See how to become a ophthalmic nurse with our career guide
What is an Ophthalmic Nurse?
An ophthalmic nurse provides holistic nursing care to people with eye conditions and also to people with a visual impairment.
What does an Ophthalmic Nurse do?
The ophthalmic nurse has many roles caring for people of all age groups in hospitals and the community. For example, ophthalmic nurses advise patients about their eye health, eye drops and how to manage their wellbeing. Patients and their family are cared for before, during and following procedures, operations and outpatient clinic visits. Ophthalmic nurses have particular expertise in caring for people with a visual impairment.
What do you get from this role?
It is a privilege to look after someone who may be feeling vulnerable because of treatment for their eye condition or due to temporary or permanent visual impairment.
There are opportunities to undertake further university education in ophthalmic nursing which facilitates progression into careers such as advanced ophthalmic nurse practitioner, and into management, research, education roles.
What do you need to apply?
Entry requirements for nursing degree courses vary because each university sets its own entry criteria, but you are likely to need at usually three A-levels, Highers, or equivalent qualifications at Level 3, plus supporting GCSEs including English, maths, and a science (usually biology or human biology).
Courses often specify preferred or essential A level, Higher, or equivalent subjects, such as one science (for example biology) or social science (for example psychology). Some universities offer courses with a foundation year for those without the necessary entry qualifications.
What skills do you need?
Communication skills, empathy, understanding and ability to think about the person as an individual.
What does your working day look like?
Ophthalmic nursing is so varied no two days are the same. The working day depends on the ophthalmic clinical area, so it could be working shifts in wards or in clinics or operating theatres. Read about a day in the life of an Ophthalmic Nurse who cares for patients with eye cancer.
Vivid Optical
Campaign aim: to support the optical industry and highlight Vivid Optical . Danny Alaimo of Vivid Optical says; “Partnering with Careers in Eyecare was an easy decision for Vivid Optical. We are very excited to be involved”. Examples of content with Vivid Optical: Finding a job in optics
Work with Careers in Eyecare
Careers in Eyecare is a cross sector initiative to highlight the range of careers in eye care and eye wear. The award-winning campaign was launched by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) in 2020. Nick Walsh of ABDO says, “Careers in Eyecare was born from a desire to do more to raise awareness of … Continue reading Work with Careers in Eyecare
Articles to help you develop your career
All Careers in eyecareFor studentsOptometristWorkLooking for workFor teachersStudentsWork experienceA levelsApprenticeshipsDispensing opticianStudyOptical assistantAwards, bursaries and scholarshipsOphthalmologistOrthoptistEducationEye clinic liaison officerOptical practice managerOptical sales repExamsGCSEsFor EmployersT LevelsDay in the lifeStudy onlineTraineeshipsSTEMContact lens opticianDesignEngineeringLow vision optician Categories Careers in eyecare, For students, Optometrist, Work Posted on 22 April 2026 22 April 2026 Your career path as an optometrist Are … Continue reading Ophthalmic nurse
Specsavers
Campaign aim: to attract teens to become an optometrist with Specsavers Lucy Knock Early Careers Manager says “Specsavers is delighted to work with the Careers in Eyecare Campaign, which we hope will inspire more young people to become opticians. We’re keen on sharing the hidden secrets of the fantastic opportunities we have in our industry … Continue reading Specsavers
For employers
All For studentsFor teachersLooking for workStudentsWorkWork experienceA levelsApprenticeshipsCareers in eyecareDispensing opticianEye clinic liaison officerOphthalmologistOptical assistantOptical practice managerOptical sales repOptometristOrthoptistEducationFor EmployersStudyStudy onlineDay in the lifeExamsGCSEsT LevelsTraineeshipsSTEMContact lens opticianAwards, bursaries and scholarships Categories For students, For teachers, Looking for work, Students, Work, Work experience Posted on 30 March 2026 30 March 2026 Essential soft skills employers want … Continue reading Ophthalmic nurse
ABDO College
ABDO College offers you and your team courses which allow every staff member to advance. Start with the Optical Assistant course for a great introduction to optics, as well as an ideal way to formalise knowledge gained in practice. Move on to the Senior Optical Assistant course to develop and grow your knowledge and broaden … Continue reading ABDO College