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The UK route to registration as a dispensing optician
This route is for people who have trained or are currently training in the UK. To qualify as a dispensing optician via this route you must:
1. Complete and pass a three-year course of studying dispensing optics at a GOC-approved training institution. There are three modes of study to choose from:
a) A two-year full time training course at a GOC-approved training institution followed by one year’s salaried work in a practice under supervision OR
b) A three-year day release training course with a GOC-approved training institution, combined with suitable employment OR
c) A three-year distance learning course offered by a GOC-approved training institution, combined with suitable employment.
Foundation degrees in ophthalmic dispensing are offered by City University, Anglia Ruskin University and Bradford College.
2. Pass all parts of the Professional Qualifying Examinations. The examinations are run by The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) in conjunction with the training establishments. More details are available on the ABDO website.
3. Register with the GOC.