OPTICIAN

What is an optician?

Opticians are vision care practitioners who prepare and sell glasses, contacts, and other vision aids by using the prescriptions of Optometrists or Ophthalmologists. Opticians don’t diagnose vision issues, and they don’t handle the manufacturing of glasses and frames. They are the coolest mix of science and fashion – helping clients live their best lives with the perfect vision aids and accessories.

How is the course broken down? What will I learn?

Our Optician Program will provide hands-on practical experience and training in:

• Dispensing: lab safety, operation and use of equipment used for the fabrication of spectacles.
• Clinical Practice: simulated and real life hands-on practice.
• Contact Lens: principles of contact lens assessment, design, fabrication and fitting.
• Ocular Science: anatomy and physiology of the eye, structures of the eye and associated pathologies, as well as the physiological processes related to vision.
• Communications and Professionalism: communication techniques and professional interaction between various eye care practitioners, support staff and clients
• Business and Sales: overview of principles for operating a retail vision care business and selling products to clients

That sounds complex…will I get to practice before jumping in?

As with every course at Oulton, you’ll be trained as well as being educated. You will have plenty of opportunities to practice the skills you learn in class, both on site and in practicums and clinical. We build your skill and your confidence in our amazing on-site clinic and then set you up with two practicums plus one clinical where you will practice and work within a team while also getting to know future employers. In your first year, you’ll have a full course load plus an 8-week practicum and a three week clinical. In your second year, you’ll finish off with a 4-week practicum and the opportunity to write the National Exam to become either a licensed optician or dual-licensed in contacts and dispensing. Term (Year 1): September – Aug Term (Year 2): September – May Practicum: 8 weeks (first year), 4 weeks (second year) Clinical: 3 weeks (first year) The Oulton College Optician Diploma Program will prepare you for a dynamic career assisting patients with their vision care. Opticians are formally trained vision care practitioners who prepare and dispense optical aids by using the prescriptions of Optometrists or Ophthalmologists. By completing our Optician Program, you will be able to work with other health care professionals, ensuring that your clients’ vision needs are met by assisting in the selection of their frames, fitting, adjusting and adapting their glasses, contact lenses, or special vision devices. This comprehensive 2-year program is combined with two Practicums, one which is 8-weeks in length and the other which is 4-weeks in length. These Practicum placements will connect you to prospective employers and allow you to practice and refine the skills you have learned. This is a valuable experience you can put on your resume. The program ends with the writing of the National Examination. Success on this exam makes you a licensable Optician or a dual licensed optician in both contacts and dispensing. Our Optician Program will provide hands-on practical experience and training in:

• Eyeglass Dispensing: lab safety, operation and use of equipment used for the fabrication of spectacles.
• Clinical Practice: simulated and real life hands-on practice.
• Contact Lens: principles of contact lens assessment, design, fabrication and fitting.
• Ocular Science: anatomy and physiology of the eye, structures of the eye and associated pathologies, as well as the physiological processes related to vision.
• Communications and Professionalism: communication techniques and professional interaction between various eye care practitioners, support staff and clients will be a major focus
• Business and Sales: overview of principles for operating a retail vision care business and selling products to clients

If you want to be part of a growing field, have a professional demeanor and are interested in helping patients access quality vision care, then our Optician Program may be just the program for you.

Career Choices:

Find rewarding careers in private clinics and vision care centers.

• Optometrist’s or Ophthalmologist’s office
• Vision Care Centers
• Operate your own Dispensing Business
• Large Retail Eyewear Chains
• Sales Representative for Frame and Lens Distributors

You Will Learn:

• The science behind eye function and vision correction
• Techniques for dispensing subnormal vision devices, contact lenses and eye glasses
• Overview of business training for operating a retail business