SOC 2020 · 2252
Optometrists
Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations from
Skilled Worker
Eligible
This occupation appears on Appendix Skilled Occupations.
Salary floor
£41,700
The higher of the going rate and the general threshold.
Shortage lists
Not listed
This code is on neither the Immigration Salary List nor the Temporary Shortage List.
Salary the job must pay
A Skilled Worker job must pay at least the higher of the general threshold and the going rate for its occupation code.
Going rate (standard)
—
General threshold
£41,700
Visa thresholds from
Minimum for this role
£41,700
Home Office going rates from
What this occupation actually pays
ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, full-time gross annual pay.
ONS has not published enough of the pay distribution for Optometrists in UK to draw it. The figures we do hold are shown above.
| Region | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 2025 | — | — | £51,030 | — | — |
| South West 2025 | — | — | £55,048 | — | — |
Job titles in this code
What the work involves
Ophthalmic opticians test patients’ vision, diagnose defects and disorders and prescribe glasses or contact lenses as required.
Typical tasks
examines eyes and tests vision of patient, identifies problems, defects, injuries and ill health
prescribes appropriate spectacle lenses, contact lenses and other aids
advises patient on proper use of glasses, contact lenses and other aids, and on appropriate lighting conditions for reading and working
refers patient to a specialist, where necessary
carries out research with glass and lens manufacturers
Entry routes and qualifications
Entrants require a degree in Optometry, must have passed the Professional Qualifying Examination of the General Optical Council, and have completed a pre-registration year. Advanced training in specialised areas is available.