clinical leaders in optometry. Our internationally recognised research focuses on optics and refraction, the cornea, tear film, low vision, and visual psychophysics. It includes Eurolens Research, a world-renowned facility that undertakes research for the optical industry.
Cutting-edge facilities
You will learn in purpose-built facilities that include a dispensary, bespoke optometric examination rooms, numerous dedicated specialist clinic rooms and dedicated laboratories for non-clinical practical sessions.
Course information
Optometry degrees
Find out more about studying optometry at Manchester on the following course pages.
- Optometry (BSc) (3 years) [2023 entry only]
- Optometry (MSci) with integrated master's (4 years) [2024 entry only]
Master's integration
Our four-year undergraduate MSci course option is recognised by the General Optical Council as a fully-registerable qualification, where successful students do not need to undertake the pre-registration year. This allows students to graduate with a Master in Science degree and be fully qualified to practice after four years.
Making an application
Apply for optometry
If you're ready to apply to the optometry degree at Manchester, here's what you need to know.
If you have any questions, email us at ug.optometry@manchester.ac.uk.
Contact us
Have any questions? Get in touch.
In the Biosciences section
In the Optometry section
There's lots of information in this section for you to explore.
Undergraduate information
There's more to discover about becoming an undergraduate on our Faculty and main University websites. Here are some links to get you started.