Ophthalmic Dispensing FdSc
Quick Facts
- UCAS Code: B511
- UCAS Institution Code: C60
- Level:5
- Course duration:2 academic years
- Start date:September 2012
- End date:July 2014
- Study Mode:Full Time
- Course location:City and Islington College Centre for Applied Sciences, The Angel, 311-321 Goswell Road, London ECIV 7DD
- Awarded by:City University London
What is the course about?
This course leads to a career as a dispensing optician – a specialist trained to dispense and fit spectacles and contact lenses, and to recognise basic ocular disorders. The course is accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC).
In year one, you will be introduced to the basic principles of optics and visual optics that underpin work in ophthalmic lenses, dispensing and optical manufacturing. You will also be taught areas of human biology so you can understand how the eye functions in health and disease. You will also study practice management.
Year two builds on the subjects taught in year one. In addition, you will cover basic clinical skills used by
optometrists and the basics of contact lenses and low vision. The course includes a work placement.
What do I need to get on the course?
180 UCAS points from:
- A Level Biology at grade C or above and two other A Levels at grade A–D, one of which must be a science subject or Mathematics (typical offer is CDD), or equivalent
As well as:
- 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including Mathematics or Physics, one other science subject, English Language or Literature, and any two other subjects, or equivalent
- IELTS 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each component,) or equivalent
What can I do after the course?
On completion, you may gain exemption from the theory exams of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and continue your preregistration training to become a registered dispensing optician. You may also continue your studies to obtain an honours degree in Advanced Dispensing (one year) or Optometry (minimum two years).
How much does it cost?
The Ophthalmic Dispensing FdSc course costs £13,250 per year. You will be required to pay a deposit of £3,000 before you enrol, and complete your payment when you enrol. The fee includes your tuition but does not include any accommodation, living or travel expenses.