WHAT IS AN OPTICIAN?

Opticianry is customer service, health care, and fashion all rolled into one! Opticians are front-line healthcare professionals and are often the first point of contact for the public. Working together with other health professionals in the circle of care, opticians deliver quality health service to all. Simultaneously, they offer advice on the best lens and frame choices for function, comfort, and style!
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High School Graduates

Become an optician - Student

WHY BECOME AN OPTICIAN?

There are many post-secondary options available across Canada for high school graduates, including distance delivery, full time and part time programs.
Find an accredited program

GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL

Are you looking for an exciting career path to take after you graduate from high school in Canada?  A career as a health professional can be one of the most rewarding paths you can choose. Are you interested in math and science, business, health, or fashion? Maybe Opticianry is the right choice for you.

ACCREDITATION

Accredited programs are required to meet rigorous standards that ensure opticians are properly trained as experts in their field.

The best way to make sure that you have the skills and knowledge required to become a licensed optician in Canada is to complete an accredited educational program.

POST-SECONDARY OPTIONS

There are 3 post-secondary paths that you could follow on your way to becoming an optician:

Distance Delivery

Students work under the supervision of a licensed optician while working independently on their studies.

Full-Time Programs

Students attend post-secondary classes on a full-time basis with a requirement for practice experience under the supervision of a licensed optician.

Part-Time Programs

Students work under the supervision of a licensed optician and also attend some post-secondary classes.

Costs and times vary depending on which option you choose.

One of the best things about the distance delivery or part-time option is the opportunity to make a living while receiving an education. Working in the industry while studying also gives you the chance to gain practical experience and determine if this career is the right fit for you.

INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED

Become an optician - Internationally trained

WHY BECOME AN OPTICIAN?

Many opticians in Canada were educated in a healthcare profession abroad. For some health professions, international credentials do not transfer easily. If you were trained as an eyecare professional and you want to continue working in a similar field, consider immigrating as an optician!

A GOOD FIT?

Are your skills a good fit for becoming an optician in Canada? Take the Knowledge Self-Assessment quiz online to find out whether you are ready to apply as an optician.
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TRANSFERRING SKILLS

Some internationally educated health professionals are not able to gain recognition in Canada for their training and qualifications. They may have skills and interests which will allow for a transition to a career as an optician in Canada.

Even if your ultimate goal is to return to the profession for which you were trained, transitioning to a licensed optician is a valuable way of maintaining a connection with healthcare professionals and earning a living.

Some professions with relevant skills include:

  • Optometrists
  • Ophthalmologists
  • Ophthalmic technicians, technologists

PLAR

The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition process gives professionals with relevant skills the opportunity to pursue careers as opticians.
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CAREER OUTLOOK

Learn more about jobs for Canadian opticians here:
Career outlook for Canadian Opticians by Province

ALTERNATIVE CAREERS

Become an optician - Alternative careers

WHY BECOME AN OPTICIAN?

Are you interested in science, math, business, or fashion? Do you have experience in optics? Are looking for a rewarding career as a healthcare professional? Becoming an Optician might be right for you!

CAREER OUTLOOK

Current projections in many parts of Canada show that this is a career with opportunities. Learn more about job statistics for Canadian opticians here:
Career Outlook by Province
Career Projection Summary

TIME FOR A CHANGE?

When you’re an optician, you have options. You can be a business owner, a fashion advisor, or master the technical side of optics, manufacturing glasses. Whatever path you choose, you will be sure to find satisfaction, knowing that you are establishing yourself in an essential profession.

PUT YOUR SKILLS TO WORK FOR YOU

If you’ve been working in Canada in a healthcare field, health retail setting, optical lab, or another patient-focused setting, you may already possess some or all of the skills needed to be an optician.

If you have a passion for healthcare, fashion, science, and patient services, consider transitioning into a rewarding career as an optician. You have two options available, depending on your skills and experience.

You may thrive in an accredited program, where you can apply some of your previous experience and learn specific optical skills as a student optician. There are flexible options for those who want to become an optician by attending an accredited program.

THE PLAR PROCESS

If you have a background in optical science or healthcare and possess relevant transferrable skills, you may be eligible to become an optician through the PLAR process.
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ACCREDITED PROGRAM

If you do not have a background in optics or health care but think becoming an optician is a good fit for you, you can apply to an accredited institution that offers optician training.
Find an Accredited Program

WHICH PATH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Not sure if your skills will transfer to a career as an optician?

Find out whether an accredited program or the PLAR process is best for you:

Take the Knowledge Self-Assessment Quiz