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.
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For employers
All A levelsApprenticeshipsCareers in eyecareDispensing opticianEye clinic liaison officerFor studentsFor teachersLooking for workOphthalmologistOptical assistantOptical practice managerOptical sales repOptometristOrthoptistStudentsWorkWork experienceEducationFor EmployersStudyStudy onlineDay in the lifeExamsGCSEsT LevelsTraineeshipsSTEMContact lens opticianAwards, bursaries and scholarships Categories A levels, Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, Dispensing optician, Eye clinic liaison officer, For students, For teachers, Looking for work, Ophthalmologist, Optical assistant, Optical practice … 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
STEM
Campaign aim: highlight the STEM ambassador programme to eye care practitioners (ECPs) and encourage them to sign up and visit schools. Careers in Eyecare has developed a range of supportive materials to facilitate ECPs to work in schools, including: How to become a STEM ambassador Case study: Nick’s experience of his first STEM sessions STEM … Continue reading STEM
Articles to help you develop your career
All A levelsApprenticeshipsCareers in eyecareDispensing opticianFor studentsLooking for workStudyWorkOptical assistantAwards, bursaries and scholarshipsFor teachersOptometristStudentsOphthalmologistOrthoptistEducationEye clinic liaison officerOptical practice managerOptical sales repWork experienceExamsGCSEsFor EmployersT LevelsDay in the lifeStudy onlineTraineeshipsSTEMContact lens opticianDesignEngineeringLow vision optician Categories A levels, Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, Dispensing optician, For students, Looking for work, Study, Work Posted on 27 February 2026 27 February … Continue reading Ophthalmic nurse
WCSM
The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (WCSM) sounds ancient but has a modern purpose. Its mission is to support better vision for all. The Company was founded in 1629 and is living proof that eye health is so much more than a presence on the High Street. The name could be misleading as WCSM members … Continue reading WCSM