Explore careers

Useful experience for optometrists includes:

• work in the health sector
• work as an assistant to an optometrist
• business management experience
• scientific or medical research.

Optometrists may do some or all of the following:

• examine eyes to diagnose vision problems and eye diseases
• provide solutions to vision problems, including prescribing glasses and contact lenses
• monitor or manage eye diseases, such as allergies, cataracts and glaucoma
• prescribe medicines to treat eye diseases
• prescribe and fit glasses, contact lenses and other visual aids
• advise clients on eyewear products, such as frames
• advise on computer set-up and lighting in workplaces
• run their own business.

Range of factors contribute to rising demand for optometrists

There is a rising demand for optometrists due to:

• growing demand from an ageing population, as people's eyesight tends to get worse as they age
• an increase in awareness in the general population of the importance of eye health and seeking professional help
• some qualified New Zealand optometrists moving overseas
• a shortage of optometrists in hospitals and interdisciplinary environments
• more people having chronic conditions that affect the eyes, such as diabetes.

Optometrist appears on Immigration New Zealand's Green List. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled optometrists from overseas to work in New Zealand.

To increase your chances of getting an entry-level optometrist role, get some work experience in the industry while you are studying and approach employers directly. 

According to the Census, 726 optometrists worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Optometrists work in a range of private businesses

Optometrists mainly work in private optometry practices, corporate retail chains and specialist eye clinics. They may set up their own practice or become partners at existing practices.

NZ Association of Optometrists (NZAO)

(04) 473 2322 - info@nzao.co.nz - www.nzao.co.nz

Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board

 (04) 381 9075 - Enquiries@odob.health.nz - www.odob.health.nz/

Optometrists may progress into management positions or set up their own practices. They may also take up academic positions in teaching or research, or work in the optical industry as suppliers of optical equipment.

Optometrists can specialise in a range of areas including contact lenses, diabetic management, geriatric and low vision, binocular vision, and children's eye care.

Optometrists need to be:

• accurate, with an eye for detail
• patient and understanding
• able to work with a wide range of clients
• good communicators and listeners.