Full Time Ophthalmic Dispensing Foundation Degree Level 5

Ophthalmic Dispensing Foundation Degree (Full-Time) Level 5

Quick Facts
Course Code
AS1H01A09
Start
07/09/2009
Course Level
Level 5
Days/Time
DAY
Course Length
2 years

Where is the course? Centre for Applied Sciences (The Angel, 311-321 Goswell Road, London ECIV 7DD)

What is this course about? Practical activities including dispensing and lens and frame manufacture are a major part of the course, as is the work placement element allowing you to obtain invaluable clinical experience and develop practical skills. This unique course covers basic science, clinical science, patient care and health delivery systems and professional skills and is in partnership with City University.

Who is this course for? This course is ideal for anyone wishing to gain a higher education qualification in optics. There is no requirement to be in employment in a practice but there is a work placement element within the programme. If you have a part time job in practice (usually as a trainee dispenser or optical advisor), this may be used as your work placement location. If not, we will help to place you in such a role for your work placement.

What do I need to get on the course? You need to have at least one of the following:

· 180 UCAS points in appropriate subjects (e.g. maths or any pure science), plus GCSE passes at grade C or above in maths or physics, English, one other science subject, and any two other subjects.

· A qualification which the College and University accepts as being equivalent to any of the above.
Applications are welcome from mature students who may not have the minimum entry requirements, but have appropriate skills and knowledge, and some work experience. You should have English and maths skills equivalent to GCSE level.
Applicants with other equivalent qualifications are encouraged to apply as are applicants with experience of working in the industry.
International applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis with equivalent qualifications being accepted.

What will I study? This programme has four main teaching areas: basic science, clinical science, patient care and health delivery systems, and professional skills. Basic science subjects include human biology, geometrical optics, physical optics, and optical appliances, while clinical science includes ocular biology, binocular vision, ocular abnormality and refractive abnormalities. Patient care and health delivery systems include communication skills, legal aspects of dispensing, practice management, including the use of IT in practice, and ophthalmic services. Professional skills include maths, ophthalmic lenses, dispensing, clinical practice, manufacturing and instruments.

What qualification will I get? On successful completion you will gain a Foundation Degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing, awarded by City University.

What can I do after the course? In order to receive the Fellowship of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians you take the final theory examinations set by the college at the end of the second year of the course and take your practical professional qualifying examinations after a further year in practice. You may then do further study to qualify in specialised areas such as contact lens fitting, low vision, and geometrical optics of ophthalmic lenses (spectacle lens design).
The programme may also provide a route for a small number, depending upon availability, of Foundation Degree graduates to gain direct entry to the second year of the BSc Optometry programme at City University. One possible route that may be available is progressing to the second year of the three-year BSc (Hons) Optometry, however, availability of places on this route cannot be guaranteed and will be dependent on the number of second-year places available on the honours course in a particular academic year and the meeting of specific entry criteria, further details of which are available on request.

How do I get on the course? Apply through UCAS institution code C60 City University

How much does the course cost? If you are a home student you may be able to get help with feesgo to Course fees on the left side of this page.
Home Students:
Cost to be confirmed