How to become a dispensing optician
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
University
You'll need to complete a course approved by the General Optical Council, and pass the Professional Qualifying Examinations from the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).
You can qualify by taking:
- a two-year, full-time diploma course, followed by one year working under supervision
- a three-year, day release course if you're in suitable employment
- a three-year distance learning course, including a four-week residential block, offered by the ABDO - you'll need to be in suitable employment
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
It's helpful to get some work experience before applying 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.