Hiring and Sponsoring Optometrists (SOC Code 2252)

Optometrists, classified under SOC Code 2252, are healthcare professionals dedicated to the care and treatment of vision-related issues. Their expertise plays a crucial role in the healthcare system, focusing on a range of responsibilities, including:

• Examination of Eyes: Conducting thorough eye examinations to evaluate vision and eye health.
• Vision Testing: Assessing patients' visual acuity and identifying any problems, defects, injuries, or ill health.
• Prescription of Aids: Prescribing appropriate spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and other optical aids to enhance patient vision.
• Patient Advice: Offering guidance on the proper use of glasses, contact lenses, and other aids, as well as suggesting suitable lighting conditions for reading and working.
• Referral Services: Referring patients to specialists when necessary for more advanced care.
• Research Collaboration: Engaging in research initiatives with glass and lens manufacturers to advance optical technologies and improve patient outcomes.

With the growing awareness of eye health and an increasing aging population, the demand for skilled optometrists is on the rise. This guide will assist HR professionals in understanding the process of hiring and sponsoring optometrists under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Optometrists?

SOC Code 2252 refers to optometrists who examine eyes and test the vision of patients. Their responsibilities can include:

• Examining eyes: Conducting comprehensive eye exams to assess vision and identify issues.
• Testing vision: Utilizing various methods to evaluate patients' eyesight and diagnose conditions.
• Identifying problems: Detecting defects, injuries, and signs of ill health in the eye.
• Prescribing aids: Recommending appropriate spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
• Advising patients: Providing guidance on the proper use of glasses, contact lenses, and adapting lighting conditions for optimal vision.
• Referring specialists: Directing patients to ophthalmologists or other specialists when advanced treatment is necessary.
• Conducting research: Collaborating with glass and lens manufacturers on developments in optical technology.

Optometrists play a pivotal role in maintaining eye health, contributing to overall wellness, and enhancing the quality of life through improved vision.

Eligibility to Hire Optometrists (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Optometrists must have a comprehensive understanding of eye health and vision care, along with specific qualifications and experience. These may include:

• Education: A Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited optometry school is required. Licensure to practice optometry in the relevant state or region is also necessary.
• Clinical Experience: Hands-on experience through internships or residency programs to develop practical skills in examining and treating eye conditions.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using various optometric equipment, conducting eye examinations, and diagnosing vision problems.
• Communication Skills: Ability to clearly explain diagnosis and treatment options to patients while providing guidance on the proper use of corrective lenses and eye care practices.
• Continuing Education: Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying updated with advancements in optometry through workshops, seminars, or additional certifications.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 2252 and that the optometrist’s experience and qualifications meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Optometrists: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Optometrists under SOC Code 2252.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Optometrists, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Optometrists under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Optometrists. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Optometrists applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Optometrists’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Optometrists can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Optometrists

Before the Optometrists begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Optometrists’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Optometrists holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Optometrists’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Optometrists’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Optometristss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Optometrists

Sponsoring Optometrists under SOC Code 2252 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Optometrists, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Optometrists under SOC Code 2252 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.