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Next information session
There are no events scheduled for this program. Please visit the link below to see all upcoming and on-demand information sessions.
This program will be delivered in a blended format (OA, OS, OR and OF/CLAS) for the Fall 2021 semester.
Some courses will be delivered online while others occur on-campus.
Learn more about our course delivery options
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.
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 per year*
Year 1: $11,023
Year 2: $11,023
Year 1 (International): $24,283
Year 2 (International): $23,833
*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?
Applications are accepted until the program start date.
- Applications for fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020
- Applications for winter 2022 open March 20, 2021
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 | Aug. 19, 2022 |
| Winter 2022 | Jan. 10, 2022 | Dec. 19, 2022 |
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.
- Winter 2022 start: applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission 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
- All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
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
Once completed, this SAIT credential may be eligible for transfer credit at another post-secondary institution. Visit Transfer Options to learn more about the transfer agreements currently available to SAIT graduates and incoming students.
Have questions? Write to us at transfer.options@sait.ca.
Costs
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9,690 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $11,023 |
| 2 | $9,690 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $11,023 |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,950 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $24,283 |
| 2 | $22,500 | $793.20 | $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 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: $252
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum including relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.
- Textbooks, student toolkit and other learning materials cost about $2,800.
- 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.
- Students must have a personal computer and access to the Internet. Most classes are taught at SAIT, but some require online access. All courses require additional self‐study.
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.
✅ 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 2021
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place on Sept.3. Watch your inbox for the time and location.
Learn more about our SAIT-wide orientation activities.
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. We will discuss full details on orientation day.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
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.
Meet some of the instructors
Program Development Coordinator and Academic Chair