The primary function of a dispensing optician is to advise a patient on the most appropriate frame and lens type to suit their prescription, visual needs, image and affordability. Once a suitable frame and lens permutation has been chosen the dispensing optician will take all the appropriate frame and lens measurements to ensure our patients have spectacles that fit comfortably and perform optimally, visually. In our group our senior dispensing opticians also have a management and training role.
Our Dispensing Opticians will adjust your spectacles when you collect them and also periodically to ensure they remain comfortable and they perform as prescribed we also can repair your spectacles and manufacture the lenses for your new glasses.
In our group our dispensing opticians are trained in clinical tasks such as retinal photography, Optical Coherence Tomography Scanning (OCT scanning), visual field examination, tonometry, among other clinical tests. The Dispensing Optician is an integral and important part of our clinical team.
Dispensing Opticians are also trained to recognise the outward signs of certain eye diseases and will refer you to a clinical optometrist or ophthalmologist if they suspect you have such a problem.
What is a Dispensing Optician?
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Dispensing Opticians make up Optometrists’ and Ophthalmologists’ prescriptions. They fit and supply spectacles, contact lenses and other optical appliances. They advise people on types of lens through calculating distances and angles in relation to different types of lens, such as single vision or bifocal. They can also advise on colour vision, lighting and other optical aids.
The majority of Dispensing Opticians will work in the private sector, usually in a private practice environment. However a few Dispensing Opticians will be employed in the public sector in hospitals. A number will also work in private practice but also run one or more clinics per week in the local hospital. Some are further qualified in contact lens fitting. Some dispensing opticians are also involved in providing low vision appliances.
If you require more information on Optometrists or Ophthalmologists please see the Optometrists or Ophthalmologists section of the Eye Care Providers part of the website.
INDUSTRY REQUIREMENTS
There are a few different routes to becoming a Dispensing Optician in the UK
- A degree course in Ophthalmic Dispensing and management, Optical Management or Dispensing Optician.
- A Foundation Degree course in Ophthalmic Dispensing
- Two-year full time diploma course, followed by one year supervised practice.
- A three-year day release course, for those in suitable employment.
- A three-year distance learning course (including an annual four week residential block) for those in employment
- All the above courses must have been recognised by the General Optical Council (GOC).
REGISTRATION WITH A PROFESSIONAL BODY
Dispensing Opticians must be registered with the GOC to practise in the UK. The register can be found on-line at: https://www.optical.org/en/utilities/online-registers.cfm
This registration must be renewed annually for as long as they practise in the UK. Dispensing Opticians trained outside the EEA will be required to undertake a pre-registration year working for a British registered optician at the end of their pre registration year they will have to take an examination for Non EU-EEA qualified Dispensing Opticians. For further information on the GOC. https://www.optical.org/en/utilities/online-registers.cfm
By Law, Children under 16 years of age and Patients with prescriprions stronger than +/- 5.00D must be dispensed by a qualified, registered Dispensing Optician. A Dispensing Optician is entitled to alter a given Prescription to ensure the effective Prescription remains as prescribed based on individual frame fit.
