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Universities Ireland TU Dublin Courses BSc Ophthalmic Dispensing

BSc Ophthalmic Dispensing

TU Dublin

Dublin, Ireland

Tuition Fee € 12,500
Country Rank-
Duration36 Months
Score IELTS: 6 TOEFL: 92

Program Overview

Dispensing Opticians are eye care professionals who are trained to interpret prescriptions issued by optometrists or ophthalmologists and to dispense spectacles and other optical aids. They advise patients on the most appropriate spectacle frames, lenses or other optical aids based on their individual needs taking into account the prescription, occupation and lifestyle of the patient. They are trained to take the measurements required for the fitting of such optical appliances. Dispensing Opticians also check spectacles and other appliances to ensure they match the patient’s specification and meet the required standards. They advise patients on how to get the best from their eyewear and play an important role in aftercare and the maintenance of such appliances.
Dispensing opticians play a vital role in providing the best low vision aid for partially sighted patients and the best fitting frame and lens design for children. They are also trained to advise on sports and protective eyewear. Subsequent to further qualification, they may fit contact lenses. Dispensing opticians are often involved in optical practice management.
A career as a dispensing optician is extremely rewarding. It offers great variety and will deliver a high degree of job satisfaction to those attracted to a career in an allied healthcare setting, who have an interest in maths and science, relish problem solving and enjoy interacting with the public.

Course Content
Year 1

Modules

This course is 3 years in duration.The first two years of the course are delivered in the laboratories and lecture theatres on campus. The third year of the course is a structured work placement. The first year focuses on the relevant science and maths necessary for your training. The second year’s practical and theoretical work is more tailored towards the specific skills and knowledge required of a Dispensing Optician. You will learn about spectacles lens and frame, design and manufacture. You will also learn how to take frame and facial measurements, how to interpret prescriptions and carry out a detailed task analysis to ensure patients receive the most appropriate optical aid. Students are also introduced to the fundamentals of optical practice management. Your work placement in year three allows you to learn how to apply your knowledge and skills in a practice setting.

• Anatomy and Physiology of the eye
• Cell Biology
• Geometrical Optics
• Mathematics
• Ophthalmic Optics and Dispensing
• Physical Optics
• Physics for Health and Science
• Quantitive methods for Dispensing
• The Human Body and Disease
• Vision Science 1

Year 2

• Case Analysis & Advanced Ophthalmic Dispensing
• Contact Lens Practice and Anterior Eye Disorders
• Intercultural Health Communication for Eye Care Professionals
• Introductory Vision Rehabilitation
• Occupational Vision
• Optical Dispensing
• Optical Practice Management
• Physiology of Vision
• Professional Development
• Vision Science 2

Year 3

The entire of the third year is spent on placement covering the modules:
- Optical Dispensing Case Studies
- Ophthalmic Dispensing Practice Placement

Entry Requirement

Undergraduate Programme Entry Requirements:

The most popular exams that we receive are outlined below :

International Baccalaureate

If you have completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma, you can apply for all courses in TU Dublin.

Pass Mark: 4 at standard level where OD3 is required. Minimum Entry Requirements/Matriculation Proof of English proficiency is required in all cases. There may also be specific subject requirements for courses.

1. Level 8	4. 3 Honours Requirement	7. Overall IB Score of 24 which must include 3 Subjects at Grade 5 at Higher Level and 3 Subjects at Grade 4 at Standard Level
2. 2 Honours Requirement	5. Overall IB Score of 24 and Award of Diploma
3. Level 7/6	6. Overall IB Score of 24 and Award of Diploma

English Language Requirement:

minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Fees & Scholarships
The fees for BSc Ophthalmic Dispensing may vary from €13,000 to €25,000 anually for tuition fees. The fee's prices may get higher for international students.
Career Prospect
Dispensing Optician. Most newly qualified dispensing opticians enter practice as employees of other dispensing opticians/optometrists, but you can also own and operate your own business.

Graduate Job Titles:

This is a relatively new but unique course in Ireland with our first graduates graduating in 2018. However, there are currently almost 200 dispensing opticians working in Ireland who have gained their qualifications abroad. Dispensing opticians are in high demand so job prospects are excellent. Most dispensing opticians work in private practice, often in a management capacity. However, there is a diverse range of employment opportunities. Dispensing opticians often set up their own practices or enter joint ventures with large multiples. At present in Ireland, dispensing opticians are also employed with spectacle lens manufacturers, frame manufacturers, glazing houses, hospital eye departments, practice management software providers and as college lecturers.

Graduate Employers:

Starting salaries for newly qualified dispensing opticians (as at January 2020) are as high as €35k per annum in the Republic of Ireland.

Cost Of Studying At TU Dublin

Interest rates as low as 8.9% ^*

250K+

Students Assisted

800Cr+

Loan Amount Disbursed

5000+

Loans Sanctioned

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