Department of Optometry and Vision Science
Careers
As an Optometrist and primary health care professional you would be specifically educated and clinically trained to examine the eyes and integrity of the visual pathways.
Your role involves diagnosing vision problems or impairments, prescribing and providing treatment, and deciding how various defects should be remedied, managed and treated.
To ensure the best eye and vision health for the population, optometrists work with other health professionals including general medical practitioners and ophthalmologists. You should possess a genuine desire to help people and be able to communicate easily and effectively. These attributes are particularly important when providing services to children, the elderly and the partially-sighted.
There is a continuing need for highly qualified optometrists due to an ageing population and an increasing emphasis on disease prevention and good visual health. You will join a profession that is both personally challenging and financially rewarding. The majority of optometrists enter private practice which offers
- favourable working conditions
- regular hours
- no excessive emergency calls
- freedom to choose where to live and practice.
You may practice in hospitals and clinics, or pursue careers in research or industry. Opportunities exist if you wish to undertake postgraduate education, research, and teaching, in New Zealand and overseas universities.
My career
The University Careers Centre can assist you with your career planning and job search throughout the course of your studies. To find out how the University Careers Centre can help you please visit The Careers Centre.
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