Course summary

Ophthalmic Dispensing Help people see the world more clearly while building a rewarding career in eyecare. As a Dispensing Optician, you’ll provide patients with tailored visual solutions, from everyday spectacles to specialist lenses, protective eyewear, and low vision aids. You’ll work closely with optometrists, orthoptists and ophthalmologists to ensure each patient gets the optical correction they need. At Glasgow Caledonian University, our Ophthalmic Dispensing degree gives you the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to succeed in this vital profession. Study while you work This is a block and blend course, designed so you can earn while you learn. You’ll work in practice as a trainee Dispensing Optician anywhere in the UK, studying online and under supervision in your workplace. You’ll also join us on campus in Glasgow for short, intensive teaching blocks that focus on developing your clinical and professional skills. Learn in real-world settings From your first year, you’ll combine vision science with clinical training, supported by our purpose-built facilities and on-campus Vision Centre, which provides a wide range of core and specialist clinical services to the public. You’ll also grow your confidence in decision-making, patient care and practical skills that you can use immediately in the workplace. Your future career On graduation, you’ll be eligible to register with the General Optical Council (GOC) as a Dispensing Optician. Employment opportunities are excellent, with graduates going on to work in community and hospital practice, the optical industry, or teaching. With over 50 years’ experience in training eyecare professionals, Glasgow Caledonian is Scotland’s main provider of ophthalmic education. Our research-led teaching is highly rated by students, and in REF2021, 91% of our health research was judged world-leading or internationally excellent. This course is subject to approval by GCU and the General Optical Council.