Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Winter 2025. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.
This program provides students with an opportunity to acquire specialized knowledge and skills required to safely and competently dispense subnormal vision devices, contact lenses and eyeglasses. Students gain knowledge in the basic science of sight and optics, and learn the skills of opticianry in dedicated lab classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art instruments. Graduates of the program are qualified to take the registration examinations for licensure.
To explore more information on how to become an optician, visit Opticians Council of Canada.
Students are invited to attend an information session.
Your Career in Opticianry
Opticians are members of a health care delivery team who dispense eyeglasses, contact lenses and subnormal vision devices. Employment opportunities are available in retail optical dispensaries, contact lens clinics, as well as medical clinics in Ontario, across Canada and internationally.
All applicants must have completed the following courses (or equivalent):
If you do not have the entry requirements, the following Seneca Polytechnic courses will be accepted and can be taken through the Faculty of Continuing Education and Training:
Note for International students: To work in the Canadian health care industry, you must take a medical examination while applying for your work permit. More information is available on the Government of Canada website.
Seneca welcomes applications from those adults who have made the decision to return to school. The requirement for using the "Mature Applicant" status as the basis for meeting admission requirements is nineteen years of age. As a Mature Applicant, you do not require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or its equivalent). You do require an academic credit in Grade 12 English, Mathematics and Science to be accepted into the program.
It is important to apply as soon as possible if you are applying as a Mature Applicant. By applying early, if it is determined that you do not have the necessary skills for admission to a postsecondary program, you may be able to complete the necessary college preparation before your program starts.
Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be contacted by email.
It is your responsibility to ensure that program requirements and course prerequisites as outlined are met. Prerequisites are included for your academic protection. Knowledge of the prerequisite material is assumed by your instructor and instruction will proceed accordingly. Students lacking prerequisites not only jeopardize their own ability to succeed but present unnecessary interruption. If you lack appropriate prerequisites (or Transfer Credit for the prerequisite course) you may be asked to withdraw or transfer to a more appropriate course with the risk of academic/financial penalty.
Students must apply to this program by clicking on the following link:
OCAS
– Apply to the Part-Time Opticianry (OPTCE) Diploma Program
If you have any questions about the entry requirements or general questions about the program,
please contact:
Annie Kirkham
Program Assistant
Annie.Kirkham@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0985
Yasmeen Syed
Academic Program Manager
Yasmeen.Syed@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0965
Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.
Placement via English Assessment, or successful completion of ESL934.
COM101 replaces EAC 150.
Students who have successfully completed EAC 150 are not required to complete COM101.
This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their postsecondary studies, workplaces, and communities.
Placement via English Assessment
This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their postsecondary studies, workplaces, and communities.
Acceptance into the Program
This subject introduces students to the nature and behavior of light in various media. Emphasis is placed on the major theories of light as they apply to plane and curved transparent surfaces and performing advanced optical calculations to determine image formation through prisms and lenses.
This course introduces necessary underlying concepts in understanding interpersonal communication. It encourages students to examine their own self-concepts, self-esteem and perception processes while learning about how these can interfere with the development of positive relationships. Students will learn the basic skills and competencies required for effective interpersonal relationships. They examine the ways in which relationships are initiated and maintained, and how they sometimes deteriorate. Finally students learn of the challenges involved in interpersonal communications.
Please note: Students in BHS, ECE, SSW, SSWA, SSWG, SSWI or SSIA cannot take this course to gain a General Education credit as it is too similar to core courses in these programs.
Acceptance into the program
This subject explores the functional aspects of ocular structures through examination of the gross anatomy of the eye and its accessory organs. The basic principles of structure, function and organization of the visual system and refractive media are included.
Acceptance into the program
This subject prepares students on various aspects of single vision eyeglass dispensing. Content includes proper frame selection, frame adjustments and repairs, facial measurements and standard dispensing procedures for fitting single vision eyeglasses. Professional communication with patients and other eye care providers is emphasized throughout this subject.
Acceptance into the program
This subject prepares students for work in an optical dispensary. Content includes identifying single vision lenses based on lens materials and add-ons, measuring lens parameters and verifying that the single vision eyeglasses meet dispensing industry standards. Measuring accurately single vision lens parameters using the proper instrumentation is emphasized throughout this subject.
Acceptance into the program
This subject introduces students to the requirements of single vision eyeglass dispensing. Students will learn about frames and single vision lens design, materials and methods of manufacturing. Emphasis is placed on measuring techniques and lens parameters verification to assure that the eyeglasses meet the industry standards for safe dispensing. Students will learn the implications of prismatic effect in ophthalmic lenses and how to calculate the total prismatic effect. Patient assessment, frame and lens selection and delivery of finished single vision spectacles including patient teaching are included.
This subject is designed to give students the opportunity to apply the theory of finishing single vision spectacles in a laboratory setting. Students learn procedures for the safe operation of lens edging equipment and blocking devices, use of the lensometer and clock gauge and the final verification of the lab order. Emphasis is placed on accuracy and industry tolerances.
This subject explores ocular pathologies and dysfunctions and the effect of medication on the eye and vision. Students learn to identify ocular conditions based on patient symptoms and signs. Examination, treatment procedures and the referral process to a medical doctor, an optometrist or an ophthalmologist are discussed.
This subject emphasizes procedures for fitting, dispensing, multifocal, and progressive lens designs and consolidates knowledge and skills learned in previous professional subjects. Advanced fitting techniques, Rx interpretation and professional standards are included.
This subject provides the students with the theoretical foundations for dispensing specialized prescriptions for presbyopic correction. Lens designs, frame selection and specific measurements and fitting techniques are considered within the framework of practical dispensing applications while emphasizing the professional responsibility of the optician on patient education on wear and care for multifocal and progressive eyewear.
This course highlights the professional role of the optician through the exploration of the business of Opticianry. Students gain perspective on issues inherent in delivering vision care within a regulated health environment.
This subject introduces students to the testing procedures used in the preliminary eye examination and the theories and the instrumentation used in objective refraction. Students will learn how to identify ametropia using the auto-refractor and the retinoscope and what correcting methods are available.
Building on the theory of visual assessment and refractometry students learn how to perform subjective and objective patient assessment and use adequate instrumentation to establish the base line data for subjective refraction. Emphasis is placed on performing objective refraction using the auto-refractor and the retinoscope.
Students complete 250 hours of supervised eyeglass dispensing and a minimum of 125 multi focal fittings during Practicum Level II. Procuring suitable placement for practicum is the responsibility of the student.
Note: All students must have a valid supervisor at the time of enrolment. The supervisor must have a minimum of three years of registration with the College of Optician/Optometry of Ontario, and in good standing.
Note: All students must have a valid supervisor at the time of enrolment. The supervisor must have a minimum of three years of registration with the College of Optician/Optometry of Ontario, and in good standing.
Students must successfully complete 500 hours and 125 single vision and 125 multi-focal spectacles, of which, 25 must be by +/-.6 diopter o.u.
In this subject students learn how to assess patients to determine suitable eyewear, interpret prescriptions, select frames, use advanced digital devices to take precise measurements, fit and dispense specialty lens designs in accordance with industry standards.
This subject expands on the theory and practice included in Eyeglass Fabrication Lab I and introduces students to finishing segmented bifocal and progressive lenses. Through tutorial and hands-on practice, students to become proficient in finishing spectacles at an advanced level.
This subject provides the students with the theoretical foundations for dispensing and managing specialized prescriptions, which include high prescriptions, occupational lenses, safety wear and sun wear. Lens designs, powers, advanced measuring devices and specific fitting techniques required to customize vision wear are considered within the framework of practical dispensing. Particularities of dispensing eyewear to children and elderly are discussed and emphasis is placed on the professional responsibility of the optician to assure patient continuous care and satisfaction.
This subject is designed to foster students understanding of subjective refraction and learn instrumentation and protocols used to identify and quantify ametropia. Emphasis is placed on continuing care to promote and maintain patient ocular health.
This subject offers students the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired in Refraction Theory II. Students learn how to operate the automated and the manual phoropter to identify ametropia, use instrumentation to assess ocular health, analyze, and interpret findings.
This subject is designed to foster students' understanding of the methodologies used for contact lens fitting and dispensing. Students are introduced to dynamics and properties of contact lens materials, methods of manufacture and optics. Contact lens instruments and fitting theories are included.
This subject offers the student the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired in Contact Lens Theory I. Students learn how to operate instruments used to take ocular measurements and assess ocular health, handle, care and successfully fit soft and rigid single vision lenses. Patient safety and the professional responsibilities of the dispensing optician are emphasized.
During Practicum Level III students complete 500 hours of supervised contact lens fitting and a minimum of 20 soft and 5 rigid contact lens fittings. Procuring suitable placement for practicum is the responsibility of the student.
Note: All students must have a valid supervisor at the time of enrolment. The supervisor must have a minimum of three years registration with the College of Optician/Optometry of Ontario, and in good standing. For opticians, the designation of mentor is required by the College of Opticians.
This course builds on the basic theory related to optics and contact lens practice. Emphasis is placed on understanding rigid lenses, special lenses and advanced fitting techniques.
This subject expands on the clinical skills learned in Contact Lens Lab I. Students apply the principles of client assessment, lens selection and assessment of lens fit and visual acuity. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of data for selection of contact lens design and delivery to the client.
This subject introduces students to the physiology of binocular vision and the specific diseases that contribute to vision loss. Students learn to identify and interpret the clinical symptoms and signs of associated binocular conditions, low vision and vision loss and select appropriate visual aid treatments for patients with various low vision conditions.
This subject expands on the clinical skills learned in Contact Lens Lab I. Students apply the principles of patient assessment and advanced examination techniques to investigate the ocular structures to detect ocular conditions that are contraindications for contact lens wear. Emphasis is placed on dry eye assessment, interpretation of findings and management.
This subject explores ocular pathology in terms of physiological complications of contact lens wear, inflammation, toxicity and allergy. Students learn to identify common anomalies of the eye that affect contact lens wear. Examination and treatment procedures are included. Emphasis is placed on management and referral process for advanced care.
Note: Effective Summer 2023, OPT449 is replacing OPT250 and OPT350. OPT250 plus OPT350 is considered to be equivalent to OPT449. Students who have completed both OPT250 and OPT350 will not be required to complete OPT449.
The Opticianry Ontario College Diploma Program has undergone changes to the curriculum.
For students starting the program in Fall 2021 and onward, please see updated Academic Program Schedule.
For students who started the program before Fall 2021, please see Academic Program Schedule. The last date to graduate upon completion of this curriculum will be August 2024.
Students must complete one general education course from each of the following categories: "Arts and Humanities" and "Sciences and Social Sciences".
In order to meet Seneca's breadth requirements for diploma or advanced diploma programs, in addition to COM470 Interpersonal Communications, students must successfully complete at least 2 general education courses toward their program, satisfying the following criteria:
Students are required to complete an Emergency First Aid/Heartsaver CPR course from Seneca, St. John Ambulance, Canadian Red Cross or equivalent. Certifications cannot expire during the calendar year of graduation. It is the student's responsibility to provide proof of certification prior to graduation.
Seneca is accountable to professional and corporate stakeholders in opticianry and is committed to providing excellence in education and skills development. The four year pathway to completion of the part-time Opticianry Diploma Program is intended to meet the flexible needs of adult learners while ensuring that graduates enter the field with knowledge that is current and that they are well prepared to become Registered Opticians. Students who fail to complete the part-time program within a 5 year time frame will be required to repeat vocation specific courses or challenge those courses through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) in order to graduate.
The practicum portion of the Opticianry Program is designed to prepare students for their role as an optician. Practica are defined as educational experiences in an environment which augments the academic program and contributes to students' practical education. A total of 1000 hours of dispensary experiences are divided into three levels which are scheduled at pertinent stages in the program.
Procuring suitable placement for practicum is the responsibility of the student. The College will assist by posting employment opportunities received. The student must report to the College any changes in placement location or supervising optician.
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
This program is eligible for OSAP funding.
Course load is used by OSAP to determine funding options for programs.
If you are taking one to two courses at the same time, you may be considered for part-time student grants and loans.
If you are taking three or more courses at the same time, you may be considered for full-time student grants and loans.
To find out if you qualify and to learn how to apply, please visit the OSAP website.
For information on other awards and financial assistance, please see Financial Aid.
Many students who enter Seneca Polytechnic will have earned academic credits in postsecondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca Polytechnic program.
Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.
Download a Transfer Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer Credit decision.
Please visit the Office of the Registrar.
Build on your Seneca Polytechnic credential
Seneca is recognized as a leader in pathways and offers a range of options to help you reach your educational and career goals.
As a graduate of this program, you may be eligible to pathway into a bachelor's degree program at Seneca or at one of our partner institutions.
To explore your pathway options and learn more, visit our Degree Transfer Guide.
If you have additional questions regarding pathways to, within and beyond Seneca, connect with our Academic Pathways team at 416.764.0399 or email academic.pathways@senecapolytechnic.ca.
After reviewing the Degree Transfer Guide, you can also book a virtual appointment to discuss your options in more detail with a dedicated Pathways Adviser.
When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October), Spring (June) and Winter (February).
For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.
To view Opticianry Program Schedule, visit Opticianry - Academic Program Schedule
Annie Kirkham
Program Assistant
Annie.Kirkham@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0985
Yasmeen Syed
Academic Program Manager
Yasmeen.Syed@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0965
For more information about this program, fill out the following form.
Students are invited to attend an information session.