Dispensing Optician Registerable Award
Train to become a registered dispensing optician. Study while you work, with our General Optical Council accredited degree.
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.
Course options
Key facts
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.
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Careers
Our BSc (Hons) Dispensing Optician course is specially designed for eye care professionals who will be registered with the General Optical Council (GOC) ) through the duration of their study 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. ARU students have gone on to work for companies such as Specsavers, Vision Express and many independent opticians.
We also encourage students to do CPD modules as although they don’t count towards your degree, they are bonus certified modules.
It can also prepare you for further study. You may be able to progress onto our MOptom Optometry degree.
Employability and personal career development
ARU ranked in the top 10% in the country for graduates in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024), and 5th in the country for the proportion of UK undergraduates who are employed as managers, directors, or senior officials 15 months after graduating. We're also in the top 10% in the country for the number of graduates in employment and further study who agreed they are using what they learnt during their studies.
Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Ruskin Modules in your second year.
To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.
Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.
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