When people ask me what I do for a living I reply that I’m an Optical Dispenser. The normal response is “What’s an Optical Dispenser?”.

You, like many, might not know what an Optical Dispenser is or does. I’d like to fill you in on the specifics of what we do and why you should seek out an Optical Dispenser for your next eyewear purchase.
As an Optical Dispenser I like to think of myself as an Eyewear Expert. I have completed a Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing while working at an Optical practice so I could practice and hone my skills in a real environment. I guess it is similar to an apprenticeship where you learn off other qualified Optical Dispensers while completing your training. 
What we learn as an Optical Dispenser is how to provide the best possible products and services to meet you eyewear needs. This includes but is not limited to;

FRAME SELECTION: We generally want our new spectacle frames to look good but they also need to fit well. It’s no good having a frame that looks a million dollars but is too small or keep falling off your nose all the time. The role of a qualified Optical dispenser is to help select a frame that looks good and fits well. Making sure the frame is the right width and that it can be adjusted to fit your face perfectly is vital.

PRECRIPTION LENS SELECTION: Much like frame selection, correct prescription lens selection is vital in achieving both great vision and a perfect fit to your chosen frame. Not all lenses are the same so my role is to recommend the correct lens material and lens design that will not only get you seeing well but also fit your frame perfectly. A poor lens selection can potentially distort your spectacle frame, be too heavy and lead to fitting issues such as slipping or pressure points. 

FRAME ADJUSTMENTS: Ever just been handed your new spectacles without adjustment? Did you know a poorly adjusted frame can also affect your vision? A correctly adjusted spectacle frame is vital in ensuring you look and feel great and your vision is as good as it should be. An Optical dispensers job is to correctly adjust your frame, whether it be adjusting the bend behind your ears or making sure the nose pads sit flush on your nose. There are many things we look for to ensure a perfect fit and minimise any potential issues that could affect your vision and make your frame uncomfortable to wear.

PRESCRIPTION LENS EDGING: Optical Dispensers can “edge” your chosen prescription lenses into your spectacle frame. “Edging” is cutting and shaping your prescription lenses to fit your spectacle frame. You can call this “Optical Mechanics” and is a valuable service we can provide. Edging is usually done in store to speed up the delivery time of your new spectacles. 

The role of an Optical Dispenser is broad so it’s extremely important to find a GREAT Optical Dispenser for your next eyewear purchase. Our knowledge and expertise means the whole process will be smooth and you will end up with a great set of spectacles you love. Make sure you ask “Are you an Optical Dispenser” when discussing your next eyewear purchase. OR, you can come to Kellyville Optical where all our staff are qualified Optical Dispensers and EYEWEAR EXPERTS.