Opticianry

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
MonctonSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic | International

Program Overview

Optical health is a growing field and Opticians are an important part of the optical health team. The Opticianry program is designed to provide learners with the skills necessary to succeed as an Optician. Graduates are equipped with essential knowledge and skills to fit clients with prescription eyeglasses, assist clients in the selection of eyeglass frames, arrange for the production of eyeglasses and mount lenses in eyeglass frames.


Duration

The requirements for this diploma program may be achieved within two academic years of full-time study.


Admission Requirements

    Profile J

  • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma
    • Pre-calculus 110
      or
      Geometry and Applications in Mathematics 112 and Functions and Relations 112
      • Total of three (3) sciences, including at least two (2) from the following:
        • Biology 112 or 122
        • Chemistry 112 or 122
        • Physics 112 or 122

      NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies
      International Student Admission Equivalencies


      Career Possibilities

      Opticians are employed in optical retail outlets or other establishments with optical dispensing departments, or they may be self-employed. Graduates may apply to write the National Alliance of Canadian Opticians Regulators (NACOR) entry to practice examination and apply for licensure once all regulatory requirements have been met.



      Specific Considerations

      This program presently has a 'registered' status for accreditation with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is a rigorous external process that reviews our program's quality assurance against national standards. The 'registered' status denotes our intention to apply for full accreditation but does not guarantee eventual accreditation. Our program will update our status once we complete a full accreditation audit.

      Prior to or during an applied workplace experience, Host Agencies may require students to apply for, complete, and provide proof of:

      • Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector checks
      • Specific Immunizations

      Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the practicum settings. Students must also assume costs of accommodations if part, or all, of the practicum placement is outside their hometown or campus location. In year one, there are two practicum courses (one in Winter and one in Spring; they are six weeks each for a total of 12 weeks in the first year). In the second year, there are two additional practicum courses in Winter and Spring (six weeks and five weeks respectively for a total of 11 weeks in the second year).

      Technology Requirements
      NBCC is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.


      Areas of Study

      • Anatomy and Physiology
      • Ethics
      • Eye Health and Occupational history
      • Mathematics
      • Critical thinking and clinical judgement
      • Therapeutic and professional communication and collaboration
      • Laboratory experience and work practicum placement
      • Business fundamentals
      • Trauma informed and culturally competent care
      • Community Engagement
      • Workplace and individual wellness and safety


      Program Courses

      Courses are subject to change.

      This course is designed to introduce the leaner to basic elements of the retail environment.

      This course focuses on developing knowledge and skills to manage challenging situations and guide ethical decision making in the opticianry environment. Ethical principles and theories, code of ethics, and standards of practice for the optician will be applied to promote professional practice.The learner will explore ethical expectations and legal responsibilities for opticians.

      This course introduces the learner to reading comprehension and academic writing. The learner will employ foundational reading and writing skills to enhance communication in the academic and workplace setting.   

      This is an introductory course to optical physics. Lens types, concepts and calculations required for lens fabrication will be explored. 
       

      Building on the foundations of Mathematical Science for Opticians I, this course is designed to provide the learner with the mathematical skills required for lens verification using optics.  

      Prerequisites:

      • MATH1281B

      This course is designed to equip learners with mathematical skills essential for precision in visual correction. Emphasis is placed on prism manipulations, vertical imbalance, and correction methodologies for eye conditions including Anisometropia, Aniseikonia, and spectacle magnification. Learners practice solving optical problems and gain an understanding of the critical importance of these skills in providing personalized, effective, and comfortable visual correction solutions. 

      Prerequisites:

      • MATH1282B
      • OPCN1019A

      This course will introduce the learner to the history of eyeglasses, design, and the use of instruments in a dispensary. Concepts of frame selection, measuring for optical center placement and analyzing a basic prescription will be explored.  
       

      Prerequisites:

      • OPCN1002B

      In this course the learner will apply the knowledge learned in Ophthalmic Applications I. Through a hands on approach learners will measure, adjust, and verify a prescription to dispense eyeglasses with one hundred percent accuracy. 

      Prerequisites:

      • OPCN1001B

      This course focuses on communication techniques required for Opticians interacting with interdisciplinary teams, colleagues, and client populations.   
       

      This course is designed to provide the learner with the key components in obtaining an ocular health history in the optical facility. An introduction to ocular pathologies, medications that effect the structure and function of the eye, comorbid health conditions, and occupational history will be explored. 

      This course introduces the learner to the fundamental principles used for adjusting a frame to a client, measuring for a segmented multifocal lens and prescription optimization. The procedures for lens verification and the final eyeglass inspection will also be explored.  
       

      Prerequisites:

      • OPCN1001B
      • OPCN1006B

      In this course the learner will apply the knowledge learned in Ophthalmic Applications II. Prescription optimization, manufacturing processes, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) tolerances, verification of segmented multifocal lenses and dispensing eyeglasses will be explored. 

      Prerequisites:

      • OPCN1002B
      • OPCN1005B

      This is an introduction to the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the visual system. The learner will demonstrate the knowledge of the embryology, anatomy, histology, physiology, blood supply, and innervation of the globe and ocular adnexa. The visual and pupillary pathways will also be explored.  

      In this practicum I course, the learner will demonstrate knowledge and skills learned in Ophthalmic Applications I and Ophthalmic Applications Lab I. The learner will perform standard alignment of a frame, adjust a frame to client, appropriate lens selection, lens measuring, verification of single vision and apply the process used to final inspect a pair of eyeglasses in preparation to dispense eyeglasses.  

      Prerequisites:

      • OPCN1001B
      • OPCN1002B
      • MATH1281B
      • OPCN1007A
      • ETHI1067A
      • OPCN1003A
      • OPCN1004A
      • SECU1322B

      In this practicum II course, the learner will demonstrate knowledge and skills learned in the Ophthalmic Applications courses. The learner will perform standard alignment of a frame, adjust a frame to patient, appropriate lens selection, lens measuring, verification of single vision and multifocal lenses and apply the process used to final inspect a pair of eyeglasses in preparation to dispense eyeglasses.  

      Prerequisites:

      • MATH1282B
      • OPCN1005B
      • OPCN1006B
      • OPCN1008B

      This course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills required to discern and recommend appropriate progressive and specialty eyewear based on the unique prescription and visual requirements of clients. Learners explore solutions that optimize visual acuity and comfort, the complexities of progressive and specialty lenses, and the advancements in lens technology. Learners refine their skills to interpret prescriptions, consider lifestyle factors and articulate lens recommendations with clarity. 

      Prerequisites:

      • OPCN1005B
      • OPCN1011A

      In this course the learners apply the knowledge learned in Ophthalmic Applications III. The focus is placed on lens optimization, frame and lens selection, measurements, verifying and neutralizing, edging and prism for various types of progressive and specialty lenses. 
         

      Prerequisites:

      • OPCN1010A
      • OPCN1006B

      This course explores pathological conditions that contribute to low vision and the impact on the optical system. Learners will recognize signs and symptoms of significant eye conditions, potential visual damage, and the necessity of urgent referrals.

      Prerequisites:

      • OPCN1007A

      In Practicum III, learners apply knowledge and skills learned in Ophthalmic Applications III. Learners practice measurement techniques, select suitable lenses tailored to client needs, complete adjustments, and conduct final inspections to ensure the quality and accuracy of progressive and specialty eyewear.

      Prerequisites:

      • OPCN1010A
      • OPCN1011A
      • OPCN1009B

      This course is designed to provide the skills and knowledge to identify the corrective processes required to minimize a client’s visual difficulties. Learners explore vision screening, low vision aids and assistive technologies, issues that occur when the client’s lenses have significantly different prescriptions, and the challenges and complexities associated with low vision.

      Prerequisites:

      • OPCN1010A
      • OPCN1019A

      This course prepares the learner to sit the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) exam. Learners will explore strategies to help interpret exam questions and practical application of optical dispensing skills. 

      Prerequisites:

      • OPCN1020A

      In this course, the learners will explain manual refraction methods required to obtain the optimal vision correction. Through an exploration of pre-testing techniques, objective and subjective refractions, and analysis of monocular and binocular vision, learners will emerge with the confidence to generate precise refractive specifications tailored to individual needs. 

      Prerequisites:

      • OPCN1009B

      In this course learners apply the knowledge acquired in Manual Refraction. Learners develop a comprehensive understanding of manual refraction techniques and are equipped to perform accurate and effective refraction examinations contributing to improved visual outcomes.  

      Prerequisites:

      • OPCN1017A

      In this course learners apply the knowledge learned in Ophthalmic Applications IV. The focus is placed on corrective strategies aimed at enhancing the client’s vision. Learners practice assessment techniques, lens finishing procedures, and addressing low vision and image magnification differences to meet individual client requirements.  
       

      Prerequisites:

      • OPCN1011A
      • OPCN1015A

      In Practicum IV, learners apply knowledge and skills learned in Ophthalmic Applications IV. Utilizing their knowledge to conduct assessments, learners focus on clients with low vision and significantly different prescriptions in the right and left eyes, including identification of lens aberrations.  

      Prerequisites:

      • OPCN1015A
      • OPCN1019A
      • OPCN1014A
      • MATH1299A

      This course provides an introduction to the meaning of community service.  Students learn how community service can enhance a student’s educational experience, personal growth, employability, and civic responsibility. Students participate in one day of volunteering to enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and to help the New Brunswick Community College realize its vision of transforming lives and communities. 

      A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.


      NOC Codes

      3231 - Opticians


      Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.

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