Opticians
NOC 3231
Description
Opticians fit clients with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, assist clients in the selection of eyeglass frames, arrange to produce eyeglasses or contact lenses and mount lenses in eyeglass frames. They are employed in optical retail outlets or other establishments with optical dispensing departments, or they may be self-employed. Student opticians and opticians who are managers of optical retail outlets are included in this unit group
Duties
- Obtain specifications for eyeglasses or contact lenses from a prescription prepared by an ophthalmologist or optometrist or by analyzing the client’s eyeglasses or contact lenses and by measuring client’s eye curvature, pupillary distance and bridge width, using optical measuring devices
- Assist clients in selecting eyeglasses by advising on lens materials, frames, tints and anti-reflection coating
- Advise on use and care of contact lenses
- Arrange for grinding and polishing of lenses or grind and polish lenses
- Cut and edge lenses and fit lenses into frames
- Adjust finished eyeglasses to fit client
- May supervise or manage the activities of other opticians or student opticians.
Other Titles
- Apprentice optician
- Contact lens technician
- Eyeglasses fitter
- Managing optician
- Ophthalmic dispenser
- Optometric dispenser
- Visual orthosis technician
(Government of Canada National Occupation Classification)
Skills
- Communication
- Mathematics
- Dexterity
- Attention to detail
- Customer service
- Technology
- Organization
Education/Training Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Most college programs in Ontario require an OSSD or Mature Student Status
Post-secondary diploma/degree
- Two- or three-year college program in ophthalmic dispensing or optical sciences
Certification
- Licensing by the College of Opticians of Ontario is required
Potential Earnings in Durham Region
The average and median wages and salaries for individuals employed as opticians are as follows. Place of Residence (POR) is defined as individuals who reside within the Durham Region. Place of Work (POW) is defined as individuals who are employed within the Durham Region.
| Median Wages and Salaries (POW) | Average Wages and Salaries (POW) | Median Wages and Salaries (POR) | Average Wages and Salaries (POR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $32,949 | $38,585 | $35,955 | $41,217 |
Employment Prospects
| Industry (NAICS) | Jobs in Durham Region (POW) | Durham Region Residents Employed (POR) |
|---|---|---|
| 4461 Health and personal care stores | 50 | 40 |
(Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development 2016 data in Durham Workforce Authority’s 2017 Health & BioScience Sector Report)
Additional Resources
- College of Opticians of Ontario: http://www.coptont.org/HOME/index.php