Program Description
Be at the forefront of eye care practice, working as part of a multi-disciplinary vision care team. You will study ocular pathology, refracting and pharmacology, as well as business and retail aspects of the profession.
Through our hands-on learning approach, you’ll gain skills that will demonstrate your application of the theory through clinical competencies focusing on refraction, filling eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions, ensuring a proper fit, and determining clients’ eyewear needs.
You’ll have a chance to practice and demonstrate these skills, along with business and retail skills, in dynamic, patient-centered environments in the form of classroom lectures, laboratory practice and clinical practicum placements so you get exposure to simulated real-work experience before you graduate.
Fast Facts
- Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum, including pre-practicum requirements as outlined by the program, and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary
- Students require access to a personal computer and Internet in order to complete the required courses
All courses must be completed within the program completion timeframe. Please be advised that for the purpose of student loans, full-time student status requires that learners are enrolled in a minimum of 60% of a full course load per semester.
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
Job expectations for success in this profession include:
- Fine motor skills
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
- Able to work independently
- Able to work with others
- Able to participate in classroom, lab and practicum activities as scheduled by the program
- Able to work well under stress
- Able to use technology
- Able to maintain professional behaviour; emotional self-regulation
- Able to work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends, and shift work
- Able to meet the physical demands of the job (e.g. spending most hours working on your feet, walking, repetitive bending, repetitive tasks)
- Able to tolerate latex, disinfection chemicals
- Comfortable with performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity
Prospective students are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Opticians as well as the governing body’s competency profile for the profession, to ensure that they are able to successfully demonstrate the skills required to achieve all the competency-based objectives for the program and profession.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Optician Diploma.
Additionally, graduates will be prepared to challenge the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) exam, and obtain a dual license as both a dispensing optician and a contact lens fitter.
Accreditation
This program is aligned with the competencies outlined by the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR), and has been accredited with condition by Accreditation Canada effective May 4, 2022.
Progression
The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.
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
- 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 Judgment: Make clinical judgments 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 opportunities 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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