
Ophthalmic Dispensing (Earn As You Learn) BSc
Course Overview - Ophthalmic Dispensing (Earn As You Learn) BSc
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...
<strong>Ophthalmic Dispensing</strong> <br/>Help people see the world more clearly while building a rewarding career in eyecare. <br/><br/>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. <br/>At Glasgow Caledonian University, our Ophthalmic Dispensing degree gives you the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to succeed in this vital profession. <br/><br/><strong>Study while you work</strong> <br/>This is a <strong>block and blend</strong> 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. <br/><br/><strong>Learn in real-world settings</strong> <br/>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. <br/><br/><strong>Your future career</strong> <br/>On graduation, you’ll be eligible to register with the <strong>General Optical Council (GOC)</strong> as a Dispensing Optician. Employment opportunities are excellent, with graduates going on to work in community and hospital practice, the optical industry, or teaching. <br/>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. <br/>This course is subject to approval by GCU and the General Optical Council.
Course Information
1 option available
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Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
07/09/2026
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
B525
Institution Code
G42
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
Scottish Higher
B,C,C
including 1 science from Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Human Biology plus Nat 5 English at B and Nat 5 Maths at B (We don't consider National 5 Applications of Maths).
Access to HE Diploma
M:21,P:24
in Health or Care – Requires GCSE Maths at B/6 and English at B/6.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
MMP
in Applied Science/Science plus GCSE English at B/6 and Maths at B/6.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H3,H3,H3
including One science at Higher level and Ordinary level Maths at O2.
Scottish HNC
Pass
HNC Applied Sciences with Physics is recommended either as part of HNC or from previous qualifications. West College – Clydebank Campus HNC Applied Science includes the Physics and this is the course we recommend. Graded Unit – B
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
Pass
Accepted as equivalent to one Higher as part of the overall grade profile of Highers required for entry. Any essential subjects at Higher should still be achieved in addition to the Foundation Apprenticeship
A level
B,C
including 1 Science plus GCSE English at B/6 and Maths at B/6.
T Level
P
Health and Science: Science Health and Science: Healthcare Science Health and Science: Health Education and Childcare Plus, GCSE English at B/6 and Maths at B/6
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Fees and funding
Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Scotland | £1,820 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |