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Contact Lens Filler, Contact Lens Practitioner, Dispensing Optician, Opthalmic Dispenser, Optical Dispenser, R.O. Dispensing Optician, Salesperson
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $19.62 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $26.71 |
| Top | $33.66 |
Interest in operating optical measuring devices to measure clients' eye curvatures, pupillary distances and bridge widths; and in using equipment to cut and edge lenses, fit lenses into frames, and grind and polish lenses
Interest in compiling prescriptive information to produce eyeglasses or arrange for the production of eyeglasses, to arrange for grinding and polishing of lenses, and to adjust finished eyeglasses to fit clients; may supervise or manage the activities of students and other opticians
Interest in speaking to clients to advise them on the correct use and care of contact lenses
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Opticians supply eyeglasses, contact lenses, low-vision aids, and prosthetics. To do this, they use written prescriptions or match existing optical products. Duties vary but, in general, opticians:
In Alberta, they may provide refractions (measures of required eyeglass lens power). This requires remote supervision by a physician or optometrist.
Some opticians become certified as contact lens practitioners. They may design, supply, and assess contact lenses:
Further to the duties above, opticians may:
Opticians are on their feet for much of their working day. Those working in retail stores may have to work some evenings and weekends.
Opticians need to possess:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, opticians must have a combination of internship (practicum) experience and technical courses.
For a list of schools and programs that are recognized by the National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) visit their website.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Opticians dispense eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids and prosthetics from written prescriptions or by duplicating existing optical products. They also may provide automated sight tests to consumers under contract with prescribing physicians or optometrists.
Under Alberta's Health Professions Act and Opticians Profession Regulation, registration with the Alberta College and Association of Opticians (ACAO) is mandatory if you meet the identified competency requirements and provide professional services directly to the public, teach the practice of the profession to members or students of the profession, or supervise registered members who provide services to the public. Registered members who are authorized by the College provide restricted activities specified in the Regulation. Only registered members of the College may call themselves or practice as an optician.
Registration requires successful completion of: (1) a diploma program in eyeglass dispensing approved by the Alberta College and Association of Opticians, and (2) approved examinations. Applicants who have been out of practice for a period of time also may have to demonstrate that they are currently competent to practice. For official, detailed information about registration requirements, visit the ACAO website or contact the ACAO. The ACAO has a prior learning assessment process for assessing credentials and training obtained outside Canada.
Opticians who are registered by and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered opticians in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
To learn about certification for internationally educated opticians, see Optician Registration Process.
Alberta College and Association of Opticians
201, 2528 Ellwood Dr SW
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6X 0A9
Phone number: 780-429-2694
Toll-free phone number: 1-800-263-6026
Fax number: 780-426-5576
Toll-free fax number: 1-800-584-6896
Website: acao.ca
Opticians work in:
They may be employees or independent owners of optical services. Some opticians work in association with ophthalmologists, optometrists, or a group of optical practitioners.
In Alberta, 99% of opticians work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 3231: Opticians occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
This occupation generally has a high turnover rate and employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries vary depending on the company and the optician’s skills. Some receive commissions on the sale of optical devices.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $25.00 | $19.62 | $20.19 |
| Overall | $21.00 | $31.00 | $26.71 | $27.00 |
| Top | $23.00 | $48.58 | $33.66 | $32.50 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $51,930 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $46,003 |
| Retail Trade | $38,862 |
Alberta College and Association of Opticians (ACAO) website: acao.ca
Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) website: www.opticians.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.