Doctorate Optometry Courses in the UK

Optometry is a specialisation in medical studies that involves studying the eyes and their structures to analyse and examine for any issues or defects. The demand for optometry graduates has been at a steady high in recent years, with students aiming to pursue their studies abroad. Here’s everything you need to know about doctorate optometry courses in the UK:

Doctorate optometry courses in the UK: Highlights

Data updated as of June 2023

Optometry: An overview and why study the course

• Optometry involves the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of eye-related conditions and defects. The eye is a sensitive organ, so the field of medicine needs highly skilled graduates to analyse and detect any illness in patients.
• Over 75% of our global population requires vision correction; they need spectacles or contact lenses to correct their eyesight. This increases the demand for optometry graduates in the healthcare industry worldwide.
• Graduates can work privately or serve in hospitals or government healthcare agencies. They have a wide range of scope and opportunities in this field of study.
• Optometry has several specialisations, giving students a variety of career opportunities after graduation.
• A doctorate in optometry helps you dive deep into the field of study and learn more about eye-related conditions. A doctorate degree will also give you a career advantage in any specialisation.

Why study optometry in the UK?

• The UK has a well-established healthcare industry, offering students the finest academic and practical experience before they start their careers.
• The demand for optometry graduates is on a constant rise in the UK. According to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, the UK will witness a 40% increase in demand for optometry graduates over the next fifteen years.
• Optometry is also a high-paying medical field in the UK healthcare industry. With the growing demand, you can land in a good position after graduation.

Best countries to study doctorate optometry courses

• The United Kingdom
• The United States
• New Zealand
• Ireland
• Canada

Different study levels in optometry courses in the UK

• Undergraduate Optometry Courses in UK
• Postgraduate Optometry Courses in UK
• Doctorate Optometry Courses in UK

Eligibility criteria for doctorate optometry courses in the UK

Optometry courses are structured to provide students with the required knowledge and skills and pave the way for a scopeful career. When applying for a course, make sure to check if you satisfy the eligibility criteria before sending your application. Here are the basic requirements for doctorate optometry courses in the UK:

Eligibility criteria for doctorate optometry courses in the UK

Data updated as of June 2023

Note: The minimum grades, educational requirements, and English proficiency scores differ with every university. Make sure to check if your scores meet the institution’s standards.

Also read: How does the UK university grading system work?

Student requirements for PhD optometry courses in the UK

Once you meet the eligibility criteria, the university will request some documents to proceed with your application process. Here are some of the standard documents required by educational institutions.

• Academic transcripts
• Application form
• CV
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• English language proficiency test scores
• Statement of purpose
• Admission exam results

Visa requirements for international students to study in the UK

Data updated as of June 2023

Documents required for international students to apply for a visa in the UK

• Your passport
• Your tuberculosis test results
• Proof of financial support
• Written consent from the financial sponsor
• A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider
• Parental or legal guardian consent (if the international student is under 18)
• Proof of parental or legal guardian relationship (if the international student is under 18)

Top optometry universities in the UK

• Cardiff University
• Ulster University
• University of Abertay
• University of Liverpool
• City University of London
• University of Hertfordshire

Top doctorate optometry courses in the UK

• PhD Optometry
• PhD Vision Sciences
• PhD/MPhil Applied Vision
• PhD Eye and Vision Sciences
• MPhil Eye and Vision Sciences
• Masters by Research Optometry
• PhD Optometry and Vision Science
• PhD Cognitive Psychology and Vision Science
• PhD Clinical Investigation and Vision Sciences
• MPhil Cognitive Psychology and Vision Science
• MSc by Research Cognitive Psychology and Vision Science

Cost of studying a PhD optometry in the UK

Data updated as of June 2023

What is the annual cost of living for international students in the UK?

The average annual cost of living for an international student in the United Kingdom is around £16,000.

Data updated as of June 2023

Scholarships for PhD optometry courses in the UK

Scholarships are a type of grant for students aiming to alleviate their financial burden while studying abroad. Students get a certain amount of their tuition fee waived based on academic achievement and other criteria. Edvoy has partnered with universities in the UK to provide scholarships for international students pursuing higher education. The scholarships are:

Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarships provide financial aid to international students with exceptional academic performance. Institutions choose students with remarkable academic achievements and provide scholarships based on their grades.

Early Bird Scholarships

Early Bird scholarships are awarded to international students who accept the institution’s offer and pay a certain amount of tuition fees within a given time. These scholarships reduce students' financial burden by waiving a certain amount of tuition fees.

Note that Edvoy acts as a platform for you during the application process. Only the university deems your profile eligible and determines the final amount.

Job opportunities for optometry graduates in the UK

Optometry is fast-developing and has great scope in the healthcare industry, introducing various job opportunities for international students. The courses enhance students' skills and prepare them for a scopeful career.

How much does an optometrist earn in the UK?

The average annual salary of an Optometrist in the UK is around £50,000.

Graduates in entry-level positions earn about £33,706, while experienced employees earn over £65,262 per year.

Data updated as of June 2023

What are the career opportunities for optometry graduates in the UK?

• Optometrist
• Vision Science Researcher
• Domiciliary Optometrist
• Community Optometrist
• Ophthalmic Technician
• Vision Therapist
• Optical Assistant
• Clinical Researcher
• Academic Lecturer
• Ocularist

Post-study work permit for doctorate optometry graduates in the UK

Data updated as of June 2023

Related optometry courses