Anglia Ruskin University’s Ophthalmic Dispensing (FdSc) foundation degree has become the first distance learning course to receive full accreditation status from the General Optical Council.
The part-time, three-year course, aimed at those who are already working in an optical practice, enables graduates 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.’