Qualifications

What does the term optician mean to you?

Is it a practice or is it a person? To many it is a generic term for either a practice and/or a person, but, for the sake of clarification, here are the descriptions, recognised by the General Optical Council, of professionals employed in areas of ocular health.

Optometrist (used to be known as Ophthalmic Optician) - an officially registered person qualified to examine the eyes, issue a prescription and dispense spectacles and contact lenses.

Dispensing Optician - an officially registered person qualified to dispense spectacle frames & lenses.

Ophthalmic Medical Practitioner - a doctor qualified to examine the eyes and issue a prescription for spectacles or contact lenses.