FAQs

No, to be admitted to the Optometry degree you need at least H4 in one of: Physics, Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry or Biology.  To study Dispensing you require at least O4/H7 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Physics & Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science, Home Economics, Applied Mathematics or Engineering.

No, to study Optometry you require an O3/H7 in Maths, for Dispensing an O3/H7 in either maths or applied maths.

In terms of mathematical ability mature or non-standard applicants require either:

 - Evidence of relevant successful third level studies or secondary level attainments which include Mathematics at the equivalent of Leaving Certificate grade O4 or higher and English (or Irish) at the equivalent of Leaving Certificate grade O5 or higher.

- Success at interview and Maths Competency Test.  Click here for a Sample Maths Competency Test

A DIT degree in Optometry allows graduates to apply for registration with the General Optical Council in order to work as an optometrist in the UK and Northern Ireland. 

DIT will seek approval for Ophthalmic Dispensing graduates to work in the UK.

Graduates must directly contact the schools and colleges in Canada where they want to undertake the Doctor in Optometry bridging course.  For information on what is required to register in Canada click here.

Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry (ARBO) provides information on state optometry boards and regulations and guidance for international optometrists interested in qualifying for U.S. licensure.

Once registered on the desired programme you can apply for exceptions.
Students can apply to their year coordinator for an exemption.  They must provide the syllabus and transcript from the previous relevant qualification so that a judgement can be made on whether or not the requisite learning outcomes have been met.

Yes, most advanced entry applications are now made via the CAO website.  For further information please contact advancedentry@dit.ie.

Yes, opportunities exist in DIT, and elsewhere, for postgraduate research for Optometry graduates.  A 2.1 honours degree is required to register directly on a PhD programme in DIT. Students qualifying with a 2.2. or less may only register to MPhil, but can later progress to PhD.
Please see the FAQ section of the Graduate Research School for more details of entry requirements for postgraduate research awards.

See link for information on our research areas at The Centre for Eye Research Ireland (CERI), a dedicated ophthalmic research centre with cutting edge facilities at the Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute, a hub of research and innovation in the heart of DIT Grangegorman.

Graduates commonly work in community practice and can even become a business/franchise owner.  There are also emerging opportunities in hospitals and primary care facilities (likely to be a future area of employment in hospitals and primary care clinics working in multidisciplinary healthcare teams), as well as laser refraction clinics. 

Some students go on to undertake postgraduate study and can then go further into a research career or into academia.