Dispensing optician

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

• become self employed and run your own business
• become a dispensing optician supervisor
• work as a consultant to a lens manufacturer or as a sales representative selling equipment
• work in a hospital or teach at a university
• do further training and qualify to become an optometrist

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• maths knowledge
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to sell products and services
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Student register

If you're a student, you'll need to register as a student with the General Optical Council before you do any clinical work.

Working in the UK

If you qualified outside of the UK, you need to check with the General Optical Council that your qualifications meet UK requirements.

If your qualifications are accepted, you would then need to contact the Association of British Dispensing Opticians to find out about the professional qualifying examinations.

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Physics - Dispensing opticians need to understand how light behaves – including refraction, focal lengths, and how lenses bend light to correct vision. This knowledge of optics is fundamental to selecting and fitting the right lenses for each customer.
• Mathematics - Dispensing opticians calculate vision distances, lens curvatures, and angles as part of their daily work. They use precise measurements to ensure glasses and contact lenses are fitted correctly for each individual's prescription.
• Biology - Dispensing opticians need to understand the anatomy of the eye and how vision works, including common conditions like short-sightedness and astigmatism. This helps them explain lens options to customers and recognise when someone should be referred back to an optometrist.
• Design and Technology - Dispensing opticians work with their hands to fit, adjust, and repair frames, using specialist tools and materials. Understanding how different materials behave and how products are constructed helps them ensure glasses are comfortable and durable.

Also relevant

• Business - Dispensing opticians often work in retail settings where they need to sell products and manage customer relationships. Many go on to run their own practices, so understanding business operations, stock management, and marketing is genuinely useful.
• English Language - Dispensing opticians spend much of their day explaining technical information about lenses and eye care in a way that customers can easily understand. Clear, confident communication is essential when advising people on choices that affect their vision and daily life.
• Psychology - Dispensing opticians work closely with people who may be anxious about their eyesight or adjusting to new lenses. Understanding how to put customers at ease, listen to their concerns, and guide their decision-making helps build trust and deliver better care.