Ophthalmic nurse

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.

FAQs

Careers in eyecare FAQsI’ve been to the optician’s and it looks like it might be an interesting place to work. What are my options?There are a number of people who work in an optical practice: the optometrist, the dispensing optician, and usually a number of optical assistants or receptionists. In some practices you will also … Continue reading FAQs

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

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

Articles to help you develop your career

All Careers in eyecareDispensing opticianEducationFor EmployersFor studentsStudyStudy onlineAwards, bursaries and scholarshipsStudentsA levelsWorkDay in the lifeFor teachersGCSEsLooking for workOptical assistantApprenticeshipsOptical practice managerOptometristWork experienceExamsT LevelsTraineeshipsOphthalmologistOrthoptistSTEMContact lens opticianEye clinic liaison officerOptical sales repDesignEngineeringLow vision optician Categories Careers in eyecare, Dispensing optician, Education, For Employers, For students, Study, Study online Posted on 31 October 2024 5 November 2024 Take … Continue reading Ophthalmic nurse

Stepper

Campaign aim: to support the optical industry and highlight Stepper as an ethical and committed frames company. Peter Reeve, Managing Director Stepper (UK) limited says, “Delivering comfort and fit that delights spectacle wearers requires good product and the best dispensing skills, so encouraging professionalism in eyecare early in a career delivers the best possible outcomes … Continue reading Stepper

Career guides

Brighten Your Future With Careers In Eyecare Did you know? Careers in eyecare offer a lot of potential to young people. Open your eyes to the possibilities… Careers for everyone There are many interesting careers in eyecare and eye wear, with entry at all levels. Whatever your background and interests, you can take your next … Continue reading Career guides