Undergraduate

This three-year programme is based within the Department of Vision Sciences, which is the only department of its kind in Scotland. Students benefit from studying in a recognised centre of excellence in Vision Sciences which has developed strong links with its related professions. The first two years of the programme are designed to give you the knowledge and understanding of optical principles and how they relate to effective correction of refractive errors in the human eye. In your third year you will develop the advanced skills required to allow you to apply your knowledge in an optical practice. Strong emphasis is placed on the integration of theoretical and practical aspects throughout the programme. In the University's well-equipped, purpose-built dispensing clinic, you will gain experience in practical dispensing skills while developing your interpersonal skills through dealing with patients. To practice as a Dispensing Optician you must pass the additional exams of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and then complete a year of supervised professional practice before applying to the General Optical Council for professional registration.

A dispensing optician has a role in eye care within the community. During your career as a dispensing optician, you will not only fit and supply spectacles, but you can also develop your career to include eye screening, contact lens fitting and supplying specialist optical appliances. Glasgow Caledonian is the only university in Scotland to offer a degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing. At our modern, purpose-built Dispensing Clinic on campus, a strong emphasis is placed upon the integration of theory and practice. Students benefit from studying in a recognised Centre of Excellence in Vision Sciences which has developed strong links with its related professions. The first two years of the programme are designed to give you the knowledge and understanding of optical principles and how they relate to effective correction of refractive errors in the human eye. Having completed the first two years, you will understand the fundamental scientific principles upon which ophthalmic dispensing is based. In your third year, you will develop more advanced skills, which are designed to enhance the role of a dispensing optician in today’s optical practice. You will be able to carry out certain clinical tasks, some of which may be under the supervision or direction of an optometrist. A sound knowledge of both management and retailing issues will also enhance the career of a dispensing optician. A high standard of performance in second or third year (75% overall for second year and 70% overall for third year dispensing) will allow entry to the Optometry degree with direct entry to Year 2, provided there are places available.

Year 1: Geometrical, Visual Optics, Optical Appliances, Law, Communications and Management, Anatomy and Physiology of Human Visual Function. 
Year 2: Clinical Dispensing Studies, Ophthalmic Pathology and Pharmacology, Refractive Management, Low Vision and Optical Appliances. 
Year 3: Management, Marketing, Delegated Functions, Contact Lenses, Environmental Dispensing, Optics and Photometry and Low Vision Studies.

During your studies you will spend time in an optical workshop and in an ophthalmic practice.

Ophthalmic Dispensing offers an interesting and worthwhile career with good employment prospects in large organisations, partnerships, private practices or in running your own business. This programme has an excellent record of graduate employment in dispensing optics. To practise as a dispensing optician, you must also pass the exams of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians. You must complete a period of supervised professional practice before applying to the General Optical Council for professional registration, much of which can be concurrent with university training or students with a part-time job in optical practice.