Frequently
Asked Questions
What is the difference between optometrists
and dispensing opticians?
The law in Ireland distinguishes between optometrists and dispensing opticians.
Optometrists are entitled to prescribe dispense and sell spectacles (as defined).
Dispensing opticians are not entitled to prescribe spectacles; they are entitled
to dispense and sell spectacles (as defined). Only dispensing opticians with
a certificate of entitlement to fit contact lenses may do so.
Do opticians (optometrists and dispensing
opticians) have to be registered with the
Opticians Board before they can work in Ireland?
Yes they do, see ‘Applying to Register’ for
details.
What does an optician need to register
with the Opticians Board?
There are a number of different routes to registration.
Please refer to ‘Applying to Register’ for
more details.
What registers does the Opticians
Board maintain?
There are two registers – the Register of Optometrists and the Register of Dispensing Opticians.
How many opticians are registered
with the Opticians Board?
As of March 2009 there were 736 optometrists and
177 dispensing opticians registered on the
board’s registers.
How can I change my registered name?
You can apply to do this by contacting the Board's office.
How can I change my registered address?
You can do this bynotifying the Board's offce in writing.
Which Professional Bodies are there
for optometrists and dispensing opticians
in Ireland?
Association of Optometrists Ireland
Kevin Culliton Rooms, 18 Greenmount House
Harold’s Cross Road
Dublin 6W
Irish Association of Dispensing Opticians
18 Greenmount House
Harold's Cross Road
Dublin 6W
Irish Contact Lens Society
Where do opticians train in Ireland?
Optometrists
Information may
be obtained from the:
Undergraduate Admissions Officer
Department of Optometry
Dublin Institute of Technology
Kevin Street
Dublin 8
Dispensing Opticians
There is currently no course for Dispensing
Opticians in Ireland. Please contact the Board’s
office for information.
How can I contact the Regulatory
Body for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians
in the UK?
General Optical Council (GOC)
41 Harley Street
London W1G 8DJ
UK
Disclaimer:
The Opticians Board is not responsible for the
content of external internet sites. The inclusion
of a link to an external website is for convenience
only. It does not imply any endorsement
or recognition of organisations, institutions,
products, services or information contained
on that site.
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