Official program outline
Program description
The Opticianry program can be completed in two years or one and a half years in the fast track program. Once registered as an Optician, you can work independently or as part of an eyecare team dispensing eyewear including eyeglasses, contact lenses and subnormal vision devices. This profession is a unique blend of health services and business.
Canada has an aging population, so the need for some type of vision correction is always present, which provides our students with many job opportunities.
Why choose Georgian?
Georgian College’s Opticianry program was the first accredited program of its kind. Georgian set the benchmark for Opticianry education and the rest of the country followed suit. Our curriculum is current and our technologies are state-of-the-art, all good reasons to attend Georgian!
Placement opportunities
Students must complete two paid co-op job placements. The placements can be completed in Ontario or any other province or country with the appropriate paper work and approvals. Many students work for independent or chain optical stores. Some students work for Optometrists or Ophthalmologists.
Lab/professional experience
The Opticianry program has three main labs:
- Eyeglass Dispensing
- Eyeglass fabrication
- Contact Lens Lab and Clinic
Many hours are spent with hands-on projects in each of the labs/clinics. Students role-play fitting each other with contact lenses and eyeglasses. There are also opportunities to work at Georgian Optical, our on-site dispensary, where students fit eyewear to members of the community. Our Optical store provides real work experience in a safe environment supervised by faculty.
Employment
Once students have successfully received their Opticianry registration, job prospects are diverse and endless. Graduates can work in a store dispensing, work as a consultant for an eyeglass lenses company, frame manufacturer, or contact lens manufacturer.
Many graduates open their own dispensaries and some even work with Lasik MD. There are endless possibilities!
Entry-level salary range: Working as an Optician, starting salary may vary from $30,000 – $55,000 depending on prior work experience and geographical location. Ottawa, northern and western Ontario starting salaries are higher.