Traits, skills and aptitudes
Opticians tend to be objective, methodical and social.
You need:
- a courteous, pleasant manner
- effective communication skills
- the ability to think critically
- the ability to resolve conflicts
- the ability to study and interpret customer issues
- an eye for detail and accuracy
- to work well under stress, maintain professional behaviour and regulate your emotions
- a good sense of spatial relationships
- good fine motor skills (to manipulate small objects and instruments).
Opticians may wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for long periods, which includes exposure to latex and disinfection materials. They may also spend most of their working hours on their feet and performing repetitive tasks.
Some positions required extended work hours or shiftwork, including evenings and weekends.
You are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for opticians to ensure you can successfully meet the occupational requirements for the program and profession.
Academic path
Graduates of SAIT’s Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting certificate program meet the admission requirements to enter this diploma program and receive credit for the first semester courses.
Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities
You will complete two required clinical practicums.
You will be assigned practicum placements with consideration given to your preference of location. However, due to limited availability in Calgary, it might be necessary for you to travel or relocate outside the city. Special considerations will not be accommodated.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be required to provide specific documentation before you can participate in your practicum. Find out what requirements you need for this program.
Accreditations, designations or certifications
The Optician program is conditionally accredited by Accreditation Canada.
Graduates will be prepared to challenge the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) exam and obtain a dual license as a dispensing optician and a contact lens fitter.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, you’ll be awarded a SAIT Optician diploma.
Accepts international applicants - PGWP-eligible
This program accepts international applicants and meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as long as the student is registered in on-campus classes or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for blended options).
International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Potential careers (NOC):
- Opticians (32100)
- Other medical technologists and technicians (32129)
- Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment (32109)
- Other assisting occupations in support of health services (33109)
Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents:
- at least 65% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2, and
- at least 65% in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, and
- at least 65% in Physics 20 or Biology 30 or Science 30
or,
- completion of SAIT’s Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting program.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
Program outline
The Optician diploma requires 66 credits (23 courses) to complete.
The program spans two years, with three semesters each year. The third semester in each year will be your clinical practicum.
Suggested schedule of study
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Books and supplies
Books, supplies and uniforms are approximately $2,800.
An Apple or Android laptop is required. This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page. Tablets or mobile phones are not suitable alternatives.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. Booklists are created by semester and are available approximately two weeks before classes begin.
Required equipment/tools
Before attending labs, you must purchase a professional optician toolkit containing essential optical tools commonly used in practice.
The kit is purchased directly through an external provider for approximately $380. Information regarding the kit will be provided during your first semester.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
You will require:
- navy scrubs (pants and top)
- closed-toe water-impermeable shoes.
Additional industry-approved PPE will be discussed before the start of labs.
Additional fees
- You are responsible for additional expenses related to your practicum, including pre-practicum requirements and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.
- The National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulator (NACOR) certification exam fees are:
- Optical Sciences 1: Eyeglasses and optical sciences - $750
- Optical Sciences 2: Advanced practice contact lenses - $750
- Annual registration fees for the College of Opticians of Alberta (COA) are approximately $650. Applications to, and a license from, a regulatory body are required.
Health and Public Safety program advising
For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Health and Public Safety.
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Program outcomes
- Measuring, fitting, and dispensing - demonstrate competency in measuring vision disturbances, fitting and dispensing contact lenses, eyewear, and low-vision aides, as well as educating patients about optimal ocular care.
- Clinical judgment - make clinical judgments when providing patient care.
- Communication - responsively and responsibly communicate with patients, families, and other health professionals to support a patient-centred approach.
- Collaboration - apply inter-professional collaboration and a team approach when providing patient care.
- Professionalism - plan professional life-long learning and continuing education opportunities that support personal practice as an optician.
- Business and retail - apply retail best practices in the optician business.
- Regulations and ethics - practice the protection and safety of practitioners, patients, and the public.
- Technology - demonstrate proficient technical skills to promote best practice in the Optician role.
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