Opticians (NOC 3231)
Description
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 group.
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Example Titles
- contact lens fitter
- contact lens technician
- dispensing optician
- ophthalmic dispenser
- optician
>> View all titles
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Classified Elsewhere
- Managers of optical retail outlets or of optical dispensing departments who are not opticians (in 0621 Retail Trade Managers)
- Ophthalmologists (in 3111 Specialist Physicians)
- Optical lab technicians (in 3414 Other Aides and Assistants in Support of Health Services)
- Optometrists (3121)
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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-reflective coating
- Advise on use and care of contact lenses
- Arrange for the grinding and polishing of lenses or grinds 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.
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Skills
Opticians need the following skills and abilities:
Essential skills:
- able to relate well to a wide range of people and gain their confidence,
- ability to work independently and as a member of a team,
- good problem-solving and decision-making skills,
- manual dexterity,
- good listening and observational skills,
- good verbal and written communication skills,
- knowledge of computers.
Technical skills:
- operation of technical optical equipment
- administrative skills such as basic accounting, human resources and materials management
- may be required for opticians operating their own stores.
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Employment Requirements
- Opticians and Certified Contact Lens Opticians in Manitoba must be licensed to practice in Manitoba by Opticians of Manitoba. In order to take the licensing exam in
- Manitoba, the student must have successfully graduated from a course of studies in Opticianry recognized by the Opticians of Manitoba and have one year of practical
- experience under the direct supervision of a licensed optician.
- The two-year ophthalmic dispensing certificate program prepares individuals to apply for licensing by the Ophthalmic Dispensing Board of Manitoba.
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Terms & Conditions
Opticians commonly work indoors during regular office hours. Those who work in optical retail outlets or department stores may work evenings and weekends.
While part time opportunities are available, the majority (85%) work full time. A minority of opticians are self-employed.
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Earnings
$28,100 per annum - starting
$42,000 per annum - average
$66,000 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
- Red River College offers a 2-year (2-part) program in Ophthalmic Dispensing through the Continuing Education Division. To apply, you must be working a minimum of 20 hours per week in the optical industry under the direct supervision of a licensed dispenser. Graduates of this program are eligible for licensing by the Board of Opticians of Manitoba. http://me.rrc.mb.ca/Catalogue/ProgramInfo.aspx?ProgCode=OPHDP-NA&RegionCode=WPG
- If you are currently a licensed optician in Manitoba and are a resident of Manitoba, you are eligible to take the Ophthalmic Dispensing Advanced Practice program (Advanced Program year 1 and Advanced Program year 2 contact lenses and/or sight testing). The programs are produced by the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (Edmonton), endorsed by the Opticians Association of Canada, and administered by the Opticians of Manitoba. This is a distance education program. http://www.opticiansofmanitoba.ca/
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Career Paths
Opticians are employed in optical stores or laboratories. Some opticians work in association with ophthalmologists, optometrists or a group of optical practitioners.
Many experienced dispensing opticians work towards owning their own optical stores.
Others become managers of optical stores or sales representatives for wholesalers or manufacturers of eyeglasses or lenses.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for opticians are expected to be good in the period 2010 - 2014. Employment in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 295.
An ageing population is expected to increase demand for the services of opticians. Individuals over the age of 45 more frequently require the services of eye care specialists because of the onset of vision problems associated with middle age that require corrective lenses. Among younger people, the increasing popularity of laser surgery to correct vision problems permanently will negatively impact the sale of eyeware. However, this loss will likely be offset by the sale of attractive fashion eyewear such as sunglasses and disposable contact lenses, popular with younger consumers.
A proportionally larger number of jobs for opticians are located in Winnipeg. Jobs are concentrated in the Retail Trade sector (74%), followed by Health Care and Social Assistance (28%). All opticians employed in the Health sector are located in the offices of optometrists.
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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