We've recently updated our service. Because of this, you'll need to reset your password to log in. It's quick and easy!Reset Password

Dispensing optician

Help customers choose glasses that suit them. Order the spectacles and contact lenses for the person's prescription and make sure they fit.

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: National Careers Service

Weekly

ÂŁ385

Entry level

ÂŁ769

Experienced

Monthly

ÂŁ1,667

Entry level

ÂŁ3,333

Experienced

Yearly

ÂŁ20,000

Entry level

ÂŁ40,000

Experienced

500

people are currently employed

Low growth

No change in number of jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

You would help customers choose glasses and contact lenses that suit and fit them and meet their needs. You’d order the spectacles and contact lenses and make sure they fit.

You would create orders for glasses and lenses using the prescriptions from an optometrist, who examines and tests eyes or an ophthalmologist, an eye surgeon.

You’d work with each individual customer to select the right spectacles or contact lenses for them.

You would:

  • Use equipment to measure customers for spectacles or contact lenses

  • Use the measurements to calculate distances and angles and assess the options for types of lenses

  • Give people advice and information about the options for lens options, such as single vision or bifocal

  • Advise people on the style, weight and colour of frames

  • Fit, adjust and repair frames

You’d be working in retail, so you’d be marketing and selling glasses and contact lenses.

With further training, you could also show customers how to use and care for contact lenses.

You might work in partnership with an optometrist, where you would be involved in managing the business.

Hours

You would usually work five days a week, including Saturdays. Part-time hours are also often available.

Environment

You would be based in a shop or retail setting.

Explore more information about this job

Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:

Like the sound of this career?

Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Dispensing optician'

Select qualification level(s)

Show me courses

Other careers that you might like

  • Ambulance paramedic
  • Pharmacy technician
  • Anatomical pathology technologist
  • Dental technician
  • Dental therapist
  • Prosthetist-orthotist
Browse all job profiles

Related industries

Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.

  • Life sciences
  • Healthcare
View all industries

Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • analysing
  • developing a plan
  • attention to detail
  • respecting
  • observation
  • working with numbers
  • working with technology
  • verbal communication
  • listening
  • positive attitude

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

Discover skills

Getting in

Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Biology

  • Human Biology

  • Mathematics

  • Physics

  • Applications of Mathematics

You need a degree in ophthalmic dispensing (SCQF level 10).

Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers at BBC or above, or a relevant HNC/HND.

It may be possible to start as a trainee with a qualified dispensing optician and complete a three-year distance learning course with the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) College.

The degree is followed by one year of supervised professional practice before applying for General Optical Council (GOC) professional registration.

You will need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.

Find the right course for you

Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Dispensing optician'

View all courses

Search jobs and apprenticeships

View work opportunities