Dispensing Optician
Become a registered* Dispensing Optician through this work-based route.
This degree apprenticeship is designed for those who want to qualify as registered* dispensing opticians and build a career in eye care.
As an apprentice, you’ll work in partnership with your employer. You’ll develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to assess patients’ visual needs and provide the right optical solutions.
Employers, you’ll secure your talent pipeline of registered dispensing opticians that can provide a high level of service to patients, through a cost-effective work-based training solution.
*As of September 2025, we are continuing to work through the GOC’s approval processes. This means that we do not yet have approval under section 12 of the Opticians Act. We will not be able to accept applications to this programme until we have completed stage 3 of the GOC approval process. Apprentices will need to be registered with the General Optical Council during their apprenticeship programme.
Why apprenticeships at ARU?
We’ll help you reap the benefits of talent acquisition through apprenticeships.
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Apprentices register with the General Optical Council (GOC)* on completion.
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Work-based approach applies learning directly to your practice from the get-go.
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Training is supported by access to our specialist facilities.
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Apprentices learn from expert academics and industry professionals.
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Instil your organisation’s business culture and procedures from an early stage.
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Reinvest the levy or part finance through Government funding.
of employers report apprentices make substantial contribution.
Source: ARU degree apprenticeships impact report
We'll help you launch your career as a dispensing optician.
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Register with the General Optical Council (GOC)* on completion.
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Deliver impact at work as you learn.
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Gain a BSc (Hons) degree, with no tuition fees.
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Access specialist labs and facilities on campus.
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Learn from expert academics and industry professionals.
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Open doors to further specialist qualifications in eye care.
gained personal growth and confidence.
Source: ARU degree apprenticeships impact report
Talent development
This degree apprenticeship is right for any optometric practice who wants to invest in employees’ development and secure their talent pipeline of registered* professional dispensing opticians.
Workplaces vary and can include small practices, large multiple practices, manufacturing, or within a person’s home or care facility (domiciliary services). You may wish to create a new role in your organisation to attract fresh talent or develop your existing staff.
Recruitment support for employers
Our dedicated apprenticeship team is on hand to help you attract the best candidates for your organisation. We can help with:
- crafting job advertisements
- promoting your vacancy to our quality candidate mailing lists
- adding your vacancy to the National Apprenticeship Service
- sharing opportunities across our social media channels.
Our consultants can also help you to assess candidates' suitability.
Creating a world-class apprenticeship
See how we helped Cambridge University Press recruit for their brand new degree apprenticeship.
When you complete this course, you'll have a university-level qualification and a minimum of three years’ work experience.
This General Optical Council accredited course* means you can competently and confidently work as a registered dispensing optician at an optometric practice.
You'll also have the academic and professional grounding to pursue further qualifications, such as becoming a contact lens practitioner, low vision practitioner, orthoptist, or optometrist.
*Awaiting accreditation.
Programme content
Your apprentice will study key areas such as how the eye works (anatomy and physiology), optical theory, patient communication, professional standards and regulation, and new and emerging technology in eye care.
By the end of the course, they’ll be able to interpret prescriptions, recommend the best frame and lens combinations, and ensure their professional conduct meets the high standards set by the General Optical Council (GOC).
General Optical Council
As of September 2025, we are continuing to work through the GOC’s approval processes. This means that we do not yet have approval under section 12 of the Opticians Act. We will not be able to accept applications until we have completed stage 3 of the GOC approval process.
Study key areas such as how the eye works (anatomy and physiology), optical theory, patient communication, professional standards and regulation, and new and emerging technology in eye care.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to interpret prescriptions, recommend the best frame and lens combinations, and ensure your professional conduct meets the high standards set by the General Optical Council (GOC).
General Optical Council
As of September 2025, we are continuing to work through the GOC’s approval processes. This means that we do not yet have approval under section 12 of the Opticians Act. We will not be able to accept applications until we have completed stage 3 of the GOC approval process.
Entry requirements
Employers set out the person specifications for the role, but apprentices will need to meet our entry requirements to be accepted onto this course.
- 5 GCSEs grade A-C (4 to 9) including English, Maths and Science at 4/C or above.
- Evidence of Level 3 study or work experience demonstrating skills that are broadly equivalent (A levels, BTEC National Diploma, International Baccalaureate, T levels, etc).
- A completed Initial Needs Assessment Form
- If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
- An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure and registration with the General Optical Council (GOC).
Applicants who do not meet the above requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may require additional assessments and/or an interview.
All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules applicable at the start of the course. If you have any questions about these entry requirements, please contact [email protected]
Other entry requirements
By law, students on a GOC-approved training course in optometry or dispensing optics must be registered with the GOC. Students work with patients and the public throughout their course of study and any patient a student treats needs to be protected in case there is a problem.
Therefore, all apprentices must register with GOC - further information and the link to register on can be found here: Register as a student with the GOC.
Fees and funding
Degree apprenticeships are a smart investment. You can reinvest Levy funds to cover the cost of an apprenticeship or receive funding support from the Government.
If you operate in England and your annual payroll is over £3m, you pay a levy of 0.5% of your payroll into a levy account.
Apprenticeships are paid for by your employer. You won’t pay any tuition fees on this course.
Our team of experts is here to help form your organisation’s apprenticeship offering and guide you through the process.
Speak to your employer about this course and how it could be beneficial for your development.
Our expert consultants can meet with you and your employer to make setting up simple and straightforward.
Finding an apprenticeship role
To start an apprenticeship, you need to be in a suitable role and have the support of your employer.