BSc (Hons) Ophthalmic Dispensing

Year 1:

• Theory of General Optics
• Practitioner Development
• Patient Centred Care
• Theory of Ophthalmic Lenses
• Ophthalmic Dispensing Practice
• Ocular Anatomy
• Prescription Analysis

Year 2:

• Clinical Patient Management
• Standards of Practice
• Management and Leadership
• Ocular Pathology
• Theory of Ophthalmic and Contemporary Dispensing
• Assessment of Refractive Errors
• Advanced Theory of Ophthalmic Lenses

Year 3:

• The Assessment and Management of Refractive Errors
• The Assessment and Management of Visual Impairment and Principles of Contact Lens Wear
• Research Project
• General Optical Council Outcomes
• Advanced Ophthalmic Dispensing Practice
• Ophthalmic Business and Retail

• All applicants must be working in an ophthalmic practice and have a GOC-registered supervisor prior to enrolment.  This is a requirement of ABDO’s ‘Guidance for Trainees’.  
• Typically 64 UCAS points: Two A levels at grade 4 or C or above to include one science subject (Physics, Biology, Chemistry or Mathematics) or equivalent qualification.
• Or 80 UCAS tariff points from a BTEC Extended Diploma – the equivalent of MMP.
• Or 96 UCAS tariff points from an appropriate T-Level – the equivalent of a pass (A*-C). 
• Five GCSEs including Mathematics, English and Science at Grade C/4-5 or above.

Applications from candidates who do not fully meet these criteria but have experience in the subject area are welcomed.  These applicants will follow the Bradford College Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) policy/procedure.

Applications from GOC registrants who have completed their programme of study and wish to progress onto the BSc degree are welcome. Such progression would be considered in line with the College RPL/RPEL policy which is based on the University’s regulations and policy.  Each RPL/RPEL application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Additional criteria: Students must apply for an enhanced DBS certificate prior to attending the course.

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.

Bradford College has excellent links with industry and students on the BSc (Hons) in Ophthalmic Dispensing will benefit from visiting lecturers on a regular basis. These include:

• Hoya UK Ltd Ophthalmic Lens Manufacturer
• Stepper UK Ltd Spectacle Manufacturer
• Coral Eyewear Spectacle Manufacturer
• Rodenstock Ophthalmic Lens Manufacturer
• Alcon Contact Lens manufacturer

As part of their studies, 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
• Enhanced skills by studying the Contact Lens Certificate at Bradford College to train to become a Contact Lens Optician
• Enhanced skills by studying the Low Vision Honours course at Bradford College to train to become a Low Vision specialist

Many of our previous students have become:

• Practice Owners / Practice Directors
• Practice Managers,
• Account Managers
• Specialists in the field of Contact Lens fitting and Low Vision.

The BSc (Hons) in Ophthalmic Dispensing offers students the potential opportunity to go on to study Optometry.

HE Tuition: £9,250.00 per academic year

Other Costs: £55 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.

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.