Bachelor of Science in Ophthalmic Dispensing
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Course Description
Dispensing Opticians are eye care professionals who are trained to interpret prescriptions issued by optometrists or ophthalmologists and to dispense spectacles and other optical aids. They advise patients on the most appropriate spectacle frames, lenses or other optical aids based on their individual needs taking into account the prescription, occupation and lifestyle of the patient. They are trained to take the measurements required for the fitting of such optical appliances. Dispensing Opticians also check spectacles and other appliances to ensure they match the patient’s specification and meet the required standards. They advise patients on how to get the best from their eyewear and play an important role in aftercare and the maintenance of such appliances.
Dispensing opticians play a vital role in providing the best low vision aid for partially sighted patients and the best fitting frame and lens design for children. They are also trained to advise on sports and protective eyewear. Subsequent to further qualification, they may fit contact lenses. Dispensing opticians are often involved in optical practice management.
A career as a dispensing optician is extremely rewarding. It offers great variety and will deliver a high degree of job satisfaction to those attracted to a career in an allied healthcare setting, who have an interest in maths and science, relish problem solving and enjoy interacting with the public.
All Optometry and Ophthalmic Dispensing undergraduates are required to insert drops, contact lenses and probes (with ocular anaesthetic) into fellow students’ eyes and allow fellow students to insert the same into their eyes during the course of their course. All procedures will be carried out in a safe, clean, clinical environment under the supervision of an optometry faculty member.
Contact hours:
This is a fulltime course. Students should expect to be on campus up to 5 days per week. The average number of contact hours per week is approximately 24.
Professional Accreditation:
The profession of ophthalmic dispensing is regulated in Ireland under CORU (the Health and Social Care Professional’s Council). This course is approved by CORU.
Irish Dispensing Opticians practice at category 1 on the World Council of Optometry Global Competency-based Model of Scope of Practice. They can work in the UK and Australia. To work in the USA or Canada, you may be required to undertake a national certification test and/or an adaption period of state-registered apprenticeship.
Work Placement:
You will spend all of third year on placement.
Program Outline
Modules
This course is 3 years in duration. The first two years of the course are delivered in the laboratories and lecture theatres on campus. The third year of the course is a structured work placement. The first year focuses on the relevant science and maths necessary for your training. The second year’s practical and theoretical work is more tailored towards the specific skills and knowledge required of a Dispensing Optician. You will learn about spectacles lens and frame, design and manufacture. You will also learn how to take frame and facial measurements, how to interpret prescriptions and carry out a detailed task analysis to ensure patients receive the most appropriate optical aid. Students are also introduced to the fundamentals of optical practice management. Your work placement in year three allows you to learn how to apply your knowledge and skills in a practice setting.
The entire of the third year is spent on placement covering the modules:
Dispensing Optician. Most newly qualified dispensing opticians enter practice as employees of other dispensing opticians/optometrists, but you can also own and operate your own business.
Graduate Job Titles:
This is a relatively new but unique course in Ireland with our first graduates graduating in 2018. However, there are currently almost 200 dispensing opticians working in Ireland who have gained their qualifications abroad. Dispensing opticians are in high demand so job prospects are excellent. Most dispensing opticians work in private practice, often in a management capacity. However, there is a diverse range of employment opportunities. Dispensing opticians often set up their own practices or enter joint ventures with large multiples. At present in Ireland, dispensing opticians are also employed with spectacle lens manufacturers, frame manufacturers, glazing houses, hospital eye departments, practice management software providers and as college lecturers.
Graduate Employers:
Starting salaries for newly qualified dispensing opticians (as at January 2020) are as high as €35k per annum in the Republic of Ireland.
Because the class is small you make friends very quickly, but you still have the benefits of a large class too because we spend so much time with the optometry students. Right from the start we are learning and practising skills that are directly applicable to the job of dispensing and even getting a weekend or summer job is fairly easy because there is such a shortage of dispensing opticians out there. The course wasn’t my first choice but I’m so glad that I ended up on it.