BSc (Hons) Ophthalmic Dispensing
BSc (Hons) Ophthalmic Dispensing (awarded by the University of Bolton)
University, Level 6
3 years Full-time
September 2023
Full-time
Advanced Technology Centre
Overview
The full-time Bachelor of Science Degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing is aimed at those who wish to work towards becoming a fully qualified and registered Dispensing Optician whilst achieving a Level 6 qualification. The BSc (Hons) in Ophthalmic Dispensing will provide you with the skills to achieve Fellowship of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and become a General Optical Council Registered Dispensing Optician.
During this course you will study up to Level 6 and receive a BSc (Hons) in Ophthalmic Dispensing on successful completion. In addition to your Bachelor’s degree, successful completion of your final qualifying exams will allow you to use the suffix FBDO (Fellow of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians).
This Programme has full approval by the General Optical Council.
Key Info
The course benefits from almost 80 years of combined academic experience of the staff team. All staff on the Ophthalmic Dispensing programme team are qualified Dispensing Opticians. In addition to this, members of the Ophthalmic Dispensing programme team are employed as ABDO external examiners of both theory and practical examinations and this experience of working with the Professional Body is reflected in the currency of the programme.
Bradford College has excellent links with industry and students on the Bachelor of Science Degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing have benefitted from visiting lecturers on a regular basis. These include:
- Essilor UK Ltd Ophthalmic Lens Manufacturer
- Nikon UK Ltd Ophthalmic Lens Manufacturer
- Hoya UK Ltd Ophthalmic Lens Manufacturer
- Stepper UK Ltd Spectacle Manufacturer
- Alcon Contact Lens manufacturer
Speakers from ABDO and the GOC visit the College annually to provide the students with information about registration and membership. You will need to register with both the GOC and ABDO as a student registrant during the period of your study.
Teaching and learning methods include:
- Small group discussions
- Seminars, tutorials and practical sessions
- Group work
- Self-directed learning
- Independent and group projects
- Lectures
- VLE based exercises
- Presentations
- Workshops
Year 1:
- Practice Related Learning
- Optics
- Communication Skills
- Introduction to Ophthalmic Lenses
- Prescription Analysis
- Practical Ophthalmic Dispensing
- Ocular Anatomy
- Practical Ophthalmic Dispensing
Year 2:
- Professional Practice
- Ocular Pathology
- Ophthalmic Lenses
- Theory of Low Vision and Contact Lenses
- Vocational Ophthalmic Dispensing
- Visual Optics
- Practical Dispensing Skills
Year 3:
- Research Project
- Reflection on Professional Practice
- Ophthalmic Business and Retail
- Management and Leadership for Dispensing Opticians
- Contemporary Dispensing
- Clinical Patient Management
The course is taught over three years, covering three levels from 4-6:
Level 4 is delivered in semester 1 and 2 of year 1
Level 5 is delivered in semester 1 and 2 of year 2
Level 6 is delivered in semester 1 and 2 of year 3
Entry to this course requires 64 UCAS tariff points from 2 A-Levels at grade 4 or C or above including one Science subject. You will need 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or C including GCSE English, Maths and Science.
A satisafactory DBS check is also required.
The College welcomes applications from those who do not meet these criteria but have experience in the subject area.
We also consider individual applicants who can demonstrate relevant learning, work/voluntary experience, using our Recognition of Prior Learning process.
Additional fees include:
- £44 Disclosure and Barring Service check
- £30 GOC registration fee per year
- £100 ABDO registration fee per year
- £20 City Rule
- £70 Facial gauge
In addition to this, there are 2 sets of professional examinations which need to be sat with the Association of British Dispensing Opticians in order for you to practice as a registered Dispensing Optician
Modules will be assessed by a range of methods including practical reports, written course work, presentations, written and verbal examinations. Assessed grades are subject to external moderation.
A range of methods are used to promote student learning including formative assessment, with feedback to students on graded work which provides guidance on improving future performance. Detailed feedback forms, oral feedback on coursework and examinations and advisory tutorials are all used.
A work placement forms an essential part of your course. Students will be offered the opportunity to visit an optical manufacturer to complete Case Record 51 – a compulsory part of their pre-registration period. This is organised by the College where students gain valuable experience in all aspects of lens manufacture and glazing.
Successful completion of the course means that you will be in a position to progress to:
- The role of a Dispensing Optician in a private practice, in the NHS or in a large multiple organisation
- A management position in an organisation
- Employment with lens and frame manufacturers
- You could go on to study the Contact Lens Certificate at Bradford College to train to become a Contact Lens Optician
You could go on to study the Low Vision Honours course at Bradford College to train to become a Low Vision specialist.
Full-time: £9,000 per year. £44 Disclosure and Barring Service Check, £30 GOC registration fee per year, £100 ABDO registration fee per year, £20 City Rule, £70 Facial gauge. In addition to this, there are 2 sets of professional examinations which need to be sat with the Association of British Dispensing Opticians in order for you to practice as a registered Dispensing Optician.
This is representative of the most common fees scenario, but actual fees can vary depending on a number of factors. Please contact us if you need more guidance.
Our Students Say

Disclaimer: Our prospectus, college documents and website are simply here to offer a guide. We accept no liability for any inaccurate statements and are not responsible for any negative outcomes if you rely on an inaccurate statement. We reserve the right to withdraw any programmes or service at any time.