Dispensing level recommendation

A Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) evidence gathering project co-commissioned by the GOC on regulated qualification levels has recommended that qualifications approved by the GOC for entry onto the register as an optometrist should be set at level 7/11 and at level 6/10 for dispensing opticians.

Level 7 qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (Scotland level 11) qualifications are equivalent to a master’s degree, postgraduate certificate or diploma. Level 6 qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (Scotland level 10) qualifications are equivalent to a degree with honours, graduate certificate diploma.

The news was warmly welcomed by Association of British Dispensing Opticians, which had been at loggerheads with the GOC over a proposed move to reduce dispensing optician qualification level from 6 to 5.