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?
The Register of Optometrists (2 divisions, the Register of Optometrists and the Register of Visiting European Optometrists)                                                                                  The Register of Dispensing Opticians (2 divisions, the Register of Dispensing Opticians and the Register of Visiting European Dispensing Opticians)

How many opticians are registered
As of 31 July 2011 there were 722 optometrists and 173 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 by notifying the Board's office in writing by letter, email or fax.

Which professional bodies are there for optometrists and dispensing opticians in Ireland?
Association of Optometrists Ireland
Kevin Culliton Rooms, 12-13 Greenmount House
Harold’s Cross Road
Dublin 6W

Irish Association of Dispensing Opticians
13 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

How can I make a complaint?  

Complaints alleging breaches of the Opticians Act or the Boards Rules by registered Optometrists or Dispensing Opticians may be investigated by the Board.   Please contact the administrator by emailing administrator@opticiansboard.ie for the Boards complaints procedure.

Where can I get consumer information?                                                                                           

The National Consumer Agency www.consumerconnect.ie

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.