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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.
Study aid
Both City University and the Institute of Optometry run a course designed as a study aid for people who are taking the non EU/ EEA examination. If you are interested in attending this course, contact:
Dr M Hennelly or Maria Demetriou
Department of Optometry & Visual Science
City University
Northampton Square
London EC1V OHB
Tel 020 7040 8339
Fax 020 7040 8338
Email m.hennelly@city.ac.uk OR m.w.demetriou@city.ac.uk
Mr Deacon Harle
The Institute of Optometry
56-62 Newington Causeway
London SE1 6DS
Tel 020 7407 4183
Fax 020 7403 8007
Email admin@ioo.org.uk