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

Upon successful completion of the academic and co-operative education semesters, students are eligible to write the national registration examinations which allow them, if successful, to practice in Canada as a Registered Optician.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• provide effective optical care that meets the ethical and legal requirements of the National professional competencies for registration as a licensed Optician;
• competently perform all aspects of dispensing eyewear including eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision devices that meets the ethical and legal requirements of the National professional competencies for registration as a licensed Optician;
• achieve satisfactory performance related to refraction, including knowledge of ophthalmic pharmacology, knowledge of accommodation, understanding correction of visual error and principles of refraction;
• assess ocular pathology accurately to ensure the appropriate referral of patients, as necessary;
• perform a complete refraction routine accurately, efficiently, and safely, through the proficient use of diagnostic equipment;
• educate and advocate effectively by promoting the benefits of ocular health and eye safety for a patient/client;
• embrace the principle of life-long learning, continuing education, research and professional development and apply the new knowledge to daily practice;
• successfully function in a diverse optical environment which could include the traditional retail model, medical clinical settings, sales, self- employment and business management;
• employ environmentally sustainable practices to minimize the risk of contamination and subsequent transmission of infectious agents within a professional practice;
• apply basic professional practice procedures suitable for an owner operated small business or within a corporate environment in accordance with the National professional competencies.

Practical Experience

All co-operative education programs at Georgian contain mandatory work term experiences aligned with program learning outcomes. Co-op work terms are designed to integrate academic learning with work experience, supporting the development of industry specific competencies and employability skills.

Career opportunities

Opticians are long-standing members of the health care delivery team in a field 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, fulltime career possibilities, including managerial roles, exist in large retail optical chains, independent dispensaries and medical clinics in Ontario and across Canada.

Work Integrated Learning: 2 Co-op Work Terms