Are you interested in healthcare, science or fashion trends? Helping people achieve their potential at work or in education? Working with children or vulnerable people? There’s a great career on offer in dispensing optics.
This field gives you the chance to qualify as a registered health professional, with a degree or diploma. You’ll develop skills in fitting and supplying spectacles that take account of your patients’ needs and lifestyle.
Did you know that all registered dispensing opticians (DOs) have a minimum of three years academic and practical training? Only DOs registered with the General Optical Council (GOC) can practise in the UK, or use the protected title “dispensing optician”.
Specialist skills
Their specialist skills include giving professional advice on:
- lenses for education, work and leisure
- lenses for driving day and night
- UV protection
- prescription sunglasses
- spectacles for reading or sports
- safety eyewear
Children’s spectacles must be dispensed by, or under the supervision of, DOs or optometrists registered with the GOC.
People with low vision (visual impairment) should also only get spectacles and low vision aids from, or under the supervision of, DOs or optometrists registered with the GOC.
You’ll need to keep up with the latest trends in designer frames, perhaps attending trade shows.
Some DOs go on to gain extra qualifications to supply and fit contact lenses.
What do you get from this role?
There are many routes to develop your career. You can earn while you learn with an apprenticeship, study via distance learning or day release, or go to university. Once qualified, some DOs enjoy working in high street practices. Others work in hospitals, or go into roles in the lens manufacturing industry.
The job can offer a range of different working patterns, giving you flexibility. You get to engage with people, making a difference to their lives by providing eyewear, eyecare and advice. If you want to progress you can go into management or take further training to become a contact lens optician or an optometrist.
What do you need to apply?
You need 5 GCSEs grades 4-9 (or A-C). These must include English, Maths and Science. If you have five years or more experience in optical practice you can apply with just English and Maths GCSE grade 4 to 9. Access courses are available for those without the right qualifications.
What skills do you need?
You will be happy to talk to people and offer advice when they want to book an appointment or choose frames. You have to be interested in dealing with technical data when choosing the best lenses for each individual. You will need good manual skills for spectacle fitting and adjustments. You will be focused on people and quality.
What’s the typical working day?
You will spend the day talking to people, helping them choose frames and lenses and advising on the best eyewear for their lifestyle. You will need to liaise with the optometrist who carries out the eye tests. Some DOs also are involved in management roles.
You could be responsible for:
- opening and closing the practice
- managing teams
- training employees
- ordering stock
- dealing with finances
- marketing
- patient education
Find out more – read about a day in the life of DO Scott
How do you train?
You can become a DO while you work – earn while you learn. You can complete a BSc at university full time, or via a three-year distance learning course, including a four-week residential block. Or there’s a three-year, day release course. There is also the option to take a two-year, full-time diploma course, followed by one year working under supervision.
Level 6 apprenticeships, equivalent to a degree, were launched last year. The next group of learners will begin these courses in September. The three-year schemes are a great way to develop your career while gaining professional qualifications, leading to a diploma in ophthalmic dispensing.
Find out more