Optician with blonde hair and a white lab coat smiling while placing a pair of prescription eye glasses on a patient

Join the eye care field as an optician

Opticianry Ontario College Diploma, Co-op program

Become a valuable member of the eye health team. Learn in our nationally accredited state-of-the-art facility. Over 95% job placement.

Program code OPTI
Duration 2 Years
Credential Ontario College Diploma, Co-op
Program Delivery Full-time
Program delivery method(s) In person What does this mean?

Program information

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.

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

You may be invited to complete your co-op experiences in other communities, because your skills will be in demand all over Ontario and Canada. Be prepared to travel or relocate for your co-op work terms.

Intake information

Start dateCampus
Fall 2024 Barrie
Winter 2025 Barrie

Tuition and fees

Work-integrated learning

What are the admission requirements for the Opticianry program?

Opticianry 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

Applicants must meet minimum averages to receive final acceptance.​​

First-year enrolment is limited, satisfying minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission.

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

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:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

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 – Registered Optician – College of Opticians

All applicants to the College of Opticians of Ontario (the College) must complete the criminal record screening and mandatory reporting process as part of the Registered Optician application process. This includes:

1. Any outstanding charges or findings of guilt for an offence in Canada or any other jurisdiction.

2. Whether they are subject to any bail conditions or other restrictions that were imposed on them or agreed to by them in relation to a charge in Canada or any other jurisdiction.

3. Whether they are the subject of any allegations or findings of professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity by any body that regulates a profession inside or outside Ontario.

4. Whether they are the subject of any allegations or findings of professional negligence or malpractice in any jurisdiction. 

The College requires this information to carry out its duty to protect the public. Part of this duty entails ensuring that persons seeking registration with the College will practice the profession in accordance with the law, will display appropriate knowledge, skill and judgment and will provide safe and ethical care when registered as opticians.

Vulnerable Sector Checks

Effective January 1, 2021, 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. A VS check verifies whether the applicant has a criminal record or any record suspension for sexual offences and searches local police records for information relevant to the VS check. The College uses the results of the VS check to verify some of the above noted information.

Important Information

The Vulnerable Sector check must meet the following requirements:

  • The VS check must be completed using all names currently used by the applicant, as well as any names the applicant has used in the past.
  • The full legal name, previous names (if applicable) and date of birth on the VS check must match the information provided to the College during the application process.
  • The VS check must have been conducted no more than six months prior to the date the application for registration is submitted to the College.
  • The original signed document obtained from the applicant’s local police service must be sent to the College by mail or courier. Faxes, scans or photographs will not be accepted.
  • The VS check must be obtained at the applicant’s own expense.

What career paths can I take as an optician?

Your Opticianry diploma gives you many 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. 

What courses are included in the Opticianry diploma program?

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.

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

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

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

Do you have questions about Opticianry? Contact us!

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