Dispensing optician

Dispensing opticians supply, fit and sell glasses and contact lenses to a prescription given by an optometrist (ophthalmic optician). They give advice to clients on the best type of glasses to suit their needs. Dispensing opticians do not do eye tests.

Work activities

Dispensing opticians supply and fit spectacles according to a prescription given by an optometrist (ophthalmic optician). They measure the client’s face and features precisely, to place the lenses at the right angle and make sure the spectacle frame is comfortable and stable. The dispensing optician has to check to make sure the spectacles match the prescription and will be appropriate to the client’s lifestyle, including their job and sporting hobbies. If they spot any sign of injury, abnormality or disease of the eye, dispensing opticians refer the client to a doctor or optometrist for further attention. Dispensing opticians also give clients advice on the style and fashion of frames, and type of lens. While taking measurements, the dispensing optician prepares instructions for the technicians who make the glasses. Dispensing opticians give clients advice on getting the best results from their spectacles. Once the client has received their spectacles, the dispensing optician continues to give advice and makes any adjustments or repairs if needed. Dispensing opticians give advice and dispense optical aids to people who are partially sighted. With extra training, they can specialise in supplying and fitting contact lenses.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a dispensing optician, you’ll need:

• To enjoy working with people.
• Patience and tact.
• The ability to explain things clearly.
• A careful, methodical approach and attention to detail.
• Number skills to understand and take measurements.
• Practical hand skills to make adjustments and do some repair work.

An interest in fashion and the style of glasses is an advantage. If you work in a high street optician’s shop, you’ll need to like sales work. Computer skills are an advantage, for example, to update customers’ records.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Dispensing opticians earn in the range of £20,000 to £40,000 a year.

Dispensing opticians usually work a 42-44-hour week. They might need to work on Saturdays and have some late finishes.

Employers include high street opticians, hospital eye clinics, frame and lens manufacturers, and ophthalmic instrument manufacturers and suppliers. Dispensing opticians can also work as sales representatives for ophthalmic suppliers. Opportunities for dispensing opticians occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

There are opportunities for dispensing opticians to become self-employed in their own practice or as a locum in a number of practices.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers and on job boards. They are also advertised on the website of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians.

Entry routes and training

To become a dispensing optician, you must complete a course approved by the General Optical Council. There are three options:

• Two-year full-time diploma, followed by working under supervision for one year.
• Day release training course alongside work (three years).
• Distance learning course with on-the-job training (three years).
• Level 6 (higher) apprenticeship in the role of dispensing optician.

After extra training, you could specialise in fitting contact lenses. You could move into a management position. With experience, you could become self-employed in your own practice, as a locum or in partnership with other dispensing opticians and optometrists.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act: This career is usually an exception to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to.

Qualifications

You will typically need at least one relevant A-level/equivalent, including at least one in a science subject. To complete the higher apprenticeship programme, you will need at least two A-levels.

You’ll also need GCSEs in maths and English, and potentially other subjects as well.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed for entry to a degree in ophthalmic dispensing, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, such as Access to Science. You don’t usually need any qualifications to start an Access course but you should check this with the course provider. The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has its own Access Courses, available through distance learning, for people who don’t have the minimum entry requirements for enrolment onto one of the dispensing courses.

Related careers

• Dental technician
• Optometrist
• Orthoptist