Training & Qualifications for Optical Practice Support Staff:

Optical Practice Support
Level 2 Examination

The Nationally accredited qualification

Examinations are normally held twice a year - in June and December. Candidates may opt to take the examination online from their place of work provided that certain conditions are met. This option is available at the same date and time as the written examination.

An easier way to study

The level 2 Certificate in Optical Practice Support is the nationally approved qualification recognised by all opticians and employers. This qualification is the first benchmark of excellence in your chosen career. By attaining it, you will have demonstrated a level of expertise and knowledge over a wide range of subjects reflecting every aspect of your work in today's demanding optical practice. Undertaking this qualification clearly shows your commitment to enhancing your skills and to continuous personal development. A more advanced Level 3 course and Qualification is now also available from the SMC - click here for details.

Where do I start?

If you are working in an optical practice in a support role, then you will probably already have many of the required skills. You do not need any particular academic qualifications, just basic numeracy and literacy. If you meet these requirements, you are already up and running.

How do I study?

It couldn't be simpler - the SMC's correspondence course is designed to fit easily into even the busiest job schedule and lifestyle. The one-year course requires only a few hours study per week with a two hour written examination at the end, normally in a location in your region of the country. Your personal SMC tutor will take you through a series of papers covering the syllabus and you can work at your own pace. If you live or work in London, the same syllabus is covered by an evening course at City & Islington College, telephone 020 7700 9200.

How much does it cost?

All your course fees and materials are met by an affordable one-off payment - for current fees click here.

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 on the National Qualifications Framework. A list of these bodies is available from the SMC.

The Syllabus

The course covers a range of subjects reflecting every aspect of work in today's optical practice. It is designed to help you gain a better understanding of the functions of an optical practice and to become more confident when dealing with patients.

Optical Practice

• The Optical Profession
• The common terms used in optical practice
• The receptionist's duties
• NHS vouchers and procedure

The Eye & Ametropia

• Basic anatomy and function of the eye
• Eye conditions, Binocular Vision & Visual Fields
• Myopia, Hypermetropia, Astigmatism and Presbyopia
• Cataracts, Glaucoma & Diabetes
• Refractive surgery

Basic Optics & Spectacle Lenses

• Spectacle Prescriptions and Transposition
• Units of measurement
• Bifocal, Trifocal and Progressive Lenses
• Coatings and Tints
• Optical centres, PD, decentration and Prisms

Frames & Fitting

• Spectacle Frames Materials
• Frame Construction
• BS Measurement and Spectacle Frames
• Spectacle Dispensing

Contact Lenses

• History and development
• Procedure for fitting
• Aftercare and Hygiene
• Types and modalities of wearing

Brochure & Syllabus downloads

Notes

To obtain the Level 2 Certificate in Optical Practice Support, a candidate must successfully sit a two-hour written paper, and achieve a mark of at least 50%.

Grading

Results are not graded. A candidate either passes the examination, or fails it.

Prize

The SMC awards a prize during its annual Awards Ceremony in October to the candidate obtaining the best marks in the two examinations held in December and June.