2252 Optometrists: SOC 2020 occupation code

In short

ONS unit group 2252, in minor group 225 (Other health professionals) and major group 2 (Professional occupations).
Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): On the list: Table 3.
Going rate as the table prints it:
- Table 3: a national pay scale, set out in the table below.

What the ONS says

Description

Ophthalmic opticians test patients’ vision, diagnose defects and disorders and prescribe glasses or contact lenses as required.

Typical entry routes

Entrants require a degree in Optometry, must have passed the Professional Qualifying Examination of the General Optical Council, and have completed a pre-registration year. Advanced training in specialised areas is available.

Tasks

examines eyes and tests vision of patient, identifies problems, defects, injuries and ill health
prescribes appropriate spectacle lenses, contact lenses and other aids
advises patient on proper use of glasses, contact lenses and other aids, and on appropriate lighting conditions for reading and working
refers patient to a specialist, where necessary
carries out research with glass and lens manufacturers

Related job titles

Doctor of optometry
Ophthalmic optician
Optician

ONS note: Unit group title was Ophthalmic opticians (version V2).

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the table below, with the table’s own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 3: Eligible health and education SOC 2020 occupation codes where going rates are based on national pay scales

SOC 2020 occupation code

2252 Optometrists

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

2214

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

Doctor of optometry
Ophthalmic optician
Optician

Going rate (annual)

See relevant pay band in Table 4

Table 4: Going rates for listed healthcare SOC 2020 occupation codes by administration and band

Band or equivalent	England	Scotland	Wales	Northern Ireland
Band 3	£24,071	£26,869	£24,433	£22,816
Band 4	£26,530	£29,116	£26,928	£25,147
Band 5	£29,970	£31,892	£30,420	£28,407
Band 6	£37,338	£39,912	£37,898	£35,392
Band 7	£46,148	£48,788	£46,840	£43,742
Band 8a	£53,755	£60,126	£54,550	£50,952
Band 8b	£62,215	£70,986	£63,150	£58,972
Band 8c	£74,290	£83,837	£75,405	£70,417
Band 8d	£88,168	£99,534	£89,491	£83,571
Band 9	£105,385	£117,732	£106,967	£99,891

Other unit groups in minor group 225

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

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