OPTICIANRY
Program Outline
Major: OPTI
Length: 2 Years
Delivery: 4 Semesters, plus 2 work terms
Credential: Ontario College Diploma, Co-op
Effective: 2011-2012
Location: Barrie
Start: Fall + Winter
Description
The Opticianry Program offers a balance of theory and practical experience in the fitting of contact lenses, sub-normal vision aids and the fabrication and dispensing of eyeglasses. The hands-on skills developed in the labs are complemented by the on-the-job training gained through co-op work experience.
While the program concentrates on the expertise necessary for the fabrication, repair and dispensing of eye glasses and contact lenses, students also study the anatomy and physiology of the eye and the physical optics which affect eyewear prescriptions. There are opportunities to enhance personal growth and develop a network of employment contacts.
Upon successful completion of the academic and co-operative education semesters, students are eligible to write the provincial registration examinations which allow them, if successful, to practise in the Province of Ontario as a Registered Optician.
Career Opportunities
Opticians are long-standing members of the health care delivery team in a field for which there is a growing universal need. Registered Opticians may dispense eyewear independently or as part of the eye care team. Consequently, many aspire to operate their own businesses. As recognized professionals under the Regulated Health Professions Act, career possibilities exist in large retail optical chains, independent dispensaries and medical clinics in Ontario and across Canada.
During co-op placements students obtain paid, full time periods of employment with a registered Optician, Optometrist or Ophthalmologist. Graduates obtain full-time positions readily, and often move into managerial roles. Other employment opportunities in which our graduates have been successful include positions as sales representatives for ophthalmic frame and lens distributors, contact lens and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Future indications show steady growth for products and services consumed by people in their forties, such as eyeglasses, which also occupy a strong position as a fashion accessory. Our graduates, therefore, continue to have prospects for substantial career opportunities.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- provide effective optical care that meets the professional standards and requirements for registration as a member of the College of Opticians of Ontario;
- competently perform all aspects of dispensing eyewear, contact lenses and low vision devices;
- educate clients and promote the benefits of ocular health;
- work collaboratively as a part of a multi-disciplinary eye-care team;
- function as a lifelong learner and participate in society as an informed citizen;
- successfully function within an optical retail environment.
Practical Experience
Co-operative Education is a mandatory component of all Co-op programs at Georgian College; it has been designed as a process by which students integrate their academic education with paid work experience related to their program of study. This integration affects much more than simply earning a salary, including the adjustment to the work environment and the development of professionalism. It also reinforces skills and theory learned during academic semesters, develops professional contacts, job knowledge and career path, improves human relations and communication skills and promotes personal maturity and financial independence.
Students are requested to register, attend and participate in their scheduled co-operative education classes. These classes are scheduled for all first year students and are expected to be completed in order to proceed successfully to their first co-op work experience. To ensure students are eligible to proceed onto any co-op work experience students should refer to Promotional Status and Eligibility for Co-op as outlined in the College Calendar. Co-op policies and procedures can be located on our website: www.georgianc.on.ca/careers/for-students/
Georgian College follows the Co-operative Education guidelines set out by the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE) and Education at Work Ontario (EWO) by supporting the learning outcomes designed for the program specific graduate profile and curriculum as set out by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
The College of Opticians, the registering body, requires one year of practical experience. This one year is interpreted as 1000 hours of dispensing experience, during which time 250 spectacles are dispensed, 100 of which would be bifocal or multifocal. Registration in Ontario requires the completion of 20 contact lens fittings, comprised of 15 soft and 5 rigid contact lenses.
Program Progression
Fall Intake
Sem 1 - Fall 2011
Sem 2 - Winter 2012
Work Term 1 - Summer 2012
Sem 3 - Fall 2012
Sem 4 - Winter 2013
Work Term 2 - Summer 2013
Winter Intake
Sem 1 - Winter 2012
Sem 2 - Summer 2012
Sem 3 - Fall 2012
Sem 4 - Winter 2013
Work Term 1* - Summer 2013
Work Term 2 - Fall 2013
*Winter Intake students may be able to complete their first work term while in class, allowing them to complete their program and write the Comprehensive Exams at the same time as the Fall intake; contact Program Co-ordinator for further details
Note: To confirm Winter (January) start, contact the Office of the Registrar.
Articulation Agreements
A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Information can be found on Georgian's website at www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/articulations/.
Admission Requirements
Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits) or equivalent. OSS applicants must also have Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG4C, ENG4U), any Grade 12 College Mathematics (MAP4C, MCT4C) or any Grade 12 University Mathematics and Senior Science: Biology, Chemistry or Physics: Grade 11 C Biology or 11 or 12 U Biology (SBI3C, SBI4U, SBI3U), or Grade 11 U or Grade 12 C or U Chemistry (SCH3U, SCH4C, SCH4U), or Grade 11 or 12 U or 12C Physics (SPH4C, SPH3U, SPH4U).
Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic entrance qualifications, may be considered for entrance to an appropriate post-secondary diploma or certificate program as mature applicants. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counselling, Communication Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience. Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission. Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students and having no documentation of Grade
12 education must supply, if required, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's licence. Refer to Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the Academic Calendar for further details.
Selection Process
Selection is based on admission requirements and academic grades.
Graduation Requirements
17 Mandatory Courses
2 Communications Courses
10 Comprehensive Exams
1 Optional Course (See Coordinator for List)
4 General Education Courses
2 Co-op Work Terms
Graduation Eligibility
To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.
Mandatory
OPTI1000 Ocular Science 1
OPTI1001 Eyeglass: Fabrication Lab 1
OPTI1002 Contact Lens Dispensing 1
OPTI1003 Eyeglass Dispensing 1
OPTI1004 Dispensing Customer Service
OPTI1005 Ocular Science 2
OPTI1006 Eyeglass: Fabrication Lab 2
OPTI1007 Contact Lens Dispensing 2
OPTI1008 Eyeglass Dispensing 2
OPTI2000 Ocular Science 3
OPTI2001 Eyeglass: Fabrication Lab 3
OPTI2002 Contact Lens Dispensing 3
OPTI2003 Eyeglass Dispensing 3
OPTI2004 Advanced Ophthalmic Optics
OPTI2005 Eyeglass: Fabrication Lab 4
OPTI2006 Contact Lens Dispensing 4
OPTI2007 Eyeglass Dispensing 4
The descriptions that follow provide brief outlines of the courses. Please note that some courses have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements not shown here, that need to be met in order to enroll in the course. You will be advised of any requisite requirements during the registration process, or you can contact the academic area for further details.
Communications
COMM1001 Communications at Work
Plus one addition communications to be selected from College list
(Note: this is in addition to any mandatory communications listed for the program)
General Education Courses
To be selected from College list
Co-op
COOP1015 Opticianry Work Term 1
COOP2013 Opticianry Work Term 2
Comprehensive Exams
OPTX0001 Pathology Slide Unit
OPTX0002 Comprehensive Unit Outline Written A
OPTX0003 Comprehensive Unit Outline Written B
OPTX0004 Fabrication of Spectacles Unit
OPTX0005 Lensometer and Gauge Unit
OPTX0006 Contact Lens Unit
OPTX0007 RX Interpretation Unit
OPTX0008 Spectacle Lens Identification
OPTX0009 Radiuscope/Adjustment Unit
OPTX0010 Contact Lens Identification Unit
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
COMM1001 Communications at Work 42.0 Hours
Students develop their communication skills for the workplace. Using available technology, they research, write and edit work-related correspondence and short reports, individually and collaboratively. With audio-visual support, they prepare and deliver professional presentations that have vocational emphasis. In addition, students complete other communication tasks specific to their vocational areas.
COOP1015 Opticianry Work Term 1 560.0 Hours
Co-operative Education is a mandatory component of all Co-op programs at Georgian College. Upon successful completion of all Semester 1, Semester 2 subjects, students must attend and participate in their scheduled semester co-op classes in order to proceed successfully to their first co-op work experience. The student will work under the direct supervision of a registered Optician.
COOP2013 Opticianry Work Term 2 560.0 Hours
Students are required to attend a scheduled debriefing session. Session will be scheduled in the first month (September) for all Work Term 1 returning co-op students entering Semester 3. The session is intended to allow the student to validate and submit supporting documentation for work term 1 credit. This must be achieved before proceeding to co-op work experience 2. The work experience allows students the opportunity to complete all the required fits, hours and the appropriate log book.
OPTI1000 Ocular Science 1 42.0 Hours
This course provides a review of general anatomy followed by an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the eye by surveying location, description and function of essential structures. Then, an overview of errors and defects that present themselves in practice is studied along with the fundamentals of microbiology and the disease process.
OPTI1001 Eyeglass: Fabrication Lab 1 56.0 Hours
This course is designed to instruct the student in the purpose and operation of the equipment used in the measurement and fabrication of spectacles. Extensive practice will be provided to ensure proficiency in this important aspect of ophthalmic dispensing. Subjects covered include the surfacing, cutting, shaping and hand-edging of plastic lenses, insertion of plastic lenses to plastic frames, general frame alignment and decentering of spherical lenses to frames, basic layout and neutralization using spherical lenses.
OPTI1002 Contact Lens Dispensing 1 84.0 Hours
Contact lens fitting is founded on an understanding of optics, lens design, lens handling, patient assessment and instrumentation. This introductory course is structured to provide a balance of theory and practical lab experience. Theory components include the basic principles of light as well as contact lens development, applications, terminology, design and chemistry. In the lab, students will practice techniques of instrumentation, lens handling, patient interaction and record keeping.
OPTI1003 Eyeglass Dispensing 1 84.0 Hours
This course provides students with an introduction to the various theoretical and practical aspects of dispensing eyewear, including preliminary information about frames, lenses, add-ons and measurements. The course includes essential information on legal aspects of dispensing and basic prescription interpretation.
OPTI1004 Dispensing Customer Service 42.0 Hours
This course focuses on key components of interactions and relationships between optical service providers and their clients and among health care team members. Effective communication and interpersonal skills will be examined and developed. Sales techniques and the importance of service quality standards will also be emphasized.
OPTI1005 Ocular Science 2 42.0 Hours
Students begin a detailed study of significant structures of the eye and associated pathologies. The fitting of contact lenses and their interaction with the eye is explored.
OPTI1006 Eyeglass: Fabrication Lab 2 56.0 Hours
This course will give the student practical experience in the use of lensometer in the measurement, checking and duplication of single-vision lenses (glass and plastic). The layout and fabrication of single vision spherical and toric lenses to the required specifications of a doctor's prescription is undertaken. Procedures include final checking of the completed prescriptions to the required standard of tolerances and lens mounting into metal frames and plastic frames.
OPTI1007 Contact Lens Dispensing 2 84.0 Hours
This course expands the scope of contact lens dispensing to include the techniques of lens selection, care systems, application and removal of soft and rigid contact lenses. More experience on instruments for patient assessment is provided. Students are introduced to different lens designs used for the correction of refractive errors. An emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills based on prescription interpretation.
OPTI1008 Eyeglass Dispensing 2 84.0 Hours
This course provides students with more detailed development of their theoretical knowledge and practical skills of dispensing eyeglasses, including clinical judgment regarding dispensing, design and ordering of eyeglasses, and interpretation of tolerances for finished eyeglasses. The course also covers aspects of customer service, presbyopic corrections and problem solving.
OPTI2000 Ocular Science 3 42.0 Hours
In this course the study of ocular structures and the physiological processes related to vision is continued. Emphasis is placed on the student's ability to recognize the normal function, distinguish disorders and formulate an appropriate course of action.
OPTI2001 Eyeglass: Fabrication Lab 3 56.0 Hours
Lab assignments provide opportunities to develop proficiency in the vital skills of spectacle fabrication. Students practice single vision spectacle neutralization and layout according to industry standards as well as auto edging to plastic frames. Auto edging of single vision and multifocal glass and plastic lenses to metal frames as well as surface generating, fining and polishing is practiced. Mounting of prismatic lenses is introduced.
OPTI2002 Contact Lens Dispensing 3 84.0 Hours
Students are introduced to the complexities of contact lens fitting combined with the optical principles involved in final prescription determination. All aspects of the contact lens fitting routine and lens modifications are addressed for students to work confidently in a safe and efficient manner.
OPTI2003 Eyeglass Dispensing 3 84.0 Hours
This course provides students with specific information about the wide range of ophthalmic products and develops advanced dispensing skills needed for complex fittings. Emphasis is placed on development of critical thinking skills and superior customer service.
OPTI2004 Advanced Ophthalmic Optics 42.0 Hours
Students will refine their ability to provide solutions for various visual problems through the use of their knowledge of optics, geometric physics and optical calculations applied to optical appliances.
OPTI2005 Eyeglass: Fabrication Lab 4 56.0 Hours
This course refines the student's skills in fabrication of multifocal spectacles and the mounting of lenses into conventional and semi-rimless frames. Students will demonstrate their proficiency at fabrication under time-limited testing conditions as well as their speed and accuracy in spectacle neutralization.
OPTI2006 Contact Lens Dispensing 4 84.0 Hours
This course presents more advanced levels of contact lens fitting and product knowledge which is reinforced in detail in the theoretical component of this course. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and assessment skills required for decision making and problem solving that benefit patients requiring a contact lens of complex design.
OPTI2007 Eyeglass Dispensing 4 84.0 Hours
This course provides the student with in-depth information and skill development for dispensing low vision, task-specific lenses and basic refraction. Emphasis is placed on refinement of dispensing skills.
OPTX0001 Pathology Slide Unit 1.0 Hours
The optician may view an eye that requires the attention of an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. Therefore throughout the two year program students have been given theory, slides and a pathology clinic to help them recognize deviations from the normal eye. This examination will determine if the student can recognize the abnormality depicted and therefore be deemed responsible and safe to practice opticianry.
OPTX0002 Comprehensive Unit Outline Written A 2.0 Hours
The student optician has a body of scientific knowledge that has been integrated throughout the two year program. This examination will determine if the student has the necessary skills to be successful in his/her professional and personal life including numeracy, literacy and analytical skills.
OPTX0003 Comprehensive Unit Outline Written B 3.0 Hours
During the two years in the program the student has developed the ability to collect data, perform assessments/analysis and problem solve in a variety of practical and mathematical situations. This examination will determine if the student understands the decision-making process and is capable of assuming responsibility and leadership roles.
OPTX0004 Fabrication of Spectacles Unit 1.0 Hours
During the two years in the program the student has been able to develop skills in the areas of lensometer, layout of a variety of lens designs, fabrication and the final checking of the completed appliance to the required standards of tolerances. This examination is to demonstrate the student's proficiency at fabrication under time limited testing conditions to the present day standard of tolerances.
OPTX0005 Lensometer and Gauge Unit 1.0 Hours
Lensometer work has comprised a large portion of the required lab projects in both Measurement and fabrication of Spectacles and Dispensing Lab and clinic over the past two year. This examination is to demonstrate refinement skills, proficiency consistency and accuracy of neutralizing of ophthalmic lenses under time testing conditions to the present days standard of tolerances.
OPTX0006 Contact Lens Unit 1.0 Hours
Throughout the two years in the program emphasis has been placed on developing critical thinking and assessment skills effective in decision-making and problem solving in the contact lens related areas. This test is to demonstrate all practical, instrumentation and knowledge gained by the student to practice contact lens fitting with confidence and safety.
OPTX0007 RX Interpretation Unit .5 Hours
Throughout the two years in the program the students work in a dispensing lab setting (including Visuals Salon). These settings simulate the day to day activities of the optician. This includes frame selection, anatomical measurements and prescription analysis. This practical examination tests the student's ability to role play and pay careful attention to detail while performing prescription analysis and practicing safe workmanship.
OPTX0008 Spectacle Lens Identification .5 Hours
Throughout the two years of the program attention has been aimed at a variety of different prescription lenses. For example multifocals of different types, prismatic corrections and in depth analysis of lenses required for vocational and avocational needs. This examination will determine if the student is able to recognize a variety of specialty lenses to reinforce the product knowledge that is necessary to remain current in the ophthalmic profession.
OPTX0009 Radiuscope/Adjustment Unit .5 Hours
Throughout the two years of the program the students have demonstrated the use of instruments commonly found in contact lens practice. The areas of study include measurement of the radius of curvature of a rigid contact lens and the necessary modification to a rigid lens in order to cause the lens to fit properly, while maintaining good corneal integrity and visual acuity. This practical examination is aimed at verifying the student's capabilities in modification and lens verification.
OPTX0010 Contact Lens Identification Unit .5 Hours
Throughout the two years in the program attention has been aimed at contact lens styles, characteristics and their impact on assessment lens selection, fluorescein patterns and staining. This examination will determine if the student is able to recognize a variety of specialty lenses to reinforce product knowledge to help the student select the correct lens for the patient's vocational/avocational needs.
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through an assessment process.
More information about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
NOTE: Information contained in College documents respecting programs is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. The college reserves the right to add or delete programs, options, courses, timetables or campus locations subject to sufficient enrolment, and the availability of courses.
Last Update: March 08, 2012.