See how to become a ophthalmic nurse with our career guide
What is an Ophthalmic Nurse?
An ophthalmic nurse provides holistic nursing care to people with eye conditions and also to people with a visual impairment.
What does an Ophthalmic Nurse do?
The ophthalmic nurse has many roles caring for people of all age groups in hospitals and the community. For example, ophthalmic nurses advise patients about their eye health, eye drops and how to manage their wellbeing. Patients and their family are cared for before, during and following procedures, operations and outpatient clinic visits. Ophthalmic nurses have particular expertise in caring for people with a visual impairment.
What do you get from this role?
It is a privilege to look after someone who may be feeling vulnerable because of treatment for their eye condition or due to temporary or permanent visual impairment.
There are opportunities to undertake further university education in ophthalmic nursing which facilitates progression into careers such as advanced ophthalmic nurse practitioner, and into management, research, education roles.
What do you need to apply?
Entry requirements for nursing degree courses vary because each university sets its own entry criteria, but you are likely to need at usually three A-levels, Highers, or equivalent qualifications at Level 3, plus supporting GCSEs including English, maths, and a science (usually biology or human biology).
Courses often specify preferred or essential A level, Higher, or equivalent subjects, such as one science (for example biology) or social science (for example psychology). Some universities offer courses with a foundation year for those without the necessary entry qualifications.
What skills do you need?
Communication skills, empathy, understanding and ability to think about the person as an individual.
What does your working day look like?
Ophthalmic nursing is so varied no two days are the same. The working day depends on the ophthalmic clinical area, so it could be working shifts in wards or in clinics or operating theatres. Read about a day in the life of an Ophthalmic Nurse who cares for patients with eye cancer.
About Careers in Eyecare
Award-winning careers support and advice About Careers in Eyecare Discover the range of careers offering eyewear and eyecare. Careers in Eyecare is a cross sector initiative to highlight the range of careers in eyecare and eye wear. The Careers in Eyecare campaign highlights the range of clinical, fashion, design, technical and retail roles available. It … Continue reading About Careers in Eyecare
Lens designer
See how to become a lens designer with our career guide. What is a lens designer? A lens designer works as part of the research and development department (R&D). They will be involved in the design, development, and testing of new products and geometries produced with free-form technology. What does a lens designer do? A … Continue reading Lens designer
For employers
All A levelsApprenticeshipsCareers in eyecareDispensing opticianEye clinic liaison officerFor studentsFor teachersLooking for workOphthalmologistOptical assistantOptical practice managerOptical sales repOptometristOrthoptistStudentsWorkWork experienceEducationFor EmployersStudyStudy onlineDay in the lifeExamsGCSEsT LevelsTraineeshipsSTEMContact lens opticianAwards, bursaries and scholarships Categories A levels, Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, Dispensing optician, Eye clinic liaison officer, For students, For teachers, Looking for work, Ophthalmologist, Optical assistant, Optical practice … Continue reading Ophthalmic nurse
Optical assistant
See how to become an optical assistant with our career guide Did you know? Being an optical assistant gives you greater responsibility than the usual retail job. If you’ve got a flair for fashion, an interest in science and technology, an eye for what suits people or a desire to help in healthcare, this job … Continue reading Optical assistant
Articles to help you develop your career
All ApprenticeshipsAwards, bursaries and scholarshipsCareers in eyecareLooking for workWorkFor studentsFor teachersOptometristStudentsDispensing opticianOphthalmologistOptical assistantOrthoptistEducationA levelsStudyEye clinic liaison officerOptical practice managerOptical sales repWork experienceExamsGCSEsFor EmployersT LevelsDay in the lifeStudy onlineTraineeshipsSTEMContact lens opticianDesignEngineeringLow vision optician Categories Apprenticeships, Awards, bursaries and scholarships, Careers in eyecare, Looking for work, Work Posted on 23 December 2025 22 December 2025 Eyecare firm … Continue reading Ophthalmic nurse
Careers in Eyecare
Work experience Work experience is a great way to gain experience, build skills and get taste for a possible career path. Find out more about work experience via the links below. Student work experience workbook How to find work experience Brighten Your Future With Careers In Eyecare DID YOU KNOW? Careers in eyecare offer a … Continue reading Careers in Eyecare