How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
To qualify as a dispensing optician, you must complete a degree course approved by the General Optical Council.
You'll also need to pass the professional qualifying exams by 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
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to apply for a place on a Dispensing Optician Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, with a commercial optician.
This can take 3 years to complete. It's equivalent to degree level and leads to a professional qualification.
Entry requirements
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
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Work
If you're working in an optician practice, as an assistant or optical technician, you may be able to do training on the job through an apprenticeship or part-time degree course. You'll need the support of your employer to do this.
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Registration
- you'll need to be registered with the General Optical Council
Career tips
You might find it helpful to get some experience in an optician before you apply to study. You can see how to find work experience from the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) for professional development and training opportunities.
Further information
You can learn more about a career as a dispensing optician from the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) and the General Optical Council.