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Overview
Learn the scientific principles imperative to ensuring optimal eye care as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians and medical technologists.
The Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting certificate program is two semesters long (including a four-week practicum) and prepares students to operate as medical office professionals with specialized knowledge in ophthalmic (eye health) and optometric (vision care) terminology and clinical procedures.
This program is unique in that it includes a combination of ophthalmic and optometric competencies, providing graduates with skillsets for two professions in one program.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks and effective communication skills in English usually experience greater success in SAIT’s programs.
Health care practitioners are detail-oriented in the care they provide and enjoy working in a team environment.
Basic computer skills are essential for success in this program.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting certificate.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- ophthalmic assistant
- optometric assistant
Related careers include:
- optical laboratory technician
- optometrist ophthalmologist
$35,778
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $8,222
Year 1 (International): $18,813
Year 1: $8,473
Year 1 (International): $18,925
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
Two unique vision care programs
“This programming was created by doing what SAIT does best — partnering with industry to drive innovation,” says optometrist Shay Gornshtein, Academic Chair, Vision Care Sciences at SAIT. “The eye-care industry relies heavily on technology and evolves almost as fast. The technology-focused curriculum and lab space means graduates will hit the ground running and thrive in almost any eye-care, patient-focused environment.”
Admission requirements
Admission and selection
- Fall 2021 start: Applications are accepted starting Oct. 7, 2020,until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission requirements
A minimum grade of 60% in each of the following courses or their equivalents:
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
- Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 or Pure Math 30
- Biology 30 or Science 30
- All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Direct Entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Log in to mySAIT.ca to check your admission status and monitor changes to your application status.
Failure to meet anticipated final grades will result in offers being rescinded.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
Practicum requirements
The School of Health and Public Safety has many practica partners located within Alberta and across Canada.
Practicum placements in Calgary are limited. Ophthalmic and optometric Assisting students will be required to relocate outside of Calgary for practicum. Although students are requested to indicate a location of their choice, there is no guarantee to be placed at the practicum location. Students will be responsible for fees associated with practicum such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, successful candidates will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:
- Current Level (C) CPR - CPRS 001 - Basic Life Support Provider
- Updated immunization records
- Security clearance - Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check
- Health and wellness status
Courses
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First year
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ANPH-220 | Anatomy & Applied Terminology | 3.0 |
| HSCI-219 | Ocular Anatomy & Physiology | 3.0 |
| HSCI-221 | Introduction to Ophthalmic Practice | 3.0 |
| HSCI-223 | Ophthalmic and Optometric Skills | 3.0 |
| HSCI-309 | Systemic and Ocular Pathology & Pharmacology | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| HSCI-218 | Applied Ophthalmic & Optometric Assisting | 3.0 |
| HSCI-222 | Ophthalmic Instruments & Testing | 3.0 |
| HSCI-251 | Assisting Surgical Procedures | 3.0 |
| PRCT-205 | Clinical Practicum | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total | 12.0 | |
| Program total | 27.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | SAITSA fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7,000 | $462 | $288 | $235 | $8,222 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | SAITSA fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17,500 | $462 | $288 | $344 | $18,813 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Books, scrubs and supplies are approximately $1,200.
- Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practice (i.e. relocation costs, food, housing, transportation, etc.).
- There is a fee associated with obtaining a Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check, payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7,140 | $793.20 | $288.77 | $252 | $8,474 |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17,500 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $344 | $18,925 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $183.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $150
Student technology fee: $150
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Books, scrubs and supplies are approximately $1,200.
- Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practice (i.e. relocation costs, food, housing, transportation, etc.).
- There is a fee associated with obtaining a Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check, payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
✅ Plan ahead ❗️
You are required to complete several health, confidentiality and consent forms before starting your program. All completed and signed paperwork is needed on orientation day.
Ensure you complete all three steps below ahead of orientation.
Fall 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 2, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
Other requirements
- CPRS 001 BLS Provider (Level C) CPR course.
- Police Information Clearance with Vulnerable Sector Check
- Health and wellness status
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience, ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices and SAFE 165: Safety at SAIT.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Academic chair
Shay Gornshtein, Academic Chair
Email: shay.gornshtein@sait.ca