The part-time, three-year course is aimed at those who are already working in an optical practice. Full accreditation by the General Optical Council (GOC) means that those graduating will be able to apply directly to register as Dispensing Opticians without the need for additional external examinations.
Anglia Ruskin’s BOptom (Hons) Optometry and BSc (Hons) Ophthalmic Dispensing degrees already have GOC accreditation.
Julie Hughes FBDO, Course Leader for Ophthalmic Dispensing (FdSc), said: “Since obtaining ‘provisional approval’ as a scheme provider from the GOC, our work-based course has had in excess of 150 graduates register with the GOC as Dispensing Opticians.
“We are pleased that the GOC has recognised the high standards that we have set in our pursuit of quality and robust systems, and we are proud to be the first university to offer a direct route to qualification for students to become Dispensing Opticians.
“Our course offers students a streamlined approach to obtaining their registration with the GOC as Dispensing Opticians, whilst ensuring that the highest standards of ophthalmic dispensing, as set by the GOC, are met.”
Head of Anglia Ruskin’s Department for Vision and Hearing Sciences, Professor John Siderov, was particularly pleased that the work of the department to support and develop ophthalmic dispensing has been recognised.
Professor Siderov said: “We are the first university to have pioneered Ophthalmic Dispensing through distance learning, and so it is noteworthy that the first commendation from the GOC panel was to congratulate the team on their continued enthusiasm in the ‘pursuit of innovation in the profession’.”
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For more press information please contact:
Jon Green on t: 01245 68 4717, e: jon.green@anglia.ac.uk
Jamie Forsyth on t: 01245 68 4716, e: jamie.forsyth@anglia.ac.uk
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