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EduSCOT
Healthcare

How to Become a Optometrist in Scotland

Examine eyes, diagnose conditions and prescribe corrective lenses in community or hospital optometry.

Biology + one physical science required

Only GCU offers optometry in Scotland

New 5-year MOptom (IP) degree

GOC registration on completion

Highers You Need

Typical entry: ABBB at Higher. You also need English (C) and Maths (C) at National 5.

Required Highers

  • Biology or Human Biology
  • Chemistry or Physics

Recommended (not required)

  • Maths— recommended

Route to Qualification

Degree: MOptom (IP) — Optometry with Independent Prescribing (5 years at university).

1

MOptom (IP) — 5-year integrated masters

5 years (no separate pre-registration year)

Scottish Universities Offering This Course

Scottish-domiciled students can apply through UCAS and have tuition fees funded by SAAS.

  • Glasgow Caledonian University

Professional Registration

To practise as a Optometrist in Scotland, you must register with the General Optical Council (GOC). Registration is required by law and must be maintained through continuing professional development.

Salary in Scotland

Starting salary

£33,000–£38,000

Newly qualified

Mid-career salary

£45,000–£55,000

5–10 years experience

NHS primary care optics and community optometry starting salary. GCU's MOptom (IP) graduates are eligible for both the GOC main register and the Independent Prescribing specialty register from graduation.

EduSCOT note

GCU recently moved to an integrated 5-year MOptom (IP) that includes independent prescribing — graduates qualify for both GOC registers without a separate pre-registration year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Highers do you need to become a Optometrist in Scotland?▾
To become a Optometrist in Scotland, you typically need Higher Biology or Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics. The typical grade offer is ABBB. You also need English (C) and Maths (C) at National 5 level.
Which Scottish universities offer MOptom?▾
The following Scottish universities offer routes into Optometrist careers: Glasgow Caledonian University. Scottish-domiciled students are eligible for tuition fee funding through SAAS.
How long does it take to become a Optometrist in Scotland?▾
The main degree route takes 5 years. After completing the degree, registration with General Optical Council (GOC) is required before you can practise.
What is the salary for a Optometrist in Scotland?▾
Starting salary for a Optometrist in Scotland is typically £33,000–£38,000. Mid-career salary is typically £45,000–£55,000. NHS primary care optics and community optometry starting salary. GCU's MOptom (IP) graduates are eligible for both the GOC main register and the Independent Prescribing specialty register from graduation.
Is there an apprenticeship route to becoming a Optometrist in Scotland?▾
There is currently no Graduate Apprenticeship route for Optometrist in Scotland. The standard route is the MOptom (IP) — 5-year integrated masters.
Does SAAS cover tuition fees for Optometrist degrees in Scotland?▾
Scottish-domiciled students studying MOptom at a Scottish university are eligible for SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) tuition fee funding. For 5-year undergraduate degrees, SAAS covers tuition in full. Professional or postgraduate stages (such as a Diploma in Legal Practice or pre-registration year) may not be covered — check the SAAS website for your specific course.