Optician
Overview
Learn the science of eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision devices, and automated refraction while gaining the professional skills needed to work as an optician in Canada.| Tuition | $43,268 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Diploma |
| Length | 2 years |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Downtown |
| Start Dates | |
| PGWP | Not listed as eligible |
What to expect
What you will learn
- Apply the National Competencies for Canadian Opticians as set out by the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators to provide the best care for patients.
- Practice within relevant legislation, Standards of Practice & Guidelines, and Code of Ethics set out by the College of Opticians of BC.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with patients, colleagues, and industry professionals.
- Provide ethical and transparent patient-centred care and service that recognizes and respects the diverse needs of each individual.
- Apply essential knowledge of optics, ocular anatomy, physiology, and pathology to make informed decisions about opticianry practice.
- Demonstrate safe and competent practice in all aspects of dispensing eyeglasses, contact lenses, and low-vision devices.
- Provide patient-centred care and education throughout the dispensing process from initial assessment to follow-up care.
- Integrate acquired knowledge and skills to recommend and sell products based on patient's lifestyle requirements.
- Apply professional business management skills to opticianry practice.
- Accurately perform vision assessments using an automated refraction system.
- Recognize the need to engage in continuous learning to maintain and enhance ability to better serve patients.
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
This full-time program is four (4) academic terms and must be completed within three (3) years from the date the student began studies in the first term of the program.
Admission Requirement
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
- English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘C-‘ grade, or equivalent
- Foundations of Math 11 with a minimum ‘C’ grade, or equivalent
- Criminal Record Check (CRC)
- Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC’s Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.
- Prior to first practice experience, students may be required to complete site specific orientation
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- A sincere interest in working with patients in a sales environment
- Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
- Ability to listen empathetically and communicate effectively with a diverse patient population
- Good computer skills including correct typing technique and experience with the Internet, Windows, and Microsoft Office
- Ability to act respectfully, decisively, and professionally with patients and colleagues
- Good organization skills with an attention to detail
- Good eyesight (corrected vision is accepted)
- Creativity and mathematical aptitude are assets
Program Availability
Not currently available.
Courses
International students
Classes may run for 4 hours per day between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Class times are subject to change.
This program includes off-campus practice education at sites primarily located in Metro Vancouver. As practice education involves day and evening shifts that can start at 8:00 a.m. or end at 8:00 p.m., students are encouraged to choose accommodations that are close to Skytrain stations or bus stops.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term One | Credits | |
| OPTC 1100 | Customer Service & Professional Communications 1 | 1.5 |
| OPTC 1110 | Anatomy & Physiology of the Eye | 4 |
| OPTC 1120 | Professional Practice & Office Procedures | 1.5 |
| OPTC 1130 | Foundations of Optics | 4 |
| OPTC 1140 | Eyeglasses Theory | 8 |
| Credits | 19 | |
| Term Two | ||
| OPTC 1210 | Eyeglasses Lab | 5.5 |
| OPTC 1220 | Eyeglasses Fabrication & Design | 2.5 |
| OPTC 1230 | Customer Service & Professional Communications 2 | 1.5 |
| OPTC 1240 | Low Vision Conditions & Devices | 2 |
| OPTC 1250 | Consolidated Practice Experience: Eyeglasses | 4 |
| Credits | 15.5 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Term Three | ||
| OPTC 2310 | Sales & Marketing Skills for the Entrepreneur | 2.5 |
| OPTC 2320 | Contact Lens Theory | 8 |
| OPTC 2340 | Contact Lens Lab | 6 |
| OPTC 2350 | Consolidated Practice Experience: Contact Lenses | 4 |
| Credits | 20.5 | |
| Term Four | ||
| OPTC 2420 | Business Management for the Entrepreneur | 2.5 |
| OPTC 2430 | Refractive Conditions & Automated Refraction | 2 |
| OPTC 2450 | Preceptorship | 5.5 |
| OPTC 2440 | Program Review and License Exam Prep | 1 |
| Credits | 11 | |
| Total Credits | 66 | |
This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and Costs
Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
| Tuition deposit | $13,500 | $10,000 non-refundable |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $145 | |
| Tuition | $43,268 | |
| Student union | $283 | |
| College initiative | $104 | |
| Medical & Dental | $570 | Provided by Student Union |
| Temporary medical insurance | $149 | |
| U-Pass | $752 | Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more. |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $45,747 |
This is an international cohort program. As international cohorts are exclusively for international students, international fees apply throughout the duration of the program.
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
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Technical requirement
How to Apply
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca
Advising services for International students
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