Education · 1 of 5

The path

A two-year diploma, supervised hours, then national exams.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Grade 12 English and math, plus a science. Georgian College asks for biology, chemistry or physics.

2. 2

   Opticianry diploma

   2 years

   2 years. Georgian College in Ontario runs a co-op version. NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) delivers the theory online while you work in an optical store. Optics, lens design, frame fitting, contact lenses, and the business of eyewear.

3. 3

   Supervised practice

   During and after the program

   In Ontario you register as an intern optician and log 1,000 hours of supervised dispensing and 250 eyeglass fittings before the exam.

4. 4

   NACOR (National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators) exams

   After your hours

   A national eyeglasses exam, and a separate contact lens exam if you want to fit contacts. $875 each.

5. 5

   Register with your provincial college

   A few weeks

   For example the College of Opticians of Ontario. Then you can use the title and dispense on your own.