College Diploma – Optician

The Optician 2-year diploma program trains students to work at the forefront of eye care practice as vital members of multi-disciplinary vision care teams.

• Core Curriculum & Skills: Covers ocular pathology, refracting principles, pharmacology, optical technology, and the business/retail aspects of the optician profession. Practical training focuses on refraction testing, filling eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions, fitting optical devices, and evaluating client eyewear needs.

• Delivery Model: Taught through dynamic classroom lectures, laboratory practice, and clinical practicum placements in patient-centered environments.

• Professional Licensing: Aligned with National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) competencies, preparing graduates to challenge the national exam and obtain dual licensing as both a dispensing optician and a contact lens fitter.

• Job Insights:

  • Canada: Average salary of $50,741/yr (Range: $35K – $75K) | 3,687 jobs advertised (July 2026).

  • Alberta: Average salary of $51,151/yr (Range: $34K – $76K) | 530 jobs advertised (July 2026).

Academic Background:

• Minimum Level of Education Completed: Grade 12 / High School

• Minimum GPA: 50.0%

Language Requirements:

• Minimum Language Test Scores: IELTS 6.0 | TOEFL 80.0 | PTE 53.0 | Duolingo 115

• Conditional Admission: Available by completing English courses prior to the academic program if valid test scores are not yet provided.

PGWP Ineligibility: This program is NOT eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP Program enables graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience based on fields corresponding to long-term occupational shortages.
IRCC Disclaimer: The final decision on PGWP approval rests solely with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Students are advised to check eligibility criteria on the official IRCC website.
General Admission Note: Program requirements serve only as a guide and do not guarantee admission. Valid language test results are required for direct admission before receiving a final offer letter.