Course overview

Our course is designed specifically for individuals wishing to pursue a career as dispensing opticians. Dispensing opticians are specialists who apply the prescriptions of optometrists, employing their skills and knowledge to deliver the best solution to meet patients' requirements.

This degree has three main aims: to prepare you for employment in an optometric or ophthalmic dispensing practice; to prepare you for further study required to become an optometrist, a contact lens optician or an orthoptist, and to prepare you for the external examinations and registration with the General Optical Council.

In order to meet the accreditation requirements of the General Optical Council, all modules will be compulsory.

The scope of this course calls for a variety of teaching methods, including formal lectures and tutorials, practical sessions, seminars and workshops, and the real patient experiences.

When you graduate you will be able to: demonstrate an understanding of the causes of low vision; advise on and dispense appropriate spectacle frame types and lens forms to fulfil patients' prescriptions; communicate with patients, taking accurate history of their ophthalmic problems and dealing effectively with their concerns; demonstrate the ability to manage a patient's care in a safe, ethical and confidential manner.

Module guide

Assessment

Assessment is via a mix of practical and written examinations, MCQ examinations, assignments, logbooks, lab reports, formal reports and class-based tests.

Links with industry and professional recognition

Graduates will be exempt from the theory aspects of the final Professional Qualification Examinations of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians.

Associated careers

This degree is designed specifically for individuals wishing to pursue a career in professional practice within the field of optometry. You will be able to practise as a dispensing optician or dispensing manager after one year's supervised practice.

UCAS Tariff points:	200
Additional Requirements:	Preferred subject(s): GCE A-level Any Science subject Non-Academic Conditions: CRB Checks required GCSE(s) Required: English grade C, Mathematics grade C, Science grade C, plus 2 others at grade C

Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

Please note AS levels are acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

• International students
• EU students
• English language requirements