Opticians
(NOC 3231)
in All HealthOpticians fit clients with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, assist clients in the selection of eyeglass frames, arrange for the production of eyeglasses or contact lenses and mount lenses in eyeglass frames. They are employed in optical retail outlets or other establishments with optical dispensing departments, or they may be self-employed. Student opticians and opticians who are managers of optical retail outlets are included in this group.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Health
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Opticians most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 62% of Opticians who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $43,152. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$17.07
Minimum$25.00
Median$33.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,389
Minimum$38,489
Median$61,342
MaximumCompared to: All Health
Hourly Pay
$16.38
Minimum$25.50
Median$41.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,740
Minimum$43,853
Median$88,944
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Opticians fit clients with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, assist clients in the selection of eyeglass frames, arrange for the production of eyeglasses or contact lenses and mount lenses in eyeglass frames. They are employed in optical retail outlets or other establishments with optical dispensing departments, or they may be self-employed. Student opticians and opticians who are managers of optical retail outlets are included in this group.
Job duties
Opticians perform some or all of the following duties:
- Obtain specifications for eyeglasses or contact lenses from a prescription prepared by an ophthalmologist or optometrist or by analyzing the client's eyeglasses or contact lenses and by measuring client's eye curvature, pupillary distance and bridge width, using optical measuring devices.
- Assist clients in selecting eyeglasses by advising on lens materials, frames, tints and anti-reflection coating.
- Advise on use and care of contact lenses.
- Arrange for grinding and polishing of lenses or grind and polish lenses.
- Cut and edge lenses and fit lenses into frames.
- Adjust finished eyeglasses to fit client.
- May supervise or manage the activities of other opticians or student opticians.
Sample job titles
- apprentice optician
- contact lens dispenser
- contact lens technician
- dispensing optician
- eyeglasses frame fitter
- licensed contact lens practitioner
- licensed dispensing optician
- licensed optician
- managing optician
- optician
Skills
This work demands close attention to detail and an ability to work precisely and accurately. You should enjoy working with the general public and be approachable, reassuring, and sensitive to their needs. Opticians require the ability to work alone, as well as a member of a team, in a busy retail environment.
Job requirements
- Completion of a two- or three-year college program in ophthalmic dispensing or optical sciences is required.
- Licensing by a regulatory body for opticians is required in Nova Scotia.
- Licensing requirements for scope of practice and protected titles related to dispensing and contact lens certification vary by province.
Other considerations
People in this group usually work regular hours; however, evening and weekend shifts may be required.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Health
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Northern
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Retail Trade
Health Care and Social Assistance
Textiles, Furniture and Other Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
25-34
35-44
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Health
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$46,764 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$43,674 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$39,996 median annual incomeHigh school
$34,671 median annual incomeUniversity certificate or diploma
$50,463 median annual incomeCompared to: All Health
College certificate or diploma
$36,693 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$57,186 median annual incomeMedicine, dentistry, veterinary, optometry
$83,000 median annual incomeHigh school
$24,119 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$87,808 median annual incomeEducation & training
Opticianry/ophthalmic dispensing optician
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to adapt and fit corrective eyewear, including eyeglasses and contact lenses, as prescribed by ophthalmologists or optometrists; to assist patients in selecting appropriate frames; and to prepare work orders for ophthalmic laboratory technicians. These programs include courses in geometrical optics; ophthalmic optics; anatomy of the eye; optical instrumentation; use and maintenance of adjustment and cleaning tools; prescription interpretation; contact lens adaptation and fitting; prosthesis fitting; facial and eye measuring; pathology identification; record-keeping; and patient and business administrative tasks.
Vision science/physiological optics
This program is typically offered at the university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the scientific study of vision, visual processes, and related phenomena and clinical research and treatment modalities. These programs include courses in ocular anatomy and physiology, microbiology of the eye, electrophysiology, neurophysiology, corneal physiology, photochemistry, psychophysics, visual biophysics and motor systems, sensory mechanisms and photoreception, eye circulation and metabolism, geometric and physical optics, ocular development across the lifespan, visual stimuli and perception, colour vision, eye motility, biometrics and measurement techniques, visual pathology, and environmental issues.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated and the job title is protected in Nova Scotia (you may not use this job title without holding a provincial licence). A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to work in this job.