Purpose

The Optician Diploma Program provides students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills required for practice within the field of opticianry. Graduates will have the knowledge, skills and attitudes consistent with industry expectations for entry-level practice.

Through theory and lab courses and clinical experience, students will gain comprehensive education in all areas of opticianry, including eyeglasses,  contact lenses, low vision devices, and automated refraction.  Along with learning the science of optics, students will develop professional skills in business management, communication, and customer service.

Graduates will be prepared to meet the competency requirements for the national licensing exam as set out by the National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR).

Duration

This full-time program is four (4) academic terms and must be completed within three (3) years from the date the student began studies in the first term of the program.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

1. Apply the National Competencies for Canadian Opticians as set out by the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators to provide the best care for patients.

2. Practice within relevant legislation, Standards of Practice & Guidelines, and Code of Ethics set out by the College of Opticians of BC.

3. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with patients, colleagues, and industry professionals.

4. Provide ethical and transparent patient-centred care and service that recognizes and respects the diverse needs of each individual.

5. Apply essential knowledge of optics, ocular anatomy, physiology, and pathology to make informed decisions about opticianry practice.

6. Demonstrate safe and competent practice in all aspects of dispensing eyeglasses, contact lenses, and low-vision devices.

7. Provide patient-centred care and education throughout the dispensing process from initial assessment to follow-up care.

8. Integrate acquired knowledge and skills to recommend and sell products based on patient's lifestyle requirements.

9. Apply professional business management skills to opticianry practice.

10. Accurately perform vision assessments using an automated refraction system.

11. Recognize the need to engage in continuous learning to maintain and enhance ability to better serve patients.

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
• Knowledge of English demonstrated by one of the following:
  • English 12 or Communications 12 with a minimum 'C-' grade or equivalent, or
  • Academic IELTS 6.0 (no band lower than 6.0), or
  • TOEFL iBT 80
• Math 11 with a minimum 'C-' grade or equivalent

Upon Acceptance:

• Criminal Record Check (CRC)
  • Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC's Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate. 
• Prior to first practice experience, students may be required to complete site specific orientation

Program Requirements

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Term One		Credits
OPTC 1100	Customer Service 1	1.5
OPTC 1110	Eye Anatomy & Physiology	4
OPTC 1120	Professional Practice	1.5
OPTC 1130	Foundations of Optics	4
OPTC 1140	Eyeglasses Theory	8
	Credits	19
Term Two
OPTC 1210	Eyeglasses Lab	5.5
OPTC 1220	Eyeglasses Fabrication/Design	2.5
OPTC 1230	Customer Service 2	1.5
OPTC 1240	Low Vision Conditions/Devices	2
OPTC 1250	Eyeglasses Practice Experience	4
	Credits	15.5
Second Year
Term Three
OPTC 2310	Sales & Marketing Skills	2.5
OPTC 2320	Contact Lens Theory	8
OPTC 2340	Contact Lens Lab	6
OPTC 2350	Contact Lenses Practice Exp.	4
	Credits	20.5
Term Four
OPTC 2420	Business Management	2.5
OPTC 2430	Refractive Conditions	2
OPTC 2450	Preceptorship	5.5
OPTC 2440	Program Review & Exam Prep	1
	Credits	11
	Total Credits	66

Evaluation of Student Learning

Evaluation of theoretical learning will include presentations, case studies, assignments, self-reflective evaluations, and quizzes and exams.

Evaluation of practical skills in the lab courses will be based on practice education assessments, clinical skills checklists and practical exams.

Students must receive a minimum 68% in all Theory courses and a satisfactory (S) grade in the Lab courses, the Consolidated Practice Experiences and Preceptorship in order to graduate.

Eligibility to enter the Consolidated Practice Experience at the end of terms two and three is dependent upon the successful completion of all of the other courses within each term. Eligibility to enter the final preceptorship at the end of term four is dependent upon the successful completion of all courses in terms one, two, three and four.

Students must successfully complete all courses in one term before enrolling in the next term. If a student fails a theory course, there is an opportunity to write a supplemental exam one time for a passing grade of 68%. Students have the opportunity to rewrite three final exams over the duration of the program.

If a course is not completed satisfactorily, a student may apply to repeat the course the next time it is offered, providing there is space available and the Program Coordinator's approval is granted.

Students must meet 90% attendance in order to pass all courses. Absences and special leaves may be considered with Program Coordinator approval.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.

Transcript of Achievement

Transcript of Achievement

The evaluation of learning outcomes for each student is prepared by the instructor and reported to the Student Records Department at the completion of semesters. 

The transcript typically shows a letter grade for each course. The grade point equivalent for a course is obtained from letter grades as follows:

Grading Standard

Transcript of Achievement

Grade	Percentage	Description	Grade Point Equivalency
A+	90-100		4.33
A	85-89		4.00
A-	80-84		3.67
B+	76-79		3.33
B	72-75		3.00
B-	68-71	Minimum pass	2.67
C+	64-67		2.33
C	60-63		2.00
C-	55-59		1.67
D	50-54		1.00
F	0-49		0.00
S	70 or greater	Satisfactory – student has met and mastered a clearly defined body of skills and performances to required standards	N/A
U		Unsatisfactory – student has not met and mastered a clearly defined body of skills and performances to required standards	N/A
I		Incomplete	N/A
IP		Course in Progress	N/A
W		Withdrawal	N/A
Course Standings
R		Audit. No Credits	N/A
EX		Exempt. Credit Granted	N/A
TC		Transfer Credit

Grade Point Average (GPA)

1. The course grade points shall be calculated as the product of the course credit value and the grade value.
2. The GPA shall be calculated by dividing the total number of achieved course grade points by the total number of assigned course credit values. This cumulative GPA shall be determined and stated on the Transcript at the end of each Program level or semester.
3. Grades shall be assigned to repeated courses in the same manner as courses taken only once. For the purpose of GPA calculation of grades for repeated courses, they will be included in the calculation of the cumulative GPA.