BSc (Hons) Ophthalmic Dispensing

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.