Optometrist Salary in UK 2025_ A Complete Guide

1. Optometrist Salary in UK 2025: A Complete Guide Key Highlights Academically Global Pvt ltd. ● An optometrist can get an average salary of £42k / ₹43 LPA salary in the United Kingdom. ● For those falling under NHS Band 6 to 8 can withdraw almost £32k to £65k (₹33 to 67 LPA). ● Locum or freelance optometrists make almost £250 to £300 per day (₹25k to 31k). ● You can also avail employee benefits such as pensions, annual leave, CPD funding, and relocation support in major hospitals and health organisations. ● Overseas graduates gain faster visa routes due to shortage of occupation status. NHS Pay Bands Explained Band Salary (GBP) Salary (INR) Role Band 6 £32,000–£40,00 0 ₹33–41 lakhs Newly qualified optometrist Band 7 £41,000–£47,00 0 ₹42–48 lakhs Specialist / Supervisor Band 8a–8c £50,000–£65,00 0 ₹52–67 lakhs Senior / Head of Department Academically Global Pvt Ltd. Location Australia: Suite 207A/30 Campbell St, Blacktown NSW 2148 Location India: Dehradun- Plot A2, IT Park, Sahastradhara Rd, Doon IT Park, Siclud, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 Hyderabad- Hotel Kinara Grand, Ameerpet Rd, Nagarjuna Nagar colony, Yella Reddy Guda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500016 Email: contact@academically.com Phone: 08071722349 Phone: +61 416 424 328 / +61 406 525 564

2. Private Sector & High-Street Optician ● Corporate chains: £40k to £50k (₹41 to 51 LPA). ● Independent practices: £35k to £38k (₹36 to 39 LPA) to start. ● Private hospitals: Up to £55k (₹57 LPA) for experienced specialists. Academically Global Pvt ltd. Did you know, corporate chains often add bonuses and CPD funding to attract talent. Salary of a Locum Optometrist ● Daily rate: £250–£300 (₹25k to 31k). ● Freelance full time optometrist salay: £70k+ annually (₹72 LPA). ● Flexibility: Freedom to choose your shifts, but no pension or paid leave. Salary difference based on areas within UK ● London & South East: has the highest pay; you can withdraw up to £5k to £7k more than the average. (₹5–7 LPA) ● Northern England / Midlands: Slightly lower bar than above but far cheaper cost of living. ● Scotland & Wales: Competitive rates, extra locum incentives in rural areas. Academically Global Pvt Ltd. Location Australia: Suite 207A/30 Campbell St, Blacktown NSW 2148 Location India: Dehradun- Plot A2, IT Park, Sahastradhara Rd, Doon IT Park, Siclud, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 Hyderabad- Hotel Kinara Grand, Ameerpet Rd, Nagarjuna Nagar colony, Yella Reddy Guda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500016 Email: contact@academically.com Phone: 08071722349 Phone: +61 416 424 328 / +61 406 525 564

3. How much difference can further specialisation make to your salary? ● Independent Prescribing (IP): +£3,000–£6,000 annually. ● Glaucoma Certification: +£4,000–£5,000 annually. ● Medical Retina Training: +£3,500–£6,500 annually. Academically Global Pvt ltd. ✔ Funded CPD and exam reimbursements. ✔ Relocation packages for overseas recruits. ✔ Maternity, paternity, and sick leave coverage. Salary for Optometrist in UK vs Other Countries Country Average Salary Equivalent INR UK £42,000 ₹43 lakhs India Up to ₹15 lakhs - Canada C$95,000 ₹58 lakhs German y €38,000 ₹35 lakhs Spain €32,000 ₹28 lakhs Benefits Beyond Salary ✔ 27–33 days annual leave + public holidays. ✔ NHS pension contributions (among the best in Europe). Academically Global Pvt Ltd. Location Australia: Suite 207A/30 Campbell St, Blacktown NSW 2148 Location India: Dehradun- Plot A2, IT Park, Sahastradhara Rd, Doon IT Park, Siclud, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 Hyderabad- Hotel Kinara Grand, Ameerpet Rd, Nagarjuna Nagar colony, Yella Reddy Guda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500016 Email: contact@academically.com Phone: 08071722349 Phone: +61 416 424 328 / +61 406 525 564

4. Why 2025 Is the Right Time ● Optometry is on the Shortage Occupation List. ● Visa sponsorship is faster and cheaper. ● Employers are funding exams and offering relocation support. ● Demand for eye care is rising with the ageing population. Academically Global Pvt ltd. To Conclude with… The optometrist salary in the UK is only one part of the picture. Stability, progression, and funded professional growth make the UK a strong option for graduates worldwide. At Academically, we help aspiring optometrists prepare for their licensure exams and guide them through the UK registration process for optometrists, so they can focus on building their careers with confidence. Academically Global Pvt Ltd. Location Australia: Suite 207A/30 Campbell St, Blacktown NSW 2148 Location India: Dehradun- Plot A2, IT Park, Sahastradhara Rd, Doon IT Park, Siclud, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 Hyderabad- Hotel Kinara Grand, Ameerpet Rd, Nagarjuna Nagar colony, Yella Reddy Guda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500016 Email: contact@academically.com Phone: 08071722349 Phone: +61 416 424 328 / +61 406 525 564