STEM

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship

University

To qualify as a dispensing optician, you can do a course approved by the General Optical Council. There are 3 different types of course to choose from.

You can do a:

• full-time diploma which takes 2 years followed by working under supervision for a year
• day release training course combined with working which takes 3 years
• distance learning course which includes on the job training and takes 3 years

You'll also need to pass the professional qualifying examinations from the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, including a science

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for a place on a Dispensing Optician Level 6 Apprenticeship, with an opticians company.

This can take 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• Student register
• If you're a student, you'll need to register as a student with the General Optical Council before you do any clinical work.
• Working in the UK
• If you qualified outside of the UK, you need to check with the General Optical Council that your qualifications meet UK requirements.
• If your qualifications are accepted, you would then need to contact the Association of British Dispensing Opticians to find out about the professional qualifying examinations.
• pass enhanced background checks

More information

Career tips

You might find it helpful to get some work experience before you apply to study.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Association of British Dispensing Opticians for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about working as a dispensing optician from the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and the General Optical Council.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience you could:become self employed and run your own business; become a dispensing optician supervisor; work as a consultant to a lens manufacturer or as a sales representative selling equipment; work in a hospital or teach at a university; do further training and qualify to become an optometrist

Opportunities are available with employers such as Specsavers