Optometrist
Performs core professional/technical/service tasks characteristic of optometrist, within the relevant organizational and regulatory context.
06 · Qualifications & training you need
An under- graduate or postgraduate degree in occupational therapy is necessary. There may be opportunities to qualify in service.
Where people train for this
03 · Education pathway
Relevant tertiary professional education; clinical/regulated training where applicable.
04 · Lifestyle
Most therapists work regular hours, but some work shift patterns. Part-time and flexible work options are also available.
04 · Location
Occupational therapists work in hospitals, care homes, prisons, and at social services offices. They may need to travel to visit their patients.
21 · The realities
Some patients can be challenging. Occupational therapists need physical strength and agility, as well as patience and a sense of humour.
12 · How the pathway typically runs
A degree and professional registration is necessary to practise as an occupational therapist. The work is highly varied with opportunities to specialize in different areas or to progress into management, research, or teaching. Some experienced therapists choose to take up roles in industry or to establish themselves in private practice. SUPPORT WORKER After leaving school, you can support a qualified therapist while studying part-time for a degree.
07 · Graduate route
You can study occupational therapy as a first degree, or take a shorter conversion course if you have graduated in another subject. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST You assess your clients, draw up suitable treatment plans, then work with them to achieve their targets. With experience, you can specialize in a number of areas. ORTHOPAEDIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST Works as part of a health care team, helping patients to recover after surgery on, or injury to, bones and muscles. PAEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST Works with children with developmental challenges including autism. Travels to schools to assess children and consult with teachers on appropriate activities. MENTAL HEAL TH OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST Helps people, including children in schools, adjust to living with mental health issues. GERIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST Assists elderly clients with age-related problems and medical conditions, such as dementia, impaired vision or hearing, and poor mobility. 293 14/09/21 8:54 PM14/09/21 8:54 PM 294 HEALTH AND MEDICINE Optometrists examine a patient’s eyes to test their sight and check for injury, disease, or other eye-related conditions. They might use specialist eye-testing equipment to diagnose eyesight problems, prescribe glasses or contact lenses to correct defects in vision, and refer patients to other health care professionals for further treatment where required. OPTOMETRIST