How do I become an Optometrist?

Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive eye examination and vision care, which includes refraction, dispensing of glasses, fitting of contact lenses, detection, and diagnosis and management of eye disease.

The following qualification is currently the only approved qualification for the purposes of registration in the Register of Optometrists:

  • Bachelor of Science in Optometry, Technological University Dublin

CORU, the regulatory body, will provide you with information on approved qualifications. Additional information on the profession can be found on the Optometry Ireland website or by visiting the Careers Portal Website.

If you have qualified outside of Ireland, you will find further information here.

girl getting an eye test

Your role with the HSE

Once qualified you will need to register with CORU who are the regulatory body for Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCP) including Optometrists.

Optometrists are part of a clinical workforce called Health and Social Care Professionals, who work as part of multi- disciplinary teams with doctors, nurses and other HSCPs. Optometrists work with patients of all ages in both HSE ophthalmology hubs and voluntary hospitals.

Optometrists are involved in the management of children’s eye conditions like strabismus and amblyopia. In adult clinics they are involved in patient care before and after cataract surgery and in the management of glaucoma and macula degeneration.

child's eye

Career Progression

Registered Optometrists who are qualified for 5 years, are eligible to apply for a Clinical Optometrist role in the HSE.

Optometry is one of a number of professions that is supported by the Health and Social Care Professionals HSCP Office.

There are also opportunities available for educational roles (Educational Pathway) across the Health and Social Care Professions.

Woman getting an eye test

Further training and development

The HSCP Office is responsible for Leadership, Education and Continuing Professional Development of HSCPs working in the HSE. There are many ways of deepening your skills pertinent to your role as an Optometrist within a specific setting. This can be achieved, for example, through postgraduate training or clinical courses.

HSeLanD is the HSE portal which offers an array of training & development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting. Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting the HSCP Hub on www.hseland.ie.

Other examples of professional development activities include access to excellent HSE library services, further training and educational opportunities, attendance at conferences, webinars and workshops, engaging in mentoring and supervision, keeping up with the latest information about the profession through specialised newsletters, blogs, and podcasts.

Female getting an eye test

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, friendly colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Staff Testimonials coming soon. 

Lady trying on glasses