DIPLOMA IN OPHTALMIC DISPENSING

About the Course

The profession of ophthalmic dispensing entails matching optical prescriptions with the most appropriate spectacle frames and lenses, taking into account the patient’s line of work and lifestyle besides visual and cosmetic needs. Dispensing opticians will also provide instructions to patients in the care and cleaning techniques for lenses. The curriculum for the Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing programme at Management and Science University (MSU) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in this discipline. Students will receive extensive learning in the classroom and the skills lab, and attain valuable real-life experience through industrial attachment at optical shops.

Duration
3 years

Credit Hours
90 Credit Hours

Courses Offered

Year One

• Ophthalmic Lens
• Ophthalmic Instrumentation
• Dispensing
• Optics

Year Two

• Physiological Optics
• Introduction to Ocular Disease
• Law and Professional Aspect for Dispensing Optician
• Ocular Physiology

Year Three

• Vocational and Specialty Ophthalmic Dispensing
• Eyeglass and Contact Lens Dispensing Practice
• Industrial Training

Career Prospects

• Dispensing Optician

Entry Requirements

GUIDELINES ON APPROVAL AND ACCREDITATION OF OPTOMETRY AND OPTICIANRY PROGRAMMES IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (2022)

Minimum Entry Requirement:

1. An understanding of science, particularly in Physics and Mathematics is important. However, the Council recognizes the diversity of subjects taken by applicants and the contributions of those who entered optometry schools with other qualifications.
2. All applicants shall have attained at least credit in English to enable them to complete the course successfully.
3. All applicants who enter a matriculation or foundation shall have passed and attained a minimum of the following at School Certificate level or its equivalent:
   • Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM): Minimum 3C in at least 3 of the following subjects: Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics
   • General Certificate of Education Ordinary (“O”) Levels: Minimum 3C in at least 3 of the following subjects: Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics
   • Certificate in Optical Technology or equivalent from the same accredited institution or any recognized institutions — Minimum CGPA 3.00
   • Certificate in Science or equivalent from the same accredited institution or any recognized institutions — Minimum CGPA 3.00
   • Fellow British Dispensing Opticians (FBDO) or equivalent from any recognized institutions — Must have passed the FBDO course
4. All applicants with Unified Education Certificate (UEC) must have passed SPM and fulfilled the requirements stated above.
5. Students who have foreign certificates that use a language other than English must have their certificates translated by the embassy or another relevant authority.
6. Clarifications shall be sought from the Council in situations for which there are no provisions in this guideline.

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university