Contact Lens Course
Study LevelLevel 6 Course TypeAdult Duration1 Academic Year Start DateSeptember 2025 Study ModePart-time LocationAdvanced Technology CentreOverview
This course is currently under syllabus review and is subject to change.
This course is aimed at General Optical Council registered Dispensing Opticians who are full members of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). The course will fully prepare you to take the ABDO Contact Lens Anatomy, Contact Lens Visual Optics and Contact Lens Practice theoretical examinations, as well as the ABDO Contact Lens Practical Examinations.
The course is approved by the GOC and ABDO.
Key Info
- Ocular Anatomy, Physiology and Related pathology- This module will focus on a number of ocular structures – including eyelids, tears film, lacrimal system, cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, retina and Uveal tract.
- Contact Lens Visual Optics – This module is designed to develop your knowledge of optics in relation to vision. While often mathematical in nature, it covers a range of topics including Instrumentation such as the Keratometry, Refractive Techniques, Optics of the Eye, Optics of Contact Lenses and Methods of Manufacture.
- Contact Lens Practice – This module develops your knowledge of contact lens practice and links the practical work that you will be doing with the theoretical perspectives. This module covers topics such as Instrumentation (e.g., The Slit lamp), Clinical Procedures (e.g., Aftercare), Contact Lens Induced Complications, The Design/Materials/Manufacture of Contact Lenses, The Clinical Application of Contact Lenses, Contact Lens Solutions and Drugs as well as Clinical Governance.
- Contact Lens Practical Workshop – This module prepares you for your work in practice as you prepare for personal contact lens clinical experience. The module covers all aspects required to complete your Contact Lens Practical examinations, including Initial Examination, Soft Lens Fitting, Rigid Lens Fitting, Aftercare, Contact Lens Verification, and the Application of other lenses such as Toric, multifocal, and therapeutic lenses.
The course has been commended by the GOC for its use of technology in recording and assessing practical demonstrations.
Qualification Gained: Assoc of British Dispensing Opticians Certificate in Contact Lens Practice
- Contact Lens Practice
- Ocular Anatomy, Physiology and Related pathology
- Contact Lens Visual Optics
- Contact Lens Practical Workshop
You will study the course by attending College on one day per week.
You must hold the appropriate level 6 qualification in Ophthalmic Dispensing.
You must be an ABDO member and GOC registrant for the duration of your training.
The Contact Lens Certificate requires students to be employed with a GOC registered Optical Practice and be working at least 1 day per week (or equivalent) in a Trainee Contact Lens Optician capacity while under a suitable qualified and experienced supervisor (Contact Lens Optician or Optometrist).
This course prepares you to take the ABDO Contact Lens examinations. You will be required to take both the theory and the practical examinations set by ABDO in Birmingham.
The Contact Lens Certificate requires students to be employed with a GOC registered Optical Practice and be working at least 1 day per week (or equivalent) in a Trainee Contact Lens Optician capacity while under a suitable qualified and experienced supervisor (Contact Lens Optician or Optometrist).
Many career opportunities become available as a Contact Lens Optician including:
- Specialising in complex cases within a hospital setting
- Professional services manager roles
- Progression with Education
On successful completion of the course, you will be able to progress to:
- The role of a contact lens optician in a private practice, in the NHS or in a large organisation
- A management position in an organisation
- Employment with a Contact Lens Manufacturer
- Further training in the MECS (Minor Eye Care Services) allowed Qualified GOC registered CLOs to engage in Enhanced services (subject to those services being commissioned in your local area)
- Further specialised training exists in the management of dry eye and myopia control
The course has strong links with industry and frequently has speakers from such companies as:
- CooperVision
- Alcon
- Bausch and Lomb
- No7 Contact Lenses
- The Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers (ACLM)
Other Costs: ABDO and GOC membership are a requirement of this programmeThere are three theoretical papers to sit – fees are paid directly to ABDO. Contact lens practical exams – fees are paid directly to ABDO. For details of GOC membership visit www.optical.orgFor details of ABDO membership visit www.abdo.org.uk/join-abdo/
This is representative of the most common fees scenario, but actual fees can vary depending on a number of factors. Please contact us if you need more guidance.
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Disclaimer: Our prospectus, college documents and website are simply here to offer a guide. We accept no liability for any inaccurate statements and are not responsible for any negative outcomes if you rely on an inaccurate statement. We reserve the right to withdraw any programmes or service at any time.
This course is delivered in partnership with
