Opportunities for DOs

In March 2026, Newman took on a newly-established post as head of dispensing advancement.

The role of dispensing optician has shifted over this time and continues to evolve as the primary eye care sector grows and advances.

Newman said: “When I qualified 20 years ago, it was really just about dispensing spectacles – which is still a fundamental and highly-skilled part of what we do – but I have seen the role progress to be wider spread. We are becoming regarded more as healthcare professionals.”

Advances in technology have been a driving factor in shaping the role as it enhances the expertise of clinicians, Newman suggested, while a shift in primary care has also been a major factor.

“As more and more optometry services are coming into primary care, DOs have a real opportunity to be part of that multidisciplinary team, working in multi-skilled in practices and able to release the optometrists at every opportunity to do what they do best so that we can deliver the best outcomes for our patients,” she said.

Awareness and perception

Public awareness of the role of a dispensing optician has also been increasing. Newman observed that, as the public turns towards artificial intelligence tools to ask questions, the technology draws information from a variety of sources about what dispensing opticians do in practice.

“DOs feel like customers are coming in and asking to see a dispensing optician, which we didn’t have before,” she said, adding: “The public want to be more involved with that profession and have a better understanding because of that.”

Perceptions of the role of dispensing optician remains a key challenge for the profession, both amongst the public and in other clinical disciplines.

“Other clinical disciplines can have misconceptions about the role of the DO. I think we’re often perceived as salespeople or that we’re not trying to drive outcomes from a clinical place, but more from a retail and sales element,” she said.

“I think that has always been a challenge for us and it’s getting other clinical disciplines to understand the professional expertise that we hold and how much value we add to delivering those outcomes.”

Newman emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary working in eye care, noting that there can be a perception that once the optometrist has performed the eye examination, the clinical journey is over.

“I say often to DOs: the eye test is just the first part of that eye care journey. Without the DO and great dispensing, we never transfer that prescription into real vision and something that the patients can really use to meet their needs,” she said.

Shifts in primary care

The broad changes in primary eye care, with more services shifting into the community, present a major opportunity for DOs, Newman suggested.

Myopia management also presents a “huge opportunity,” for the profession, with Newman sharing: “We’ve really just dipped our toe in the water.”

“Dispensing opticians are so well-placed to lead from that perspective. We are already paediatric experts and so many of us have qualifications in paediatrics as a specialty," she said.

Newman observed: “I think we need to step up and lead where myopia management is concerned and work with the optometrists to make sure that all of the children who can benefit from myopia management get it.”

No two DOs are the same when it comes to their career progression

Career progression

Training for DOs has seen a shift, with Newman suggesting that there are more options for more specialist qualifications.

Specsavers also has a number of leadership qualifications, with Newman sharing: “DOs can choose whether they want to progress down a more clinical route, own their own practice, or go down a leadership and management route.”

“I think the options are very diverse and no two DOs are the same when it comes to their career progression,” she added.

Looking ahead, Newman told OT: “I think we’re on a road to change. DOs are certainly feeling that change.”

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