Demand still high for optometry courses

Demand for optometry has remained high among A-level students this year.
Figures have not been finalised, but admissions tutors told optician their courses were full and optometry remained a sought-after career. All reported that demand was very strong, due to interest in the subject, perceived wages and long-term career prospects. It is also seen as a good career for women, and a flexible profession for those who may want to take a break to have a family.
The quality of applicants was also high this year, reported college staff, with most meeting the universitiesÕ required ABB grades.
AstonÕs admissions tutor Dr Mark Dunne said that any effect of the GovernmentÕs drive to recruit more doctors, which contributed to a drop in optometry applications last year (September 14, 2001), appeared to have levelled out.
However, City UniversityÕs head of optometry David Edgar blamed a ÔslightÕ decline in applications on this, saying it was Ôalmost certainlyÕ having an effect.
Bradford also saw its applications fall slightly Ð by an estimated 5 per cent Ð but head of optometry David Whittaker does not believe this is due to a lack of interest in optometry.
ÔWe filled the course almost exclusively with students who put optometry as their first preference. Perhaps it is BradfordÕs current image as a city which is to blame,Õ he said.
There was no change in the number of places being offered, and all places are now taken. Aston again took 120, Bradford 100, City 112 and UMIST 70. Overseas and mature students continue to make up a minority. The tutors do not believe that there are too many optometry students, despite a slight oversupply at the moment. They see the employment market as remaining strong, and most graduates being able to find pre-reg places.