Dispensing optician

In this role you could:

• calculate vision distances and angles
•  give advice on caring for eye equipment
•  measure for glasses or contact lenses and help people choose lenses and frames
•  fit, adjust and repair frames
•  refer clients back to an optometrist for vision tests when needed
•  work with suppliers, order products and check quality on delivery

• 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

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.

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship

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