Optometrists Salary
Median salary £38,743 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £39,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For optometrists, £51,030 is the typical (median) pay. That is well above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +31% versus the national average.
About this role
Optometrists examine eyes to detect vision defects, eye diseases and abnormal conditions, prescribing corrective lenses and referring for treatment where necessary. Under the 2020 SOC revision, this code covers optometrists providing primary eye care.
Key responsibilities
- Performing comprehensive eye health and vision examinations
- Detecting eye diseases including glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts
- Prescribing and fitting spectacles and contact lenses
- Managing chronic eye conditions and co-managing with ophthalmology
- Providing emergency eye care and triage
Qualifications and entry routes
Requires a GOC-approved optometry degree (MOptom, 4 years) plus a pre-registration supervised practice period. General Optical Council (GOC) registration is mandatory. Therapeutic and independent prescribing qualifications expand scope.
Career outlook
Expanding clinical role with increasing hospital eye service pressures. Independent prescribing and enhanced community services are creating more clinical career pathways.
Key skills
Common industries
- Community optometry
- Hospital eye departments
- Corporate optical retailers
- Domiciliary care
- Locum services
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Mid Level
£38,743
3-7 years
Salary Trend (2021-2025)
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£12,287
Optometrists salary: common questions
How much do optometrists earn in the UK?
Is £51,030 a good salary in the UK?
Have optometrists salaries kept up with inflation?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).