How to become a dispensing optician
You can get into this job through a university course.
University
To qualify to become a dispensing optician, you'll need to do a course approved by the General Optical Council. There are 3 different types of courses you could choose to do.
You could 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
More Information
More Information
Registration
- you'll need to be registered with the General Optical Council
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.