Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

Personal tools

Navigation

You are here: Home › Careers › Australian Careers › Careers Descriptions › Health Services Careers › Dispensing Optician

Dispensing Optician

Dispensing opticians interpret prescriptions from optometrists and ophthalmologists (eye specialists) for optical appliances (glasses or contact lenses), select frame and lens systems, and fit and assemble those appliances.

 

Tasks & duties

Dispensing opticians may do some or all of the following:

  • interpret and dispense prescriptions for glasses as needed
  • design and recommend the type of lenses according to the client's lifestyle
  • help clients choose glasses frames
  • measure the client's face
  • arrange for lenses to be made
  • glaze glasses (shape and fit lenses to frames)
  • fit the frames to the client
  • sell goods to do with contact lenses, glasses, sunglasses and eyes care
  • repair glasses
  • do administrative duties
  • enter prescription information from doctors or optometrists into a database
  • run their own optical businesses

 

Skills & knowledge

Dispensing opticians need to have:

  • knowledge of the eye and the way it works
  • the ability to interpret prescriptions and customise them for the client
  • an awareness of fashion trends for glasses frames and what frames suit each face shape
  • knowledge of the construction of frames, the materials used and the design characteristics
  • knowledge of optical products such as solutions for contact lenses, glasses lenses, frames and sunglasses
  • up-to-date knowledge of new lenses
  • business management skills
  • good people and communication skills
  • skill in making calculations
  • organisational ability

 

Entry requirements

To become a dispensing optician you need to have an Optical Dispensing Certificate, which is completed by distance learning with the Open Training and Education Network in Australia. Applications are not accepted unless the applicant is working for an optometrist or dispensing optician.

 

Secondary education

Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA equivalent English, physics, chemistry or biology is preferred to enter further training.

 

Training on the job

Dispensing opticians gain skills on the job, and are required to complete ongoing training to keep up to date with new technology and developments in the industry.

 

Registration

Dispensing opticians need to have an Annual Practising Certificate and must be registered with the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board.

Applicants have the choice of applying for registration under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act or the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for dispensing opticians includes:

  • reception work
  • work as an optometrist's or pharmacist's assistant
  • experience in an optical laboratory
  • any work dealing with the public

 

Related courses

Optical Technology

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

Document Actions