Blended Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing

Program Overview

The Blended Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing is a part-time, Level 6 course designed for aspiring Dispensing Opticians already working in optical practices. Blended learning includes asynchronous digital activities, evening seminars, and face-to-face learning, culminating in a block release at the end of each year. Upon successful completion, graduates can become GOC-Registered Dispensing Opticians and pursue various career paths within the field or progress to further studies.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Blended Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing is a part-time, Level 6 Higher Education course designed for individuals currently working in optical practices who aim to become fully qualified and registered Dispensing Opticians. The program blends asynchronous digital activities, evening seminars, and face-to-face learning to accommodate diverse schedules. A block release of up to four consecutive days at Bradford College occurs at the end of each academic year. The course equips students with the skills to achieve Fellowship of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) and become a General Optical Council (GOC) Registered Dispensing Optician. Successful completion, along with practical PQE and FQE examinations, leads to the GOC-approved ABDO Level 6 Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing and the use of the suffix ‘FBDO.’ The program boasts a staff team with nearly 80 years of combined academic experience, all qualified Dispensing Opticians and some serving as ABDO external examiners. Annual visits from ABDO and GOC representatives provide students with registration and membership information; student registration with both GOC and ABDO is required.

Outline:

The three-year program is structured as follows:

Year 1:

• Theory of General Optics
• Practitioner Development – Wellbeing and Reflection
• Patient Centred Care
• Theory of Ophthalmic Lenses
• Ophthalmic Dispensing Practice

Year 2:

• Ocular Anatomy
• Standards of Practice
• Practitioner Development part 2 – Leadership and Management
• Ocular Pathology
• Theory of Ophthalmic and Paediatric Dispensing
• The Assessment of Refractive Errors

Year 3:

• The Assessment and Management of Refractive Errors
• The Assessment and Management of Visual Impairment
• The principles of Contact Lens Wear
• Advanced Theory of Ophthalmic Lenses
• Advanced Ophthalmic Dispensing Practice
• Practitioner Development part 3 – Research Project

Assessment:

Modules are assessed through a variety of methods, including practical reports, written coursework, presentations, and written and verbal examinations. Assessed grades undergo external moderation.

Teaching:

Teaching and learning methods include small group discussions, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, group work, self-directed learning, independent and group projects, lectures, VLE-based exercises, presentations, and workshops. The course benefits from industry links, with regular visits from lecturers representing Hoya UK Ltd, Stepper UK Ltd, Coral Eyewear, Rodenstock, and Alcon.

Careers:

Upon successful completion, graduates can pursue roles as Dispensing Opticians in private practices, the NHS, or large organizations; management positions; employment with lens and frame manufacturers; or further studies such as the Contact Lens Certificate or Low Vision Honours course at Bradford College. Potential career paths include Practice Owners/Directors, Practice Managers, Account Managers, and specialists in contact lens fitting and low vision. The program also offers potential progression to Optometry studies.

Other:

The part-time blended diploma requires students to work a minimum of 20 hours per week for a GOC-registered Optician. The program's curriculum is informed by the experience of staff members who are also ABDO external examiners. The course aims to provide students with up-to-date information and skills relevant to the profession.

HE Tuition: £4,500.00 per academic year Other Costs: £30 GOC registration fee per year, £100 ABDO registration fee per year, £20 City Rule, £70 Facial gauge.