About the Program
In this two-year diploma program, you will acquire the specialized knowledge and skills to safely and competently dispense subnormal vision devices, contact lenses and eyeglasses. In the theory classes, you will learn the basic science of sight, optics and eye refraction and in the laboratory, classes will develop practical skills required to fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses. Program graduates are qualified to register for the entry-to-practice examinations offered by the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR).
Part-time option is available >
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
4 Semesters (2 Years)
Starts
September
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.
Work Experience
Mandatory Work Term
A mandatory program requirement in a formal work environment. The work term(s) is similar in length to an academic semester and typically involves full-time work hours that may be paid or unpaid. Students must be in good standing and meet all identified requirements prior to participating in the work experience. The successful completion of the work term(s) is required for graduation. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for the mandatory work term regardless of success in securing a work position.
Work-Integrated Learning Model
Academic Schedule
| Year |
September |
January |
May |
| Year 1 |
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Semester 3 |
| Year 2 |
Work Term 1 |
Semester 4 |
Work Term 2 |
Your Career
When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options you can explore:
- Retail optical dispensaries
- Contact lens clinics
- Medical clinics
- Health care delivery team
Professional Certification
As a student of this program, you are required to complete an Emergency First Aid/Heartsaver CPR course from Seneca, St. John Ambulance, Canadian Red Cross or equivalent. Certifications cannot expire during the calendar year of graduation. It is your responsibility to provide proof of certification prior to graduation.
Seneca's Opticianry program is recognized by the College of Opticians of Ontario. To practice in Ontario as a Registered Optician, you must pass the national registration examination, among other requirements. You can find more information on how to become an optician at the Opticians Council of Canada.
Note for International students
To work in the Canadian health care industry, you must take a medical examination while applying for your work permit. More information is available on the Government of Canada website.
Program of Study
Course List | Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
| COM101 | Communicating Across Contexts | 3 |
| or COM111 | Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched) |
| COM470 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| OPT100 | Introduction to Optics | 3 |
| OPT104 | Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye | 3 |
| OPT105 | Eyeglass Dispensing Lab - Fittings and Measurements | 3 |
| OPT106 | Eyeglass Dispensing Lab - Lens Verification | 3 |
| OPT107 | Eyeglass Dispensing Theory I | 3 |
| OPT201 | Refraction Theory I | 3 |
| OPT203 | Refraction Lab I | 2 |
| OPT204 | Eyeglass Fabrication Lab I | 2 |
| OPT205 | Ocular Patho-Physiology | 3 |
| OPT206 | Eyeglass Dispensing Lab II | 3 |
| OPT207 | Eyeglass Dispensing Theory II | 3 |
| OPT208 | Professional Practice and Optical Business | 3 |
| OPT302 | Advanced Eyeglass Dispensing Lab | 2 |
| OPT303 | Contact Lens Dispensing Theory I | 3 |
| OPT304 | Contact Lens Lab I | 3 |
| OPT305 | Eyeglass Fabrication Lab II | 2 |
| OPT306 | Advanced Eyeglass Dispensing Theory | 3 |
| OPT309 | Refraction Theory II | 3 |
| OPT310 | Refraction Lab II | 2 |
| WTP100 | Work Term Preparation | 1 |
| OPT551 | Opticianry, Work Term | 30 |
| OPT401 | Contact Lens Dispensing Theory II | 3 |
| OPT402 | Contact Lens Lab II | 3 |
| OPT404 | Contact Lens Continuous Care Theory | 3 |
| OPT405 | Advanced Contact Lens Lab - Ocular Assessment | 2 |
| OPT406 | Binocular Vision and Low Vision | 3 |
| 6 |
| OPT552 | Opticinary, Work Term II | 30 |
Additional
CPR Heart Saver Certification and First Aid Emergency Certification are required to graduate from this program.
Program Learning Outcomes
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Integrate specialized knowledge of ophthalmic dispensing from the physical sciences, health sciences and business field to meet the eyewear needs of clients from all age groups.
- Utilize the problem-solving approach while fitting and dispensing spectacles, contact lenses and sub-normal vision aids.
- Practice at an independent level within the eye care team in accordance with the Ophthalmic Dispensing Act and Regulations and the Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers Policy Guidelines.
- Utilize knowledge of communication skills while interacting with clients.
- To understand the principles of small business management.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant
- English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course
- Mathematics: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course
- Science: Grade 12 C or U chemistry or physics, or Grade 11 C or U biology, or an equivalent course
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may satisfy the English and/or mathematics requirements for this program through successful Seneca pre-admission testing.
Recommended upgrading for applicants who do not meet academic subject requirements.
All applicants to the College of Opticians of Ontario applying for registration with the college are required to undergo a Police Vulnerable Sector Check. You can find detailed information on this requirement on the College of Opticians of Ontario website.
International Student Information
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.
