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Apr 18, 2024
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PUBLISHED 2020-2021 Credit Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Optician
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Program Description
The Optician program is two years in length and trains students to be in the forefront of eye care practice, working as part of a multi-disciplinary vision care team. Students will study ocular pathology, refracting and pharmacology, as well as business and retail aspects of the profession. Application of the theory will be demonstrated through clinical competencies focusing on refraction, filling eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions, ensuring a proper fit, and determining clients’ eyewear needs. These skills, along with business and retail skills, will be practiced and demonstrated in a dynamic, patient-centered environment.
Your Career
Graduates of this program may find work as Opticians in optical retail stores, or a variety of other related medical settings.
Student Success
- Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT’s programs.
- Students who experience success in this program have effective communication skills in English.
- Health care practitioners are detail-oriented in the care they provide, and enjoy working in a team environment.
- Interest in science, health, and technology is essential for success in this program.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Optician Diploma.
Additionally, graduates will be prepared to challenge the National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) exam, and obtain a dual license as both a dispensing optician and a contact lens fitter.
Accreditation
The Optician program delivered by SAIT is aligned with the competencies outlined by the National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) guidelines and will seek accreditation with Accreditation Canada starting in 2020/21.
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Admission Requirements
A minimum grade of 65% in each of the following courses or their equivalents:
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
- Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 or Pure Math 30
- Physics 20* or Biology 30 or Science 30
- Or,
- Completion of the SAIT Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting program or equivalent
- All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
*Physics 30 is considered an asset
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 Judgement - Make clinical judgements when providing patient care.
- Communication - Communicate with patients, families, and other health professionals in a responsive and responsible manner that supports a patient-centered approach.
- Collaboration - Apply inter-professional collaboration and team approach when providing patient care.
- Professionalism - Plan professional life-long learning and continuing education opportunitities that support personal practice as an optician.
- Business and Retail - Apply retail best practices in 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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