Optician
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
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. (National Occupational Classification)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- Career Explorer by Sokanu: Optician - U.S.-based career information and videos
- Optician Careers - overview of pathways from The Opticians Council of Canada
- Day in the Life (scroll to view video) - The Opticians Council of Canada
Education
The University of Manitoba does not offer the required training to become an Optician. Please view the links below for information on training programs in Canada and the U.S..
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Exploring Optometry Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Explore Careers: Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - U.S. job outlook
- Eye Care Professionals Salary Survey (Canada) - from Jobs4ECP'S
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Find an Optician - The Opticians of Manitoba
- Find an Optometrist - Manitoba Association of Optometrists
- Find a Doc - CAO directory
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- I want to become an Optician. Is this the job for me? - The Opticians Council of Canada
- Vision Canada - National Optical Convention
- Scope of Practice - National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators
- Eye Resources on the Net - Association of Vision Science Libraries
- OptiBoard - Online Community for Eyecare Professionals
- Optical Prism - Canadian magazine for eye care professionals
- 20/20 magazine
- U.S. National Eye Institute
- Article - Glasses: what a Spectacle - profile of an optician and eye glass designer from the Globe & Mail
- Health Data & Reports - Canadian Centre for Health Information
- Health Care Career Guide - from TalentEgg.ca