Diploma of Higher Education Dispensing Optician

Our course will enable learners to study for a Diploma of Higher Education while in paid employment
Dispensing Optician

Diploma of Higher Education Dispensing Optician

Our course will enable learners to study for a Diploma of Higher Education while in paid employment
General Optical Council (GOC) permission to recruit.
Applications for September 2026 are now open and will close on 30 June 2026.
If you have an enquiry about any of the apprenticeships at the University of Plymouth, please complete the below form.
Enquiry form
Apprentices do not pay any course fees – costs are covered by the government and/or employer
 

Funding models for employers

We can support employers in accessing funding via the apprenticeship levy or provide alternative funding options to minimise or eradicate any up-front cost to the organisation.
There are currently two funding models:
  • Fully-funded: Levy paying organisations.
  • Co-funded: Non-levy organisations and levy who have exceeded their levy contribution.
Fully-funded
If the annual pay bill of your organisation exceeds £3 million you will pay for your apprenticeship training through your levy account. If you have exceeded your levy contribution you will fund apprenticeship training through the co-funded model – to better understand how this will work please contact us.
  • Employer contribution: Employee salary only.
  • Apprentices contribution: £0.
Co-funded
If you are a non-levy paying organisation (the annual pay bill of your organisation is less than £3 million) or you are a levy organisation who has exceeded their pot, the government will financially co-support your apprenticeship training – they will contribute 95 per cent of the costs and the employer will contribute 5 per cent.
  • Government contribution £21,850
  • Employer contribution £1,150
  • Apprentice contribution £0.

Overview of modules

Year 1 
  • Dispensing in clinical practice 
  • Introduction to human and ocular anatomy 
  • Standards of practice and patient care 
  • Geometric and physical optics 
  • Visual optics and introduction to ophthalmic lenses 
Year 2 
  • Enhanced dispensing in clinical practice 
  • Optometric practice and clinical skills  
  • Human and ocular anatomy with introduction to ocular pathology 
  • Enhanced theory of ophthalmic lenses 
  • Business, law and ethics 
Year 3 
  • Specialist dispensing in clinical practice  
  • Advanced optometric practice and clinical skills  
  • Visual perception 
  • Practitioner development  
  • Management and leadership

Assessment methods

As an apprentice learner, you'll be assessed utilising a diverse range of assessment methods. This could include online examinations, coursework assessments such as essays, workbook portfolios, as well as practical assessments (such as focimetry). 
Throughout the programme, apprentice learners will also be required to maintain an electronic portfolio of evidence of learning, which on successful completion can become the foundation of your future continuing professional development.
As an apprentice learner, you'll also receive regular support facilitating your reflection and the integration of your learning within the workplace.

Course summary

The Diploma of Higher Education Dispensing Optician is a three-year, 240-credit Level 6 apprenticeship programme designed to prepare apprentices for professional practice as dispensing opticians. Dispensing opticians are registered healthcare professionals who advise patients on fit and supply spectacle frames and lenses tailored to individual visual, lifestyle and vocational needs. 
The programme combines academic study with structured work-based learning, enabling apprentices to develop professional competence while remaining in salaried employment within an optical setting. The curriculum aligns with the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) ophthalmic dispensing syllabus, the General Optical Council (GOC) Requirements for Approved Qualifications in Optometry or Dispensing Optics, and the Skills for England Dispensing Optician Apprenticeship Standard (ST0774). 
Through the integration of theoretical knowledge, clinical skills and professional behaviours, apprentices will build the expertise required for safe and effective patient care. Successful completion of the programme and the End-Point Assessment delivered by ABDO will enable graduates to apply for registration with the GOC as a Dispensing Optician, a protected professional title. Graduates will also be eligible to use the post-nominal FBDO (Fellow of the British Dispensing Opticians), supporting future professional progression. 

Who is the course for?

This programme is designed for individuals employed in optical practice who wish to train as a Dispensing Optician while continuing to work.  
It is ideal for individuals who, supported by their employer, want to develop the knowledge, skills and professional competencies required to become a qualified Dispensing Optician and register with the General Optical Council (GOC), while gaining a recognised Level 6 qualification and professional status. 
A suitable candidate for this apprenticeship is someone who is motivated to build a career in optical healthcare while learning in a real workplace environment. You may already be working in an optical practice, such as in an optical assistant role, and are ready to develop your professional knowledge and clinical skills further. 
Successful applicants will have a strong interest in patient care, and vision correction, alongside good communication and interpersonal skills. As the role involves working closely with patients, you should be confident speaking with people from a wide range of backgrounds and committed to delivering excellent patient care. 
You should also be organised, attentive to detail, and comfortable learning both practical and scientific concepts, as the programme combines academic study with hands-on clinical training.  
Employer support is essential, as apprentices must be employed in an appropriate optical setting for the duration of the programme. This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals who want to gain a recognised Level 6 qualification while working, and who aspire to become a registered Dispensing Optician. 

Core skills

  • @Understand appropriate dispensing options based on patient needs and measurements

  • @Communicating effectively with patients

  • @Be able to confidently apply dispensing skills for a range of patient conditions and settings

  • @Become an effective advocate for the profession and the patients

  • @Demonstrate leadership

 
 
 

Course facts

Duration: 3 years
Study expectations per week: One day off-the-job learning set with the University online and an additional 6 hours learning for independent study.
Delivery type: Blended learning; a mix of in-person teaching and online learning. 
The core teaching and learning strategy for this programme emphasises critical analysis, clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice, aligning with the expectations of Level 6 academic study. Each module is carefully designed to support apprentices in developing their clinical and scientific expertise across key domains, while also fostering a strong understanding of professional and ethical practice. 
The strategy aligns with the programme learning outcomes, promoting innovative thinking, encouraging reflective practice, and cultivating a broad range of transferable skills and leadership capabilities.
All modules are delivered through a blended learning approach, enhancing accessibility and supporting a diverse, national student cohort.  

Entry requirements

  • GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English (or equivalent)*
  • GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths (or equivalent)*
  • Evidence of Level 3 qualification – for those without a Level 3 qualification, work experience may be considered on an individual basis.
  • GCSE (or equivalent) in a science-related subject (including social sciences) preferred. 
  • Applicants must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.  
Due to the blended learning delivery model of this programme, it is an expectation that apprentices will have access to Wi-Fi and relevant electronic devices that allow them to engage fully with all aspects of programme delivery, teaching, learning and assessment.  
All offers of a place on this programme are subject to satisfactory occupational health and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance at an enhanced level, completed by the employer.
*Consideration will also be given to equivalent qualifications that demonstrate proficiency, for example, Functional Skills Level 2 in mathematics, numeracy and English. If you have passed a degree at a UK university, we may be able to consider this instead of an English language, maths or science GCSE, depending on the subject of the degree.
 
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Benefits to the business 

  • Meet the skill needs of your organisation – with apprentices learning at work, they can develop the knowledge and occupational competencies demanded by specific job roles. 
  • Increase your effectiveness and efficiency – apprentices can support keeping your organisation up to date with the latest evidence-based research, improving service user outcomes, effectiveness and efficiency. 
  • Develop existing staff – you can develop your existing staff by supporting them to undertake a Higher Apprenticeship or enabling them to work with an Apprentice in the workforce, through clinical education opportunities and more. 
  • Cost-effective workforce development – Higher Apprenticeships offer high-quality training that is fully or partially publicly funded, enabling organisations to grow a skilled dietetic workforce while minimising training costs and maximising return on investment. 

Benefits to the apprentice

  • Earn while you learn – you are employed and receive a salary while studying. 
  • No tuition fees – costs are paid for by the Government and your employer. 
  • On and off the job learning – a rich balance between academic and vocational training enables you to develop knowledge, skills and behaviours relevant to your working role.
  • Flexibility – the blended learning model allows you to learn when and where suits you best. 
  • Sector specialist experts – you will develop your practical skills with experts who are highly effective practitioners. 
  • Work-based learning – a practical, unique, hands-on approach to teaching and pastoral support throughout your apprenticeship. 
  • Academic support – experienced academic staff have developed an exciting, future-facing curriculum to support your academic progression and growth. 
Dispensing Optician

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