Dispensing opticians supply, fit and sell glasses and contact lenses to a prescription provided by an optometrist (ophthalmic optician). They do not perform eye tests, but give advice to clients on the best type of glasses for their particular need.
Dispensing opticians supply and fit spectacles according to the prescription provided by an optometrist (ophthalmic optician). They measure the face and features of the patient precisely, in order to place the lenses at the right angle and ensure that the spectacle frame is comfortable and stable. They then prepare detailed instructions for the technicians who make the lenses.
If any external sign of injury, abnormality or disease of the eye is spotted, dispensing opticians have an obligation to refer the patient to a doctor or optometrist for further attention.
Dispensing opticians advise clients on the choice of spectacles, which may involve aspects such as colour vision, problems of lighting and eye safety in industry. They must know enough about the relative merits of glass, plastic, laminated, coated and reinforced lenses, to help the client choose a lens appropriate to their needs (bearing in mind their job and leisure interests). They must also understand how lenses are made and the theory underlying the prescription.
Some experienced dispensing opticians specialise in the dispensing of contact lenses, optical aids for the partially sighted, or the fitting of artificial eyes.
