Dispensing opticians

£23,986

Average salary

Average annual salary UK 2020 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

32 hours

Average weekly hours

Average weekly hours UK 2019 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

2.17%

Unemployment rate

Unemployment rate UK 2020 | Labour Force Survey

Definition: Dispensing opticians

*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 3216

Dispensing opticians supply, fit and service spectacles, contact lenses and other optical aids in accordance with a prescription from an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Common tasks include:

interprets prescription and measures patient’s face to determine distance between pupil centres, height of bridge of nose, etc.;
advises patient on lens type and choice of spectacle frames;
prepares detailed instructions for workshop;
ensures that completed spectacles conform to specification and fit the patient correctly and comfortably;
fits spectacles and advises patient on lens care and any other difficulties likely to be experienced.

Qualifications

Entry is most common with GCSEs/S grades or equivalent qualifications or experience, followed by up to three years training approved by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). Full-time, day-release or distance-learning options are available.

*Introduced in 1990, SOC is a multi-purpose common classification of occupations in UK. Jobs are defined in terms of skill level and skill content, including qualifications, training and work experience.

Employment status: Dispensing opticians

Regional employment: Dispensing opticians

Future employment: Dispensing opticians

Top 12 industries: Dispensing opticians

Alternative & related job titles: Dispensing opticians

Optician, dispensing Dispenser, optical Optician, lens, contact

Equality focus: Dispensing opticians

Breaking down the official government big data sources by gender, age and region. Hours and pay data based on full time equlivalent roles.