An optician helps customers with fitting glasses or contact lenses, after obtaining prescriptions from optometrists or ophthalmologists. Also known as a dispensing optician, the optician advises customers on the styles and characteristics of eyewear to best suit their needs. You'll advise patients on various types of spectacle lenses, including different designs and materials to suit the individual patient's visual requirements. This tailored advice will also cover spectacle frames, including style, fit, weight and colour. You'll also advise on how they should wear and care for their spectacles and, with further training as a contact lens optician, prescribe contact lenses and undertake follow-up appointments. 

Taken from Prospects 2024

The main routes to get into this role:

• University- the main route to get into this role are through university. You must gain a relevant degree to attain this career. 

• Apprenticeship- you could look at gaining an apprenticeship in this area. 

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

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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

Apprenticeship Finders

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Interview Help

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/optician-interview-questions

https://www.indeed.com/hire/interview-questions/optician