Careers in optics

For those interested in a career in Optics, whether in clinical, retail, or technical roles, there are a number of career and study options available. In high street optical practice, the main roles include becoming an Optometrist, Dispensing Optician or Optical Assistant and in addition the hospital eye service employ Orthoptists and Ophthalmologists. Below is an overview of the main career paths and the institutions offering courses to support these roles in Scotland.

Optometry
Optometrists are healthcare professionals who examine eyes, prescribe corrective lenses, detect, and treat, eye conditions and diseases. In Scotland, becoming an optometrist requires completing a degree in optometry.
- Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)
  - GCU offers a 5 year MOptom(IP) Optometry with Independent Prescribing course, providing students with the knowledge and skills required to become a qualified optometrist.
  - Link: Optometry with Independent Prescribing at GCU
- University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
  - UHI offers a MOptom Optometry with Independent Prescribing course. This is a 5 year, full-time course based in their UHI House Campus in Inverness.
  - Link: Optometry with Independent Prescribing at UHI
Ophthalmic Dispensing
Dispensing opticians work with optometrists to provide patients with spectacle frames and lenses, providing the best advice to fulfil the patient’s visual and lifestyle needs. To become a dispensing optician, a professional qualification is typically required, along with practical training. Once qualified, Dispensing Opticians can do further training to specialise in things like Contact Lenses, low vision or management, or even to study Optometry.
We have also put together a series of videos to tell you a bit more about becoming a Dispensing Optician and what the job is all about. These can be found on our YouTube channel here.
- ABDO College
  - ABDO College offers a Fellowship Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing. Students must be working full-time in an optical practice and learn via blended learning, combining distance and practiced based learning. The course takes a minimum of 3 years.
  - Link: Fellowship Dispensing Diploma - Year One at ABDO College
- Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)
  - GCU is currently transitioning their BSc in Ophthalmic Dispensing from a full-time residential course to a blended learning modality for students working in practice. The course will not be available this year but is due to recommence in 2026.
Optical Assistant
Optical assistants provide support in optical practices, helping with customer service, administrative tasks, and assisting with eye tests. This role often requires good communication skills and a basic understanding of optics.
- ABDO College
  - The ABDO College also offers a 26 week Optical Assistant Course for those working in optical practice. This is a distance learning course which includes some practice based tasks.
  - Link: Optical Assistant Course at ABDO
- Rewards Training Scotland
  - Rewards Training Scotland offer Optical Practice Support at SCQF Level 5. This qualification, provided under the Modern Apprenticeship Framework, directs work based learning to complete assignments and build the candidates optical knowledge.
  - Link: Optical Practice Support SCQF Level 5 at Rewards Training Scotland
Orthoptics
Orthoptists work in the care and management of young patients with poor development of vision. They also work with a variety of adult patients with conditions that may include stroke, diabetes, traumatic brain injury as well as low vision, and glaucoma. Orthoptists are usually based in hospitals.
- Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)
  - Glasgow Caledonian University offer a BSc(Hons) Orthoptics course. This is a four year full-time course.
  - Link: BSc (Hons) Orthoptics at GCU