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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Inspire the next generation
Would you like to work with Careers in Eyecare to inspire the next generation of eye care professionals? We are always looking for people who will tell us about a day in their working life. All you need to do is answer the following questions and send 3-4 photos of yourself at work. Please email … Continue reading Inspire the next generation
Career guides
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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
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
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