Dispensing Optician Registerable Award
Train to become a registered dispensing optician. Study while you work, with our General Optical Council accredited degree.
in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.
Source: GOS 2025
Dispensing opticians have a vital role to play in community eye care. Our degree course will give you an in-depth knowledge of ophthalmic lenses, and train you to offer specialist advice in the selection and fitting of spectacles.
As this is a blended learning course, you can continue to work while you study. You'll also join us in Cambridge four times a year for seminars, lectures and practical workshops.
When you graduate, you’ll be ready to work as a dispensing optician.
Our course is accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC). When you successfully complete your studies, you’ll be able to register with the GOC as a Dispensing Optician with no further exams to take.
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Study on a course developed with representatives from Specsavers, Boots Opticians, Hakim Group and independent businesses
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Learn in the workplace and develop your skills in the optical sector
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Attend four residential placements per year
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Take part in seminars, lectures and practical workshops facilitated by experienced dispensing opticians
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
It really helped me develop, not only as a professional but as a person... it was a massive stepping stone in building a career for myself in optics.
Our BSc (Hons) Dispensing Optician course is specially designed for eye care professionals.
You’ll be registered with the General Optical Council throughout your studies and beyond.
As an accredited course, it will equip you with the skills you need to work in an optometric practice as a Registered Dispensing Optician. It can also prepare you for further study.
We also encourage you to complete CPD modules. While these don’t count towards your degree, they are recognised as bonus certified modules.
Teaching and modules
You will learn the theory behind how spectacle lenses work to manipulate the path of light entering the eye. This will lead you towards being confident with evidence-based practice.
Our BSc (Hons) Dispensing Optician course is specially designed for eye care professionals.
You’ll be registered with the General Optical Council throughout your studies and beyond.
As an accredited course, it will equip you with the skills you need to work in an optometric practice as a Registered Dispensing Optician. It can also prepare you for further study.
We also encourage you to complete CPD modules. While these don’t count towards your degree, they are recognised as bonus certified modules.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Introduction to Geometrical Optics and Ophthalmic Lenses (30 credits)
- Refractive Management part 1 (15 credits)
- Academic Techniques for Standards of Practice (30 credits)
- Ophthalmic Practice 1 (30 credits)
- Human and Ocular Anatomy (15 credits)
- Into ARU
- Ophthalmic Lenses 2 (30 credits)
- Refractive Management part 2 (15 credits)
- Ruskin Module: How can Professionalism Promote Patient Safety? (15 credits)
- Ophthalmic Practice 2 (30 credits)
- Low Vision Assessment and Management (15 credits)
- Ocular Pathology (15 credits)
- Ophthalmic Lenses 3 (15 credits)
- Contact Lenses (15 credits)
- Principles of Practice Management (30 credits)
- Ophthalmic Practice 3 (30 credits)
- Professional Registration (30 credits)
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Rachel AverySenior Lecturer Practitioner in Ophthalmic Dispensing
Facilities
In Cambridge, where you’ll join us for residential study sessions, our facilities include:
- Ophthalmic Dispensing teaching labs
- Optometry teaching labs
- specialist facilities in contact lenses, low vision and visual stress
- industry-standard equipment
- the University Eye Clinic, a working clinic that’s open to the public.
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Achieve your goals with guidance from our expert staff.
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You will have access to the latest optometrical equipment in our labs.
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Improve your skills alongside your fellow students.
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Join sessions from the Guide Dogs charity to learn best practices for assisting patients with visual impairments, so you can provide a more inclusive and supportive eye care experience.
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Visit sites such as the Rodenstock spectacle lens manufacturing facility in Dartford, where you'll explore the latest technology and processes.
