Optometrist
Testing sight, prescribing lenses and spotting eye disease early — the health role most people meet on a high street.
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- Typical pay
- €20k–€40k
- Usual education
- Optics & Optometry degree (4 years)
- Outlook
- Stable; screen use and ageing eyes keep demand up.
A day in the life
Eye examinations, contact lens fittings, retinal photos, and referring anything suspicious to an ophthalmologist.
Ways in
- Bachillerato
- Four-year Optics and Optometry degree
- Work in an optician chain or independent practice
- Option to open your own shop
What to study at 16
The subjects you choose for the final years of secondary school can shape which degrees, exams and careers are easiest to reach. This is about choosing courses, not choosing a school.
Spain
Bachillerato de Ciencias y Tecnología
Portugal
Ciências e Tecnologias
France
Bac général — spécialités
Germany
Oberstufe — Leistungskurse
Italy
Liceo scientifico
Netherlands
Profiel Natuur & Gezondheid
Skills that matter
Best courses to take
The study routes that lead most directly into this career.
Degree in Optics & Optometry
Four years on vision, lenses and eye health, with clinical practice in optician settings.
Required to test sight and prescribe lenses.
Helpful school subjects: Geometric optics, Optometry, Contactology, Ocular pathology