Dispensing Optician
What is the work like?
As a dispensing optician, you would make up prescriptions created by optometrists (ophthalmic opticians) and ophthalmologists (eye surgeons). You could also fit and supply spectacles, contact lenses and other optical appliances.
Your duties would usually include:
- using apparatus to measure clients for optical aids
- calculating distances and angles in relation to types of lens and client measurements
- providing advice and information on lens options, such as single vision or bifocal
- advising people on the style, weight and colour of frames
- fitting, adjusting and repairing frames.
It would not be your role to examine eyes.
You would be based in a retail setting, so marketing and selling would form an important part of your work. With further training, your duties could also include showing customers how to use and care for contact lenses.
You could work in partnership with an ophthalmic optician, which would typically involve managing the business.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will need to be registered with the General Optical Council (GOC) before you can work as a dispensing optician. To get on to the register you need to complete a course approved by the GOC, and pass the Professional Qualifying Examinations from the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).
The GOC have approved four routes, which means you can qualify by taking one of the following:
- a two-year full-time diploma course, followed by one salaried year, working under supervision
- a three-year day release course, if you are in suitable employment
- a three-year distance learning course (including a four-week residential block) offered by the ABDO, if you are in suitable employment
- a foundation degree, for example in Ophthalmic Dispensing and Management, Optical Management, or Dispensing Optics.
Whichever route you take, you will have a final exam with the ABDO.
To get on to a course, you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) including English, maths and science. For some courses you may also need two or three A levels, including biology, physics or maths, depending on your experience. Check with course providers for exact entry details because alternative qualifications may also be accepted. The GOC website has a list of approved institutions.
As a student you must join the student register of the GOC before you carry out any clinical work.
If you qualified in another area of the EU or EEA and wish to work in the UK, you need to check with the GOC that your qualifications meet UK requirements. If your qualifications are accepted, you would then need to contact the ABDO for details of their Professional Qualifying Examination.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working and qualified as a dispensing optician, you can do a range of post-registration diploma courses or specialised training programmes.
You also need to renew your registration with the GOC every three years. When you reapply for registration, you will need to show the GOC that you have maintained and developed your skills and knowledge. The ABDO has details of continuing education and training opportunities that may help you meet the needs of the GOC.
Where can I go for more information?
Godmersham ParkGodmersham
Kent
CT4 7DT
Tel: 01227 738 829
London
W1G 8DJ
Tel: 020 7580 3898
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Unqualified, trainee optical assistants/dispensers may earn around £12,000 to £16,000 a year.
- With qualifications and experience, this can rise to between £18,000 and £25,000.
- Specialists and managers may earn around £28,000 to £35,000.
Self-employed dispensing opticians may earn a salary much higher than this.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work five days a week, including Saturdays. Part-time hours are also often available.
You would be based in a shop or retail setting.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to deal with scientific and mathematical information
- accuracy and attention to detail
- practical skills with the ability to handle ophthalmic instruments
- good communication skills
- patience and a pleasant and approachable manner
- the ability to deal with people confidently and sympathetically
- good business skills, especially when working in private practice
- a good eye for colour and an understanding of style and fashion for selling spectacles.
What opportunities are there?
There are around 4,000 registered dispensing opticians in the UK. You are most likely to find jobs in private practice, but you could also work in hospitals, in teaching, as a consultant to a lens manufacturer, or as a representative selling ophthalmological instruments.
Your career prospects will vary depending on the sector you work in and the size of the business. With experience, you could progress to an assistant manager post or become self-employed and run your own business, possibly working in partnership with optometrists.
Many countries recognise registration with the General Optical Council, so working overseas could also be an option.
You will often find jobs advertised in the local and national press, on websites such as Optician and in specialist press like Optometry Today.
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