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The non EU/EEA route to registration as an optometrist in the UK
This route is for people who gained their qualifications outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). To qualify as an optometrist via this route you must:
1. Have undertaken three years’ full time optometric training, either post baccalaureate or from the age of 18, and completed that qualification in the country of training.
2. Be legally qualified to practise optometry in a country outside of the UK.
3. Have completed a minimum of one year’s unsupervised practice, post-qualification.
4. Obtain a score a minimum score of 7 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Individual scores for each section of the test must not be lower than 6, with the exception of the ‘Speaking’ section, where you must score a minimum of 7. Visit the International English Language Testing System website for more information.
5. Pass the non EU/ EEA examination run by the College of Optometrists. More information is available on their website.
Once you have passed the College of Optometrist's non-EEA examination they will provide you with the necessary registration forms and notify us of successful candidates who are eligible for registration.