Ophthalmic Dispensing - Level 6 Diploma

This course offers the exciting opportunity to gain a Level 5 diploma alongside your job, attending just one day per week. The day release model provides you with all the knowledge and skills required to become a General Optical Council (GOC) registered Dispensing Optician.

As a Dispensing Optician, you will form an integral part of the optical team working with other optical professionals to provide excellent primary eye care. Your responsibilities include interpreting ophthalmic prescriptions, taking facial measurement, advising patients on frame and lens choices, spectacle repair and patient after care. You will often be the point of contact for patients and will need to be able to advise them on how to best use their spectacles.

The course follows the syllabus of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) and you will be assessed in college and in your workplace during the course. Following successful completion of the association’s exams student can register with the General Optical Council as a Dispensing Optician at Level 5.

You will develop the theoretical knowledge, practical skills and professional standards necessary to become a Dispensing Optician in your practice. Your knowledge of the prescription of ophthalmic lenses and the dispensing of ophthalmic frames will be advanced during the course.

The course will cover the following topics:

• Theory of Geometrical Optics 
• Theory of Ophthalmic Lenses
• Theory and Practice of Ophthalmic Dispensing
• Professional Conduct and Communications
• Assessment and Management of Refractive Errors
• Low Vision
• Ocular Anatomy
• Basic Principles of Contact Lens Wear

You will attend college 1 day per week for direct tutoring and complete at least 10 hours per week of independent studies per week to supplement your learning.

You will need:

• To be employed in an optical practice, and have an work-based supervisor*
• Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above (or A*-C), including Maths, English Language and Science

Applicants without the necessary qualification but who have a significant amount of experience (10 years) will be interviewed to determine suitability for the course.

* A work-based supervisor must be a registered Dispensing Optician, Contact Lens Optician or Optometrist, qualified for a minimum of 2 years.

The theoretical components of the course will be assessed at two points in the year, December and May. The practical skills developed will be assessed at assessment point throughout the academic year.

Upon completion of the course, professional practical summative assessments are conducted by ABDO in Birmingham (further information will be available at interview).

Tuition Fees

£3,500 per year

Please note that this course is not eligible for funding by a Student Finance England Loan or an Advanced Learner Loan.

Additional Costs

In addition to the annual tuition fees, there may be additional costs associated with your programme including:

• Ad hoc day trips/excursions e.g. visits to employers or exhibitions. Students may incur additional travel costs and on some occasions, entrance fees

Successful completion of all theory and practical elements of the course will enable you to apply for GOC register as a qualified Dispensing Optician. Additional courses are available to specialise in low vision, therapeutic dispensing and glazing. You could also progress onto further Higher Education programmes.