National Occupation Code (NOC): 32100

Opticians assist clients in the selection of eyeglass frames, take the necessary measurements and arrange for the production of eyeglasses or contact lenses, mount lenses in eyeglass frames and fit clients with final prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. They are employed in optical retail outlets or other establishments with optical dispensing departments, or they may be self-employed. Student opticians and opticians who are managers of optical retail outlets are included in this unit group.

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Job Duties for Opticians

• Obtain specifications for eyeglasses or contact lenses from a prescription prepared by an ophthalmologist or optometrist or by analyzing the client's eyeglasses or contact lenses and take necessary measurements including the curvature of the eyes, the accurate position of the pupils and bridge width, using optical measuring devices
• Advise clients on eyeglasses selection by informing them of different products such as lens materials, frames, tints and anti-reflection coating
• Adjust contact lenses and inform client on use and care
• Grind, polish, cut and edge lenses or have them made by a laboratory before inserting them into the frame
• Adjust finished eyeglasses to fit client
• May supervise or manage the activities of other opticians or student opticians.

Employment Requirements for Opticians

• Completion of a two- or three-year college program in ophthalmic dispensing or optical sciences is required.
• Licensing by a regulatory body for opticians is required in all provinces.
• Licensing requirements for scope of practice and protected titles related to the sale or dispensing and fitting of contact lenses vary by province.

Alternate Job Titles

• Apprentice Optician
• Contact Lens Dispenser
• Contact Lens Fitter
• Contact Lens Practitioner
• Contact Lens Technician
• Dispensing Optician
• Dispensing Optician Student
• Eyeglasses Fitter
• Eyeglasses Frame Fitter
• Intern Optician
• Licensed Contact Lens Practitioner
• Licensed Dispensing Optician
• Licensed Optician
• Managing Optician
• Ophthalmic Device Dispenser
• Ophthalmic Dispenser
• Optical Device Dispenser
• Optical Dispensing Manager
• Optical Frame Fitter
• Optician
• Optometric Dispenser
• Spectacle Frame Fitter
• Student Optician
• Visual Orthesis Technician
• Visual Orthotic Device Technician