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NOC 2016 Version 1.3

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3231 – Opticians

Opticians fit clients with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, assist clients in the selection of eyeglass frames, arrange for the production of 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.

Profile

Example titles

  • Contact lens fitter
  • Contact lens technician
  • Dispensing optician
  • Ophthalmic dispenser
  • Optician

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following 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.

Employment requirements

  • Completion of a two- or three-year college program in ophthalmic dispensing or optical sciences is required.
  • Licensing by a regulatory body for opticians is required in all provinces.
  • Licensing requirements for scope of practice and protected titles related to dispensing and contact lens certification vary by province.

Additional information

Exclusions

Breakdown summary

Broad occupational category
3 – Health occupations
Skill level
B – Occupations usually require college education, specialized training or apprenticeship training.
Major group
32 – Technical occupations in health
Minor group
323 – Other technical occupations in health care
Associated Career Handbook profiles
3231.0 – Opticians
Version
NOC 2016 Version 1.3
Date modified: