Overview
Be at the forefront of eye care practice, working as part of a multi-disciplinary vision care team. Students will study ocular pathology, refracting and pharmacology, as well as business and retail aspects of the profession.
The Optician program is two years in length and trains students to be at the forefront of eye care practice, working as part of a multi-disciplinary vision care team.
Students will study ocular pathology, refracting and pharmacology, as well as business and retail aspects of the profession. Application of the theory will be demonstrated through clinical competencies focusing on refraction, filling eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions, ensuring a proper fit, and determining clients’ eyewear needs.
These skills, along with business and retail skills, will be practiced and demonstrated in a dynamic, patient-centred environment.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT’s programs.
Students who experience success in this program have effective communication skills in English.
Health care practitioners are detail-oriented in the care they provide and enjoy working in a team environment.
Interest in science, health, and technology is essential for success in this program.
Accreditation
The Optician program delivered by SAIT is aligned with the competencies outlined by the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) guidelines and will seek accreditation with Accreditation Canada starting in 2020/21.
Additionally, graduates will be prepared to challenge the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) exam and obtain a dual license as both a dispensing optician and a contact lens fitter.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Optician Diploma.
Get important updates about our health and medical programs
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in optical retail stores or a variety of other medical settings. Potential positions include:
- optician
- contact lens practitioner
Related careers include:
- ophthalmic medical personnel
- optical laboratory technician
- optometrist
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $12,125.50
- Year 2: $12,125.50
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $25,344.64
- Year 2: $25,344.64
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
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?
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for Fall 2022 opened on Oct. 6, 2021.
- Applications for winter 2023 opened on March 30, 2022.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | Dec. 15, 2023 |
A peek inside SAIT's new vision care sciences programs
Eye problems are increasing as people spend more time in front of screens, yet Alberta’s vision care industry anticipates many opticians will retire before 2025. So SAIT has launched two vision care sciences programs including a one-year Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting Certificate that’s unique in Canada.
Admission requirements
Application dates
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Fall 2022 start: applications are accepted starting Oct. 6, 2021.
- Winter 2023 start: applications opened on March 30, 2022.
Program requirements
A minimum grade of 65% 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
- Physics 20 or Biology 30 or Science 30
or
- Completion of the SAIT Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting program or equivalent
Clinical practicum
Practicum placements in Calgary are limited. Optician 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.
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.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First Year
Semester 1 - Fall
| 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 and Pharmacology | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2 - Winter
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMP-264 | Introduction to Digital Productivity Applications | 1.5 |
| HSCI-207 | Contact Lenses and Dispensing I | 3.0 |
| HSCI-214 | Optical Dispensing I | 3.0 |
| HSCI-217 | Contact Lenses I | 3.0 |
| MKTG-366 | Business Development | 3.0 |
| PROF-240 | Healthcare Professionalism | 1.5 |
| Semester 2 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 3 - Spring
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRCT-252 | Clinical Practicum | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total | 3.0 | |
| Year 1 Total | 33.0 | |
Second Year
Semester 4 - Fall
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| HSCI-250 | Contact Lenses II | 3.0 |
| HSCI-252 | Contact Lenses and Dispensing II | 3.0 |
| HSCI-253 | Optical Dispensing II | 3.0 |
| HSCI-301 | Refracting Skills I | 3.0 |
| HSCI-350 | Applied Refracting Skills I | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 5 - Winter
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| HSCI-308 | Refracting Skills II | 3.0 |
| HSCI-311 | Optical Dispensing III | 3.0 |
| HSCI-351 | Contact Lenses III | 3.0 |
| HSCI-352 | Contact Lenses and Dispensing III | 3.0 |
| HSCI-371 | Applied Refracting Skills II | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 6 - Spring
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRCT-372 | Clinical Practicum II | 3.0 |
| Semester 6 Total | 3.0 | |
| Year 2 Total | 33.0 | |
| Program Total |
66.0 | |
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.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2021/22
Domestic tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9,690 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $11,023 |
| 2 | $9,690 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $11,023 |
International tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,950 | $1,045.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $24,283 |
| 2 | $22,500 | $1,045.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $23,833 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside of this time frame.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $183.20
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $310
- Student support fee: $150
- Student technology fee: $150
Health and dental fees
Domestic students
- Health plan: $122
- Dental plan: $130
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
International students
- Health and Dental plan: $252
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
The College of opticians of Alberta (COA) annual registration fees are approximately $650. Applications to, and a license from, a regulatory body are required prior to a graduate working. Further fee information is available on the COA website.
The National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulator (NACOR) certification exam fees are:
- Optical Sciences 1: Eyeglasses and Optical Sciences: $750
- Optical Sciences 2: Advanced Practice Contact Lenses: $750
Books, supplies and uniforms are approximately $2,800.
Students are required to purchase a professional optician toolkit containing essential optical tools commonly used in practice, prior to attending labs in semester two. The kit is purchased directly through an external provider for an approximate cost of $380 + tax. Information regarding the kit purchase will be provided during semester one.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $314
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | $10,362 | $1,065 | $698.50 | $12,125.50 |
| 2 | 3 | $10,362 | $1,065 | $698.50 | $12,125.50 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $714.58
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | $23,581.14 | $1,065 | $698.50 | $25,344.64 |
| 2 | 3 | $23,581.14 | $1,065 | $698.50 | $25,344.64 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $245
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $250
- Student technology fee: $250
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $436.50
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
The College of opticians of Alberta (COA) annual registration fees are approximately $650. Applications to, and a license from, a regulatory body are required prior to a graduate working. Further fee information is available on the COA website.
The National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulator (NACOR) certification exam fees are:
- Optical Sciences 1: Eyeglasses and Optical Sciences: $750
- Optical Sciences 2: Advanced Practice Contact Lenses: $750
Books, supplies and uniforms are approximately $2,800.
Students are required to purchase a professional optician toolkit containing essential optical tools commonly used in practice, prior to attending labs in semester two. The kit is purchased directly through an external provider for an approximate cost of $380 + tax. Information regarding the kit purchase will be provided during semester one.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more 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.
✅ 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.
Get started on pre-orientation requirements
Winter 2022
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place online. You will receive further details shortly from your academic chair or program coordinator.
Learn more about your orientation.
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 equipment/tools
You are required to have a Student Optician toolkit. Full details onpurchasing will be discussed on orientation day and during the firstsemester.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes. Optician students are required to wear navy bluescrubs (top and bottom) for lab/clinical classes (beginning in the second semester).
Other requirements
- Police Information Clearance with Vulnerable Sector Check
- Health and wellness status
Preparation courses
To support your success, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
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
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
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