This paper reports results obtained on the structural and luminescence properties of Dy 3+ doped lead boro−telluro-phosphate glasses prepared following the melt quenching technique. FTIR spectra exhibit the presence of B−O vibrations, P−O−P symmetric vibrations and Te−O stretching modes of TeO 3 and TeO 6 units. The metal–ligand bond was identified through UV−vis−NIR absorption spectra and to determine the band tailing parameter, direct and indirect band gap energy of the prepared glasses. The Judd−Ofelt (JO) intensity parameters (Ω 2 , Ω 4 and Ω 6 ), experimental and theoretical oscillator strengths were also determined and reported. Luminescence measurements were made to determine the transition probability (A), stimulated emission cross-section (σPE) and branching ratio (βR) for the transitions that include 4 F 9/2 → 6 H 11/2 , 6 H 13/2 and 6 H 15/2 bands. The effect of Dy 3+ ion concentration on the intensity ratio of yellow to blue emission bands has also been studied and reported. The lifetime corresponding to the 4 F 9/2 level of the title glasses has been found to decrease with the increase in Dy 3+ ion concentration. The chromaticity coordinates (x,y) have been estimated from the luminescence spectra and the suitability of title glasses for white light applications has been analyzed using CIE chromaticity diagram. The variation of optical properties with the concentration of dysprosium oxide content in the glasses have been studied and reported.