Student Resources
List of Accredited Opticianry Programs in Canada
The following is a list of Canadian Colleges that offer accredited Opticianry Programs (all information below is taken from the corresponding institution’s website):
All Provinces
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT): The Optical Sciences Eyeglasses Diploma is a two-year program. Students complete the theory portion online and the clinical portion (practicum) at their workplace. The practicum consists of on-the-job training, similar in nature to an apprenticeship. Students perfect their skills under the direct supervision of a qualified preceptor at their place of employment.
More information: https://www.nait.ca/programs/optical-sciences-eyeglasses?term=2022-fall
British Columbia
Douglas College: Combine health care, business, fashion and technology with a Diploma in Opticianry. You’ll study all areas of modern opticianry, including eyeglasses, contact lenses and refraction technologies. Classes take place three days per week, which means you’ll be able to work part time while you study. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to take the College of Opticians exam, which is a required step in becoming a licensed optician in B.C.
Starting Fall 2022, the Opticianry Diploma Program will no longer be accepting applications [MM2]
More information: https://www.douglascollege.ca/program/dpopti
Sternberg College: through a combination of theory, practice (labs), and application (practicum), you will be extensively trained in eyeglass dispensing, contact lens fitting and automated refraction. Beyond the technological skills, emphasis is placed on interpersonal communication, customer service and professional practice.
Our program is accredited by the National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) and our graduates are well-prepared to take the national licensing exams.
More information: https://stenbergcollege.com/program/licensed-optician/
Ontario
Collège La Cité: Ce programme dans le domaine de l'optique mène à l'obtention d'un diplôme qui vise à préparer les diplômés à devenir des opticiens.
More information: https://www.collegelacite.ca/programmes/51704.htm
Georgian College: Upon successful completion of the academic and co-operative education semesters, students are eligible to write the national registration examinations which allow them, if successful, to practice in Canada as a Registered Optician.
More information: https://www.georgiancollege.ca/academics/programs/opticianry/
Seneca College: In this two-year diploma program, you will acquire the specialized knowledge and skills required to safely and competently dispense subnormal vision devices, contact lenses and eyeglasses. You will also learn the basic science of sight and optics and develop practical spectacle fabrication and dispensing skills.
More information: https://www.senecacollege.ca/programs/fulltime/OPTC.html
Quebec
Cégep Garneau: Vous apprendrez à maîtriser toutes les fonctions de la profession d’opticien d’ordonnances à travers diverses activités de laboratoire en lunetterie et en contactologie. Par ailleurs, vous ferez l’acquisition de notions importantes adaptées aux besoins de la profession durant vos cours de biologie, de chimie, de physique optique, de techniques de vente et de gestion. Nous offrons une formule accélérée pour les étudiants ayant réussi les cours de la formation générale.
More information: https://www.cegepgarneau.ca/programmes-formations/techniques/techniques-ortheses-visuelles
Cégep Edouard Montpetit: La FORMATION GÉNÉRALE fait partie intégrante de tout programme d'études collégiales. Globalement, elle vise à préparer l'étudiant à vivre en société de façon responsable et à lui faire partager les acquis de la culture.
More information: https://www.cegepmontpetit.ca/campus-de-longueuil/programmes-offerts/sante/160a0
Cégep Régional de Lanaudière à l’Assomption - This program trains individuals to become opticians. Students learn the art of eyewear, how to adjust contact lenses, the physiology of the eye, sales and communication techniques, concepts of physics and chemistry related to the discipline, and management.
More information: https://www.cegepsquebec.ca/en/our-study-programs/study-program-directory/optical-dispensing/