Opticianry

Program Overview

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Opticianry Ontario College Diploma, Co-op program

Program Description

In this program, students experience a unique blend of health care and professional service. Through theory and practical experience in labs, students learn to competently dispense eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision devices, as well as learn about basic refraction. Students gain a strong foundation of ocular sciences in optics and anatomy and are provided the expertise necessary to lay out and edge lenses for frame insertion, as well as repair, customize and modify eyewear to the patient/clients’ needs. Emphasis is also placed on critical thinking, problem solving, and entrepreneurial skills. Students learn how to use effective sales techniques and enhance communication and interpersonal skills in order to be successful in the optical retail environment.

Program Information

• Duration: 2 Years
• Credential: Ontario College Diploma, Co-op
• Program Delivery: Full-time
• Program Delivery Method(s): In person

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U)
• Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U)
  • OR Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C or U) Chemistry
  • OR Grade 11 or 12 (U), or Grade 12 (C) Physics

Pathways

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details.

Selection Process

Selection is based on admission requirements and academic grades.

Additional Information

In order for a student to register for the National examinations (NACOR) the student must have:

• Successfully completed all academic semesters
• Successfully completed two co-operative work terms
• Successfully completed the practice requirements including:
  • 1000 hours of supervised dispensing experience
  • 250 eyeglass fittings broken down into specific categories
    • 15 soft contact lens fittings
    • 5 rigid lens fittings
• Registered as an Intern Optician with the College of Opticians of Ontario

Vulnerable Sector Checks

Applicants for a certificate of registration as a Registered Optician must also provide a Vulnerable Sector (“VS”) check as part of their application for registration with the College.

Why Take Opticianry at Georgian College?

With a diploma in Opticianry from Georgian College, the possibilities are endless. Whether you dream of working in a private practice, optical retail chain, or healthcare facility, our program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to thrive in any setting and in any province across Canada.

Career Opportunities

Opticians are long-standing health care professionals employed in an industry for which there is a growing universal need. Registered Opticians may dispense eyewear independently or as part of the eye care team. Consequently, graduates may aspire to operate their own businesses. As recognized professionals under the Regulated Health Professions Act, full-time career possibilities, including managerial roles, exist in large retail optical chains, independent dispensaries and medical clinics in Ontario and across Canada.

Course Overview

• 34 Program Courses
• 2 Communications Courses
• 3 General Education Courses
• 2 Co-op Work Terms

Program-Specific Courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Opticianry program outline.

• OPTI 1022 – Eyeglass Dispensing Lab 1
• OPTI 1023 – Eyeglass Dispensing Theory 1
• OPTI 1024 – Eyeglass Fabrication and Customization 1
• OPTI 1025 – Contact Lens Dispensing Lab 1
• OPTI 1026 – Contact Lens Dispensing Theory 1
• OPTI 1027 – Ocular Science for Contact Lenses 1
• OPTI 1028 – Applied Optics 1
• OPTI 1037 – Ethics and Professional Standards of Practice For Opticianry
• Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.
• Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.

Course Delivery Method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Related Programs

• Dental Hygiene
• Dental Assisting (Levels I and II)
• Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant
• Pharmacy Technician

Program Outline

Opticianry Ontario College Diploma Program at Georgian College:

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Degree Overview:

• Objective: Become a valuable member of the eye health team through a blend of health care and professional service training.
• Description:
• Students learn to dispense eyeglasses, contact lenses, and low vision devices, as well as perform basic refraction procedures.
• The program provides a solid foundation in ocular sciences, optics, and anatomy.
• Students gain expertise in laying out and edging lenses, repairing and customizing eyewear, and modifying it to patients' needs.
• Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, problem solving, and entrepreneurial skills.
• Successful completion of the program and co-op placements allows graduates to write the national registration exams for becoming a Registered Optician in Canada.

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Outline:

• Program Duration: 2 years
• Credential: Ontario College Diploma in Opticianry
• Delivery Mode: Full-time, in-person
• Course Breakdown:
• Semester 1:
• Eyeglass Dispensing Lab 1
• Eyeglass Dispensing Theory 1
• Eyeglass Fabrication and Customization 1
• Contact Lens Dispensing Lab 1
• Contact Lens Dispensing Theory 1
• Ocular Science for Contact Lenses 1
• Applied Optics 1
• Ethics and Professional Standards of Practice for Opticianry
• 1 Communication Course (selected from a list during registration)
• 1 General Education Course (selected from a list during registration)

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Careers:

• Career Opportunities:
• Registered Opticians can work independently or as part of the eye care team.
• They can operate their own businesses or work in large retail chains, independent dispensaries, and medical clinics.
• Full-time career possibilities, including managerial roles, exist in Ontario and across Canada.
• Job Placement: Over 95% of graduates are successfully placed in jobs.

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Other:

• Admission Requirements:
• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U)
• Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U) OR Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C or U) Chemistry OR Grade 11 or 12 (U), or Grade 12 (C) Physics
• Selection is based on admission requirements and academic grades.
• **Co-op placements may require travel or relocation outside the initial campus location.

• **Vulnerable Sector Checks are required for all applicants to the College of Opticians of Ontario.

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Additional Resources:

• Program outline: https://www.georgiancollege.ca/program/opticianry
• Admissions requirements: https://www.georgiancollege.ca/program/opticianry/admission-requirements
• Career opportunities: https://www.georgiancollege.ca/program/opticianry/careers