A Career as a Dispensing Optician by James Russell FBDO
The work of a dispensing optician, when looked up in a dictionary can be defined as 'someone who fits and adopts spectacles and contact lenses on the basis of a prescription by an ophthalmologist or optometrist'.
This definition of the profession falls very far short of describing the importance of the many and varied tasks a dispensing optician will undertake in the course of their working day.
At the time of a sight test an optometrist will issue a prescription consisting of a series of numbers indicating the power of lenses needed for a patient's best vision.
It is the dispensing optician's task to turn these numbers into a pair of spectacles that will give good vision, look good, are comfortable to wear and ensure the safety of the eye, whatever environment the patient finds themselves in.
To do this well the dispensing optician must have a detailed knowledge of optics, the physics of light, the anatomy and physiology of the eye, spectacle frame materials and be able to advise on the most appropriate lens type from the huge range of modern spectacle lenses now available.
To achieve the best result for the patient means ascertaining their visual needs in the workplace, their homes and any sports or hobbies they may have. This means that communication and people handling skills are as vital as an extensive knowledge of the latest spectacle frames and lenses.
On qualification a dispensing optician will have many routes open to further their skills and career. These include; retail management, contact lens practice, low visual aid fitting and spectacle manufacture. All these, and a dispensing degree course are available through the Association of British Dispensing Opticians.
To qualify and register as a dispensing with the General Optical Council involves a two-year full time course followed by a pre-registration year or by a very popular distance learning course run by this association, also taking a total of three years to registration. A few colleges offer a three-year day release option.
Qualification in all cases is dependent on examinations that test the student's theoretical and practical knowledge.
If YOU enjoy working with people, this is a varied and rewarding job with many opportunities for furthering a career in optics management, theoretical and practical studies after qualification.
The requirements for entrance onto the Association's dispensing course are five GCSE's grades A -C (or equivalent), three of which must be mathematics, English and a science subject.
Access courses for students who do not hold the required number of GCSE passes are available from the Association, but it is not recommended that more than two such courses be undertaken at the same time.
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A Career as a Dispensing Optician by James Russell FBDO