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Qualification details

ABDO Level 6 Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing

Qualification summary

This qualification tests the theoretical and practical skills and competence of candidates in ophthalmic dispensing.

The Learning Outcome - The candidate will have the knowledge and practical skills to become a dispensing optician. This will include the in depth theory of general optics and ophthalmic lenses plus the practical skills to assess and dispense ophthalmic prescriptions to the needs of the consumer/patient. The basic legal implications within an optical practice will also be understood.

It is the only qualification recognised by the General Optical Council, and generally within optics, that enables candidates to go on to become Dispensing Opticians and is therefore a very important qualification in terms of the provision of high quality dispensing of spectacles and visual health for the population of the UK. There are no other similar qualifications on the National Framework.

Qualification details

500/1001/3
ABDO - Association of British Dispensing Opticians
6
HL - Higher Level
Accreditation start date:
01/08/2006
Operational start date in centres:
01/08/2006
Accreditation end date:
30/11/2007
Certification end date:
30/11/2010
England
19+
Wales
19+
N.Ireland
19+
Approval start date:
01/08/2006
Approval end date:
30/11/2007
The ABDO offers other qualifications.

It is the only qualification recognised by the General Optical Council, and generally within optics, that enables candidates to go on to become Dispensing Opticians and is therefore a very important qualification in terms of the provision of high quality dispensing of spectacles and visual health for the population of the UK.
No specific job occupation
  • 01 Health, Public Services and Care
    • 01.3  Health and Social Care
1468
Pass
Coursework
Practical Examination
Written Examination
ASSESSMENT
ABDO set, mark and moderate all examinations. The assessment methods have been developed over many years and are recognised by the optical profession to be appropriate to requirements. The General Optical Council has approved the assessment process as fit for purpose.

The final year 3 practical examination tests the candidate’s skills, knowledge and competency across the units shown.
The assessment method for each section is set out below.

Theory Examinations
Year 1 – A. Theory of General Optics & Ophthalmic Lenses paper, (3 hours)
Year 2 – C. Theory of Optics paper, (2 hours)
D. Theory of Anatomy and Physiology paper, (2 hours)
Year 3 – E. Theory of Ophthalmic Lenses paper, ( 2 hours)
F. Theory of Visual Optics paper, (2 hours)
Practical Examinations
Year 1 – B. Practical Examination - 3 sections. Total length - 2.5 hours.
Year 3 – G. Practical Examination in 4 sections (6 hours)

Assessment Requirements
• For candidates who take all the theory papers and practical examinations and have had no continuous assessment during their training: all the papers and examinations must be passed.
• For candidates who take all the papers and examinations and have had continuous assessment for all 3 years of their training: a) all practical examinations must be passed, b) all theory papers must achieve a minimum mark of 40% and c) gain at least a 50% mark overall on the theory papers calculated by taking 70% of theory paper marks and adding 30% of the continuous assessment mark during the study of those topics.
• For candidates who can satisfy the theory papers exemption requirements set down by ABDO (eg have passed approved ophthalmic dispensing degree courses at recognised universities or colleges): all the practical examinations must be passed
All six units of the syllabus are mandatory.