SAIT - Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Diploma in Optician

Calgary, Canada

DEGREE TYPE

Diploma

DURATION

2 years

LANGUAGES

English

PACE

Full time

APPLICATION DEADLINE

EARLIEST START DATE

STUDY FORMAT

On-Campus

* domestic applications deadline | May 23, 2023 international applications deadline

Key Summary

About : The Diploma in Optician is designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge for a successful career in optometry. The program covers various topics, including optics, vision science, and customer service, ensuring students are well-prepared for the industry's demands. The length of the course is typically a full academic year.

Career Outcomes : Graduates of the Diploma in Optician can pursue various career pathways, including roles as optometric assistants, dispensing opticians, or optical sales representatives. This qualification opens doors to positions in retail, private practice, or even management within optical businesses.

Be at the forefront of eye care practice, working as part of a multi-disciplinary vision care team. Students will study ocular pathology, refracting and pharmacology, as well as business and retail aspects of the profession.

The Optician program trains students to be in the forefront of eye care practice, working as part of a multi-disciplinary vision care team.

Students will study ocular pathology, refracting and pharmacology, as well as business and retail aspects of the profession. Application of the theory will be demonstrated through clinical competencies focusing on refraction, filling eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions, ensuring a proper fit, and determining clients’ eyewear needs.

These skills, along with business and retail skills, will be practiced and demonstrated in dynamic, patient-centered environments in the form of classroom lectures, laboratory practice, and clinical practicum placements.

Credentials and accreditation

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Optician Diploma.

Additionally, graduates will be prepared to challenge the National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) exam and obtain a dual license as both a dispensing optician and a contact lens fitter.

Accreditation

The Optician program delivered by SAIT is aligned with the competencies outlined by the National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) guidelines and will seek accreditation with Accreditation Canada starting in 2020/21.