Interested? See
BSc (Hons)

Ophthalmic Dispensing

Duration
2 years
Start
September 2025
UCAS Code
B590
Delivery
In-person

Our BSc Ophthalmic Dispensing is a unique, two-year fast-track programme for those in the industry who want to gain qualifications while working.

Why study with us

  • A fast-track format means you could be a registered dispensing optician within two years of starting the course. You’ll have access to our brand new purpose-built vision sciences facilities including specialist dispensing and refraction labs.
  • The entry requirements are 5 GCSEs including Maths, English and Science. You must have one year's optical work experience to apply for this course. If you achieve a good 2:1 (65% or above) you can progress automatically onto our Optometry MOptom degree.
  • Our blended learning format allows you to earn while you learn. Most of the time you'll be studying your degree online whilst working full-time in practice. You'll attend Preston Campus approximately one week every two months to learn practical skills.

Important application information

  • This course is only available to UK students.
Interested?
Download
Slide 1 of 1
Slide 1 of 8

Gallery01 / 08

A patient trying on a new pair of glasses in the Eye Clinic
A patient trying on a new pair of glasses in the Eye Clinic

What you’ll do

  • You’ll be taught by experienced practitioners and visiting clinicians who help supervise and facilitate specific aspects of the programme.
  • Gain experience with volunteer patients, from visual impairment charities, who are part of the programme too.
  • You’ll be able to visit large scale glazing labs and you'll have access to specialist labs such as the Dispensing and Optometry Pre-Clinical space.

Modules

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Visit us on campus

Sign up for one of our upcoming Open Days and discover what university life is really like.

Book an Open Day

Academic expertise

Rupal Lovell-Patel
Academic Lead - Vision Sciences
Peter Black
Course Leader
Haleema Younas
Lecturer in Optometry and Ophthalmic Dispensing

Accreditations

What can I do with a ophthalmic dispensing degree?

As a registered dispensing optician, with a BSc in Ophthalmic Dispensing, you could start your own business, work in a primary care or hospital setting or high street optical practice.

Further study

If you achieve a good 2:1 (65% or above) you can progress automatically onto our Optometry MOptom degree.

Entry requirements

We will consider your educational achievements, predicted grades, work experience and personal statement. If you don't meet the grades for your chosen course, we will consider you for other programmes.

We know that many factors can influence the grades you achieve in school or college. If your life experience has affected your academic studies, we can take this into account. Use the UCAS Points Calculator below to check whether you are eligible.

Unsure if you meet our entry requirements? Contact our friendly Course Enquiries team to talk through your options.

  • All Applicants must be employed within an optical practice and have a suitable supervisor (practice-based educator)
  • GCSE English, Science, Maths and two other GCSEs at a minimum grade C or grade 4 or (standard pass) equivalent + 1 year Optical work experience
  • Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Optical Retail Skills + 1 year Optical work experience + 5 GCSEs as above
  • SMCTech qualification + 5 GCSEs as above
  • Candidates will require a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance (DBS)

Use our UCAS points calculator

Discover how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth
Calculate your grades

Not got the grades?

Our courses with a foundation year could be exactly what you're looking for. They provide an alternative route to study for this degree.

Find out more about our courses with a foundation year.

Fees and funding

2024/25
UK
Full-time£11,100 per year
2025/26
UK
Full-time£11,100 per year

Scholarships and bursaries

We have a wide range of bursaries, scholarships and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.

Select your country to see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.

Interested?
Download

This course is delivered by the School of Medicine and Dentistry

For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course information

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Central Lancashire on our student contract page