International students applying for a PGWP: If you are in a flexible delivery course, you must attend in person. The option to attend online does not apply to you. Studying online will impact your PGWP eligibility. Please review the in-person requirements related to PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.
Opticianry (OPTC)
Campus
Delivery
HybridDuration
4 Semesters (2 Years)Credential
Ontario College DiplomaSchool
School of Health SciencesAbout the Program
In this two-year diploma program, you will acquire the specialized knowledge and skills to safely and competently dispense subnormal vision devices, contact lenses and eyeglasses. In the theory classes, you will learn the basic science of sight, optics and eye refraction and in the laboratory, classes will develop practical skills required to fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses. Program graduates are qualified to register for the entry-to-practice examinations offered by the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR).
Work Experience
Mandatory Work Term
A mandatory program requirement in a formal work environment. The work term(s) is similar in length to an academic semester and typically involves full-time work hours that may be paid or unpaid. Students must be in good standing and meet all identified requirements prior to participating in the work experience. The successful completion of the work term(s) is required for graduation. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for the mandatory work term regardless of success in securing a work position.
| Year | September | January | May |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 |
| Year 2 | Work Term 1 | Semester 4 | Work Term 2 |
Program Availability
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | Newnham | Open |
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | Newnham | Open |
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
This program meets Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements.
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. In courses delivered in the flexible format, using interactive learning spaces, professors teach in person to students in a physical classroom or lab and stream to students online at the same time. Students have a choice of coming to campus for an in-person experience or learning online.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
Your Career
When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options you can explore:
Retail optical dispensaries
Contact lens clinics
Medical clinics
Health care delivery team
Professional Certification
As a student of this program, you 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 your responsibility to provide proof of certification prior to graduation.
Seneca's Opticianry program is recognized by the College of Opticians of Ontario. To practice in Ontario as a Registered Optician, you must pass the national registration examination, among other requirements. You can find more information on how to become an optician at the Opticians Council of Canada.
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.