Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not applicable
-
Duration
Full-time 1 year, Part-time 1.5 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
Entry score
Not applicable
Duration
Not applicable Location
Not applicable
Overview
This program is delivered in both traineeship and non-traineeship modes.
Gain the practical knowledge and skills to develop your career in optical dispensing.
Optical dispensers work closely with optometrists, ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals to provide solutions for eye care and eyewear needs.
They interpret ophthalmic prescriptions to provide patients with advice on spectacle frames, lens selection, contact lenses, sunglasses and safety eyewear.
Optical dispensers have a detailed understanding of spectacle frames and lenses, including their performance characteristics and effects on vision.
They are also trained to perform spectacle repairs and fitting of lenses into frames as part of a unique fashion, health and technology-based industry.
The optical dispensing program is also available as a traineeship. If taking this program in traineeship mode, you need to be employed as an optical dispenser during the program. You’ll combine on-the-job learning with classroom studies.
Details
You will be learning through a combination of on the job learning, face-to-face delivery, online study and workplace visits.
The program is divided into five clusters to allow for progress and skill development over time. Each cluster develops your knowledge through theory, hands-on activities, group discussions, industry visits and learning exercises such as researching key terms associated with your role as an optical dispenser.
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work.
You will have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.
Full-time
You will attend three days per week.
Part-time
You will attend five workshops over the course of 18 months. Each workshop runs for five days.
Dispensing
You’ll learn how spectacles and contact lenses work to correct vision. You will also develop the skill to select the most appropriate and fashionable optical appliances to meet your client's needs.
Sales
You will develop skills to be able to deliver and monitor a service to customers, sell products and services and analyse and achieve sales targets.
Atypical prescriptions
You'll learn how to interpret and correctly dispense and troubleshoot rare, unusual and challenging prescriptions.
Edge and fit
You will develop the practical skill to be able to cut and fit spectacle lenses into spectacle frames.
You’ll also learn how to:
- communicate and work in health or community services
- participate in workplace health and safety (WHS)
- work with diverse people
- develop work priorities
- communicate with children
- respond effectively to difficult or challenging behaviour
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: C4375
National curriculum code: HLT47815
Career
Optical dispensers have career opportunities such as:
- working in independent practices
- working in retail chain stores
- progressing into management/marketing/training
- business ownership
- franchise partnerships
- working overseas while travelling.
Optical dispensers also work with major product manufacturers and/or wholesalers as company representatives.
Admissions
Entry requirements
Pathways
Fees
The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place.
To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at ‘How to check if you are eligible’*.
The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide. Learn more about fees for vocational study.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2019 is $303.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.
If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).