Optician

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:

• 2006 NOC: Opticians (3231) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Opticians (D231) 
• 2011 NOC: Opticians (3231) 

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:

• study and interpret prescriptions
• help customers choose the best frames (size and shape) based on their prescription and facial structure
• advise customers on lens and frame types
• refer to relevant health care providers as needed
• take measurements (to determine the size, shape and specifications) for lenses, frames, and lens forms
• prepare work orders for optical lab technicians (who grind lenses)
• assemble and repair eyeglasses
• verify that completed eyeglasses meet the required specifications (fit)
• adjust glasses to ensure customer comfort
• fit and supply low-vision aids
• promote good eye health and demonstrate the correct use of eyewear
• conduct or collaborate in optical-related research.

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:

• from optical prescriptions
• for patients who have had a traumatic injury or corneal surgery
• for reshaping corneas to correct near-sightedness
• for patients who have eye disease.

Further to the duties above, opticians may:

• arrange and keep displays of eyewear products
• supervise the training of student opticians
• purchase supplies or have related accounting duties.

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:

• a courteous, pleasant manner
• speaking and listening skills
• the ability to think critically
• the ability to resolve conflicts
• the ability to study and interpret customer issues
• the ability to focus on details
• a good sense of spatial relationships
• good fine motor skills (to manipulate small objects and instruments).

They should enjoy:

• dealing with people
• using optical tools and equipment
• gathering, interpreting, and confirming information.

Opticians work in:

• retail stores
• educational settings
• refractive surgery clinics
• low-vision practices
• contact lens specialty practices.

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:

• Retail Trade [pdf]
• Health Care and Social Assistance [pdf].

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
• size of the occupation.

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.

Alberta College and Association of Opticians (ACAO) website: www.opticians.ab.ca

Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) website: www.opticians.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.