National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.1

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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.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • contact lens fitter
    • contact lens technician
    • dispensing optician
    • ophthalmic dispenser
    • optician

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Managers of optical retail outlets or of optical dispensing departments who are not opticians (See 0621 Retail and wholesale trade managers)
    • Ocularists (See 3219 Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health))
    • Ophthalmologists (See 3111 Specialist physicians)
    • Optical lab technicians (See 3414 Other assisting occupations in support of health services)
    • Optometrists (See 3121 Optometrists)
  • Main duties

    Opticians perform 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 except British Columbia.
    • Licensing requirements for scope of practice and protected titles related to dispensing and contact lens certification vary by province.
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