Optometry Scopes

Criteria for National Registration Requirements - Dispensing Optician

Criteria

Dispensing Optician

Definition

Dispensing Optician is a technical practitioner who fits and dispenses corrective lenses and/or contact lenses prescribed by an optometrist.

Practice Settings

Dispensing Optician is practiced in private practices and optical shops.

Education

Diploma of dispensing optician: 2 (Two) years of fulltime course

Scope of Practice

  • · Receive customers’ prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

  • · Understand all optical prescriptions presented to the optical shop by patients after prescribed by Optometrists.

  • · Have a good knowledge about different types of ophthalmic lenses.

  • · Take frame and facial measurements to ensure correct fit and positioning and to ensure a good fit.

  • · Help patients and/or customers to choose eyeglass frames and lens treatments, such as eyewear for occupational use or sports, tints or anti-reflective coatings, based on their vision needs and style preferences.

  • · Create work orders for ophthalmic laboratory technicians, providing information about the lenses needed.

  • · Be able to check glasses after they are delivered, from the laboratory, to ensure that they meet the required specifications.

  • · Repair or replace broken eyeglass and/or frames.

  • · Have a good knowledge on how to dispense contact lenses prescribed by Optometrists.