Do you want to be a BSc?

Do dispensing opticians need a degree? It’s not essential but more and more new DOs are qualifying with a BSc alongside their FBDO. A degree may give you the edge when applying for jobs where in every other factor you and other candidates are equally matched, but more importantly it gives you a chance to develop critical thinking skills that can be applied to a wide range of situations. Beyond that, there is a drive for dispensing optics to become a more evidence based discipline. Dispensing opticians studying for a degree get the chance to develop research skills and write a dissertation on a question that will advance knowledge in a specialist area. What’s more, dispensing opticians with degrees are now progressing to study for masters and doctorate level qualifications, taking their research skills and knowledge to the next level and carrying out ground breaking research. This all sounds great, but what if you have already qualified but you don’t have a degree?

On a day to day level thousands of dispensing opticians carry out excellent work with the FBDO diploma and acquired years of skill and experience. For many, there was no choice to pick a degree course when they were studying. A significant number of well qualified practitioners are seeing the new wave of graduates and thinking, ‘I would have liked a degree too.’ ABDO College working in conjunction with Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) is now offering any dispensing optician with the FBDO diploma the chance to top up to a degree. The new BSc (Hons) in Vision Science course is designed for fully qualified dispensing opticians who wish to gain a profession specific degree and acquire graduate skills that can be applied to the workplace. It offers a unique opportunity for dispensing opticians to ‘top-up’ to a degree whilst still working in practice. ABDO President Fiona Anderson says, “A number of years ago I achieved a BSc(Hons) Business Administration with Brunel University which I studied over three years via blended learning so diligence, time management and hard work were the order of the day to gain the degree! I am undeniably proud of my FBDO qualification, but not everyone knows what it is. A BSc(Hons) is an instantly recognisable across the world. One of my proudest moments on gaining my degree in addition to graduation was ordering my ABDO desk name plate showing that I was BSc(Hons) FBDO. Some time has elapsed since then – I graduated in 2003 and I have a few more letters after my name now. I am a huge advocate of lifelong learning. I am thrilled that this ‘top up’ degree is now available via ABDO College and CCCU and with the advances in technology the method of delivery and study couldn’t be easier or more convenient for busy professionals who want to work & combine further study.”

If you are concerned about how you will attend classes, you’ll be pleased to know that this course is offered entirely via online distance learning through CCCU’s Virtual Learning Environment. This means that you can study at a time that suits you 24/7, and there are no travel or accommodation costs, no books to buy. What’s more, assessment for the degree is ongoing through a mix of assessments, essays, poster, leaflet, case study, and with the option of a workplace project on a topic that you choose according to your specific interests. This means that there are no exams to take. The course comprises three compulsory modules and three optional modules from a list which includes contact lenses and low vision, so, again, you can tailor the degree to your interests.  The compulsory modules are: Academic Skills Development, Evidence-based Practice, and Transforming Ophthalmic Practice. The optional modules include: Contact Lens Practice, Low Vision Practice, Paediatric Eyecare, Ophthalmic Public Health, Dry eye and Ocular Surface Disease, and an independent study module where you select a relevant topic. Each module has 8-10 lectures. The whole degree is offered in a flexible timeframe. You can study two modules at a time and complete it within 18 months is the suggested time, but you have up to three years should you wish to proceed at a slower pace due to other commitments. Once you have completed the degree, it will open a gateway to career opportunities such as lecturing or research. Alicia Thompson, ABDO’s director of examinations says, “I did a degree top-up which gave me an insight into the world of research. It gave me the opportunity to then embark on my current part-time PhD which is based on paediatric facial anthropometry related to spectacle frame fit. It is vital that the world of dispensing becomes more evidence-based and I would love to see more dispensing opticians have the opportunity to produce rigorous and robust research in our field.”

If you are interested in topping up, you need to have the ABDO Level 6 Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing (FBDO) qualification and have current ABDO membership. For more information and to register your interest call the courses team at ABDO College on 01227 738 829 (Option 1) or email info@abdocollege.org.uk. If you want to be part of the first group to take this new qualification, act today as applications are now due.