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The profession
of ophthalmic dispensing is over 250 years old.
As in the past the supply of spectacles and other
visual aids is important to a modern society.
Of prime concern to every qualified Dispensing
Optician is the visual comfort of the patient.
 A
prescription issued by an ophthalmic medical practitioner
or ophthalmic optician (optometrist) following
an eye examination states the measure of the degree
of error in the patient's sight. The Dispensing
Optician's skill and expertise lies in the interpretation
of this prescription. From it he is able to supply
an accurate aid to the patient's vision, either
spectacles, contact lenses or other appliances.
The work of the Dispensing Optician involves prescription
analysis advice on lens types, advice on styling
of frames, and taking frame and facial measurements
and measurements in relation to lenses. Before
any finished spectacles are deemed acceptable
for a patient, they must be checked to ensure
they correspond to the prescription and final
ordered specifications and are suitable for the
conditions in which they will be used. After the
patient has received the new spectacles and been
instructed how to get best results from them,
the Dispensing Optician is always available to
offer advice and affect adjustments and repairs
if necessary.
The supply and fitting of contact lenses involve
different processes to fitting spectacles, and
after completion of the standard course, advanced
courses are run for those wishing to specialise
in the subject.
Dispensing Optics offer immense job satisfaction
to persons who enjoy dealing with the public.
Salaries can be expected to be on par with other
professions.
Qualifications needed
Five General Certificates of Secondary Education
passes (grades A,B or C) equivalent, which must
include English Literature or English Language,
Mathematics or Physics and a science based subject,
plus two other subjects.
For applicants who can provide evidence that they
have a minimum of ten years' optical experience
the entry standard may be waived.
Whilst the above is basic entry standard most
colleges/university's will require higher entry
qualifications.
You are strongly advised to contact the college/university
of your choice to establish their entry qualifications.
Both the General Certificate of Education at O'Level
(grades A, B or C) and Certificate of Secondary
Education (grade 1 only) are accepted in lieu
of a full pass.
Types of Training
There are two ways to train as a Dispensing Optician
in the U.K.
- To take a three year distance learning course
run by the Association of British Dispensing
Opticians, the student being employed by a qualified
optician for the duration of the course. Practical
experience is gained from the employment whilst
theoretical knowledge is acquired through the
distance learning course, which includes compulsory
block release attendance for two-week periods
at one of the colleges. Again the pre-registration
year is counted as part of the course.
- To attend a two year full-time course at a
technical college. This is followed by one year's
work, the 'pre-registration' year, under the
supervision of a qualified optician.
Completion of the appropriate course, pre-registration
year and successful results in the Association's
examinations lead to the issue of a Fellowship
Diploma and registration with the General Optical
Council.
After successful completion of the basic course,
advanced courses in Contact Lens Dispensing, Spectacle
Lens Design and 'The Management and Practice of
Low Visual Acuity' may be taken. Further details
of these are available from:
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians,
6 Hurlingham Business Park, Sulivan Road,
London SW6 3DU.
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