3216- DISPENSING OPTICIANS

Job Title: 

DISPENSING OPTICIANS

Alternate Titles: 

Dispensing optician,Optical dispenser

Job Description: 

Dispensing opticians supply, fit and service spectacles, contact lenses and other optical aids in accordance with a prescription from an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Education: 

Entry is most common with GCSEs/S grades or equivalent qualifications or experience, followed by up to three years training approved by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). Full-time, day-release or distance-learning options are available.
Refer The S/NVQ framework for more details

NS-SEC: 

The simplified NS-SEC analytic class for this code is 3
The simplified NS-SEC operational category for this code is 7.3
Refer The National Statistics Socio-economic Classification for more details

Tasks: 


  • interprets prescription and measures patient?s face to determine distance between pupil centres, height of bridge of nose, etc.;
  • advises patient on lens type and choice of spectacle frames
  • prepares detailed instructions for workshop
  • ensures that completed spectacles conform to specification and fit the patient correctly and comfortably
  • fits spectacles and advises patient on lens care and any other difficulties likely to be experienced
International Careers(ISCO): 
Similar O*NET Careers (USA) : 
Source Of Info: 

Office of National Statistics UK