Ophthalmic Dispensing

The BSc (Hons) Ophthalmic Dispensing program at Glasgow Caledonian University is a comprehensive and professional course designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in eye care. This program combines scientific knowledge with practical skills to enable graduates to accurately interpret clinical assessments and dispense spectacles and contact lenses effectively, ensuring optimal visual outcomes for patients. Throughout the course, students will explore key topics such as ocular anatomy and physiology, optics, pharmacology, and anatomy of the eye, alongside training in the latest dispensing techniques and the use of advanced technology. The curriculum emphasizes a patient-centred approach, promoting excellent communication skills and professional ethics required in modern healthcare settings. Students benefit from a blend of theoretical lectures, laboratory sessions, and real-world placements, which provide valuable hands-on experience in dispensing and fitting lenses, understanding patient needs, and delivering high-quality eye care services. The program also addresses legal and regulatory aspects of optometry and dispensing practice, ensuring graduates are well-versed in compliance and best practices. Supporting the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, the course prepares students to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and adapt to the evolving landscape of eye care technology. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to register with the General Optical Council (GOC) as qualified Dispensing Opticians, opening pathways to diverse employment opportunities within optical practices, hospitals, and community eye clinics. With a reputation for academic excellence and a strong focus on employability, the Glasgow Caledonian University Ophthalmic Dispensing program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and professional confidence necessary to excel in this vital healthcare sector.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

Yea r1: Optics, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Optical Appliances, Communications Law and Management.

Year 2: Optical Appliances, Low Vision, Refractive Management, Ocular examination technique, Pathology, Pharmacology, Clinical Dispensing Studies.

Year 3: Clinical Studies, Dissertation, Management, Contact Lenses, Delegated Functions, Marketing.

Work placement: The University has its own eye clinic, providing practical training facilities, and students have the opportunity for placements in commercial practice.

Assessment: Assessment of this programme consists of a combination of examination and continuous assessment.

English Language Requirements

CAE score : 60(Grade C)

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Higher: BBC, A Level: CC, ILC: BBCC.

Essential subjects: Physics (S Grade 2/Int 2 B/ILC-O B), Physics or Double Award Science (GCSE B), Mathematics (S Grade 2/Int 2 B/GCSE B/ILC-O B).

Recommended subjects: English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry (Higher/A Level/ILC-H).

FE college students: Contact us or visit www.gcu.ac.uk/study for a copy of our College Student Supplement.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Glasgow Caledonian University.

Accreditation

This programme is approved by the General Optical Council.