I also have become interested in being an optician. I also live in Australia, NSW to be specific. I so was confused about the differences between each job until I watched this video. I thought it would have been necessary to have a Cert IV before even considering applying for a job as an optician. I still want to do it regardless anyway but it’s nice to know you don’t need it before hand. Thank you for making this video ☺️
Ooh i live in Australia as well! I also want to become an optometrist, currently in grade 10, but I am still unsure on what science subjects i need to do to become an optometrist. What science subjects did you do in highschool to follow this career pathway?
Optometry is an exciting career option! It's great that you're looking into this in year 10 to help you decide your subjects. The entry requirement is different depending on the university. The most common subject requirements is English and math. And potentially chemistry, biology, and/or physics. You can look at the entry requirements for the individual universities. There are only 6 unis that have optometry. Good luck!
Its not completely necessary as some places have their own in store training. But it is definitely nice to have especially if you want to work in independent practices
An orthoptist cannot prescribe glasses. An optometrist can do things an orthoptist does but also a lot more like prescribing glasses and diagnosising and managing eye diseases.
Orthoptist can refract and prescribe glasses in all states and territories of Australia but under certain conditions like treating childhood strabismus, amblyopia and diplopia. They must also be registered Australian Orthoptic Board. I think this is to maintain the distinction of who primarily should provide glasses and avoid too much overlapping of roles. I like to think Optometrist are the specialist for prescribing glasses while Orthoptist are able to prescribe to aid treating their specialty which is primarily treatment and management of eye movement disorders. A little confusing but hope it helps..
And to add about optometrists being considered orthoptists, there is a lot of overlap in terms of the skill sets they have to detect and monitor eye related conditions. There are also things that optometrists can do that orthoptists can’t and vice versa. Ive met a few optometrists who work in clinical settings along side orthoptists with ophthalmologists but you would never call an optometrist an orthoptist or an orthoptist an optometrist. It’s all based on what degree and training you’ve obtained.
As an optical dispenser you cannot directly go into ophthalmology training. You will need to study a medicine degree and then further specialise in ophthalmology.
