Awards & Training
 
[Return to Contents page]
[Return to Awards & Training Index]
Level 3 Certificate in Optical Practice Support
Another Nationally Accredited Qualification from SMC!
Examinations will normally be held twice a year - in June and December
For a brochure - click here

The Level 3 Certificate in Optical Practice Support is a nationally approved qualification recognised by QCA in England, ACCAC in Wales and CEA in Northern Ireland.

This qualification is the second benchmark of excellence in your chosen career. By attaining it, you will have demonstrated a higher level of expertise and knowledge over a wide range of subjects reflecting every aspect of your work in today's demanding optical practice including supervisory skills. Obtaining this qualification clearly shows your commitment to enhancing your competencies and to your continuing personal development.

Is this qualification for me?
If you have been working in an optical practice for some time or as a senior assistant or in a supervisory capacity, then you will probably already have much of the knowledge and many of the required skills. You do not need any particular academic qualifications, but good numeracy and literacy would be helpful. It would be an advantage to have gained the Level 2 Certificate in Optical Practice Support.

What next?
It couldn't be simpler - the SMC's one-year correspondence course is designed to fit into a busy job schedule and lifestyle. Your personal SMC tutor will take you through a series of papers covering the syllabus and you can work at your own pace. Courses normally start in September and January.

The examination is expected to be made up of four papers covering the four modules of the syllabus. The four papers, comprising of a mixture of short answer, multi-choice and essay questions, will be taken in two sessions of two-hours in one day. There is no practical examination. Normally the examinations will take place at a location in your region of the country.

How much does it cost?
All your course fees and materials are met by an affordable one-off payment - for the current fees click here.

It is possible that your employer may help with part or even all of these fees and we recommend that you speak to them in the first instance.

Your Local Learning and Skills Council in England and the equivalent government bodies in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland may offer a grant towards this course and qualification because it is nationally approved and on the National Qualifications Framework. A list of these bodies is available from the SMC.

The Syllabus

The syllabus is a arranged in four modules. A summary of the structure and learning outcomes is set out below.

The full syllabus can be downloaded by clicking here. (265 Kb Word document)


Module 1. Managing people in optical practice.

Learning Outcome – The candidate will know how to effectively manage the relationships with colleagues including communication and supervisory skills, and how to develop other people’s performance in optical practice. The candidate will have the knowledge to communicate with patients/customers with impaired vision, to improve service, deal with conflict and improve selling skills. The basic legal implications within an optical practice will also be understood.

1.1 People management – To have an understanding of the skills required for good communications, the principals of being a good supervisor and the importance of developing an individual’s performance.

 


1.1.1 Communication skills
 1.1.2 Supervisory skills
1.1.3 Developing Individual’s Performance


1.2. Optical Retailing – To understand how to achieve excellent customer service and customer management in an optical practice. To understand the principals and skills required for selling effectively.

 


1.2.1 Excellent Customer Service

1.2.2 Selling Skills

1.2.3 Customer Management


1.3. Health, Safety and Legal   - To have an understanding of the health and safety requirements in optical practice and know the basic legal requirements.
 


1.3.1 Health and Safety Requirements

1.3.2 Basic Legal Requirements


Module 2. General optics and optical screening

Learning Outcome – The candidate will achieve a basic understanding of a wide range of the terms used optics including the eye, lenses, frames and facial features. They will also be able to interpret the common optical prescriptions. The candidate will have a knowledge of the principles of optical screening equipment and processes for tonometry, auto refraction and visual fields.

2.1. General Optics. - To understand the key terms used in optics and the interpretation of common optical prescriptions.
 


2.1.1 Terminology.

2.1.2 Basic prescription analysis.

2.2 Optical Screening - To gain an understanding of the principles of non-contact tonometry, auto refraction and field screening.

 

2.2.1 Principles of non-contact tonometry

2.2.2 Principles of auto-refraction

2.2.3 Principles of field screening

Module 3. Spectacle lenses, frames and fitting

Learning outcome – The candidate will know and understand the key principles and factors about the choice of particular lenses used in spectacles and the benefits of the various alternatives to the visually impaired including low vision appliances. The candidate will have knowledge of the principles, designs and fitting of frames and the importance of protective and other specialist eyewear.

3.1. Spectacle Lenses - To understand the principles and designs of a range of lenses used in spectacle prescriptions.
 


3.1.1 Thickness and appearance.

3.1.2 Manufacturing process multi-coated lenses.

3.1.3 Density of materials.

3.1.4 Trifocals and Progressives.

3.1.5 Low vision appliances

3.2. Frames and Fitting. To understand the principles, designs, fitting and limitations of spectacle frames and the importance of good fitting and care of spectacles. Knowledge of protective eyeware will also be obtained.

 


3.2.1 Modern materials and their manufacture

3.2.2 Allergies to materials.

3.2.3 Rules for dispensing within NHS.

3.2.4 Frame adjustments.

3.2.5 Guidance for patient in the care and the handling of spectacles.

3.2.6 Limitations of frames coupled with prescription.

3.2.7 Protective Eyewear

Module 4. Understanding the Principles of Contact Lenses

Learning Outcome - The candidate will know and understand the key types, principles, designs and wearing modalities of contact lenses. This will include the more complex designs of torics and multifocals and the legal framework that regulates contact lenses and solutions. The candidate will know about how to effectively manage those customers who have not complied with contact lens care regimes.
 

4.1 Legal implications

4.2 Wearing modalities

4.3 Contact lens design incl. toric and multifocals.

4.4 Non-compliance of care of lenses