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Ophthalmic Dispensing (Accelerated)

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 2 Years
  • Full-time
  • 01/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Preston Campus
More about University of Lancashire

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

Course Overview

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

The programme blends online delivery with week-long, on-campus blocks, embedding learning with clinical and practical skills. You can see how the knowledge from the programme can be applied in the real world within your workplace.

On successful completion of this programme, you may have the opportunity to transfer onto the Optometry programme if you meet the requirements to a satisfactory standard.

Please note this course is only available to UK students.

Why study with us

  • A fast-track format means you start your pre-registration in your last year and 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.

  • You will have the opportunity to learn within our on campus Eye Health Clinic, equivalent to a high street practice and open to members of the public.

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.

Accreditations

  • This course is accredited by the General Optical Council. They are the regulator for optical professions in the UK and set standards for optical education and training, performance and conduct. You will need to be registered them throughout the duration of your studies.

Future careers

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.

With further study, in specialist areas, or with a research degree, you could also have a career developing new technologies and treatment options.

Modules

Please visit The University of Lancashire’s website for the latest information about our modules.

This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Preston Campus

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 2 Years

Start dates

  • 01/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
B590
Institution code:
C30
Campus name:
Preston Campus
Campus Code:
U
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Lancashire has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
B590
Institution code:
C30
Campus name:
Preston Campus
Campus Code:
U

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Must be employed within an optical practice and have a suitable practice-based mentor.
GCSE English, Science, Mathematics and two other GCSE's at a minimum grade C or grade 4 (standard pass) equivalent + 1 year optical work experience.
Or
Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Optical Retail Skills + 1 year optical work experience + 5 GCSE's as above
Or
SMCTech qualification + 5 GCSEs as above

BTEC: Considered as long as GCSE English, Science, Maths and two other GCSEs at a minimum grade C/4 or equivalent + 1 year Optical work experience is met

Additional entry requirements

Admission tests
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Institutions Own Test (IOT)
Further information will be sent from the University

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Our Fair Access Scheme recognises barriers into education and allows us to make an offer with lower entry requirements. At the University of Lancashire, we are proud to help people seize every opportunity to flourish in education, at work and for life. We recognise that students from disadvantaged backgrounds often face significant challenges to access and succeed in higher education. Our Fair Access Scheme ensures that students aren’t limited by circumstances and can achieve their potential.

Learn more on the University of Lancashire website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£11440Year 1
Northern Ireland£11440Year 1
Scotland£11440Year 1
Wales£11440Year 1
Channel Islands£11440Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

*subject only to annual increase in line with UK Retail Price Index inflation rate and increases permitted by the Government

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