Dispensing optician
A dispensing optician is trained to dispense and fit spectacles and other optical aids, working from the prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists.
Dispensing opticians advise patients on various types of lenses and spectacle frames, including advice on style, weight and colour. They also advise patients on how to wear and care for their spectacles and, with further training, their contact lenses.
The majority of dispensing opticians work in high street outlets for large, multiple-chain optician stores or for independent practices. The role requires extensive use of technical expertise and good customer service skills. Selling is also an important part of the job.
Typical work activities may include:
Dispensing opticians who choose to take on additional store management responsibilities may also undertake the following activities:
For entry to a dispensing optician course, a minimum of five GCSE passes (grades A to C) or the equivalent are normally required, including English literature or English language, maths and a science-based subject.
If applicants can provide evidence that they have a minimum of ten years' optical experience, the entry standard may be waived. In addition, the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has developed a series of access courses in English, general science, human biology, mathematics and optics for students who do not have the required GCSEs or for those who have been out of education for some time.
To qualify as a dispensing optician you must complete and pass a three-year course of studying dispensing optics at a training institution approved by the General Optical Council (GOC) .
There are three modes of study to choose from:
You can study at six GOC-approved training establishments:
Trainees must pass all parts of the professional qualifying examinations, which are run by ABDO in conjunction with the training establishments, and then register with the General Optical Council (GOC) .
In addition to the academic qualifications, candidates need to show evidence of the following skills and qualities:
The market is competitive, but prospects are good, particularly if individuals are willing to relocate and take on additional management responsibilities.
Relevant pre-entry experience is desirable as many individuals who enter the profession already have experience working in an optical environment through holding relevant positions such as optical assistants, receptionists or sales assistants.
It is therefore advisable to gain some relevant experience. Sending speculative applications to independent practices or large multiple chains can be a good way to find out about work experience opportunities. To apply speculatively, you should send your CV together with a covering letter to organisations you are interested in.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
For financial reasons, many graduates wanting to pursue the profession prefer to enter employment and undertake part-time study rather than enrolling in a full-time course. Securing work as a trainee dispensing optician is therefore an ideal option - allowing individuals to study on a part-time and/or distance learning basis while working.
Most employers are willing to cover the cost of study and examination fees, although in a few cases, students are expected to pay their own fees. It is important to check exactly what an employer is willing to contribute before starting training. Sponsorship for full-time courses is rare, and most full-time students take out student loans.
Successful completion of the course, the pre-registration year and the qualifying Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) examinations leads to registration with the General Optical Council (GOC) . Registration must be renewed annually for as long as individuals wish to practise in the UK.
Continuing education and training (CET) is now a statutory requirement for continued registration with the GOC. The CET scheme exists to ensure registrants maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills. This is done through gaining CET points through participation in a number of activities including attending conferences, completing assessments or completing distance learning modules.
Once a dispensing optician has qualified and gained some professional experience, many go on to take further professional training in order to specialise in a particular area or add to their portfolio of skills. The most well-known advanced course is the Contact Lens Certificate, which qualifies dispensing opticians in the supply and fitting of contact lenses.
Another possible specialist area is the supply of low-vision aids, though this expertise is likely to be more useful in a hospital setting than in a high street outlet. Additional courses are available through ABDO, who are hoping to introduce more specialist subjects in the future.
After qualifying, a large number of dispensing opticians choose to take on additional practice management responsibilities. As responsibility for practice direction and overall business management is usually taken on alongside the dispensing optician role, the stress and pressure of long hours has to be balanced against the increased financial rewards. Opportunities to move up the management ladder are most often found in high street multiple chains or independent practices.
It is also possible for qualified dispensing opticians to take on a supervisory role - supervising trainee dispensing opticians. This can be a time-consuming yet rewarding role which often has to fit in around the routine dispensing optician role and management responsibilities.
After gaining some years’ experience, a large number of qualified dispensing opticians enter self-employment or partnership, running their own practice or a franchise business. However, it is important to be aware that increasing competition from the large multiple chains has made running an independent practice much more challenging. This has resulted in a decrease in the number of dispensing opticians setting up in private practice and more opting to take on a franchise with one of the major chains.
The majority of dispensing opticians are employed by the large multiple chains or independent practices. There are also a large number of dispensing opticians who are self-employed or in partnerships.
A small number of dispensing opticians work in hospitals where they are more likely to specialise (e.g. low-vision aids).
A few dispensing opticians are employed in prescription houses or work for manufacturers of frames, lenses and other vision aids.
There are also a limited number of opportunities to teach as optical course lecturers with further and higher education institutions offering training courses for opticians.
There are currently around 4,000 registered dispensing opticians in the UK.
There are also numerous recruitment agencies, details of which can be found in the press periodicals.
Most large employers advertise vacancies on their own websites. Speculative applications to independent practices or large multiple chains are also a recognised way to find out about opportunities. To apply speculatively, you should send your CV together with a covering letter to organisations you are interested in, explaining your reasons for choosing this career and highlighting your suitability.
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