Opticians
(NOC 3231)
in All HealthOpticians fit clients with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, help clients select eyeglass frames, arrange eyeglasses production, or contact lenses, and mount lenses in eyeglass frames. They are work for optical retail outlets or other businesses 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
Good
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Compared to: All Health
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. However, competition for positions may be low due to few qualified jobseekers. 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 61% 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
$16.00
Minimum$25.00
Median$28.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,389
Minimum$38,489
Median$61,342
MaximumCompared to: All Health
Hourly Pay
$16.38
Minimum$30.45
Median$41.35
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, help clients select eyeglass frames, arrange eyeglasses production, or contact lenses, and mount lenses in eyeglass frames. They are work for optical retail outlets or other businesses 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:
- Get 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.
- Help clients select 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
- 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
North Shore
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Retail trade
Health care and social assistance
Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
35-44
45-54
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Health
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$38,580 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$47,360 median annual incomeBachelor
N/AHigh school
N/ADiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Health
College Diploma
$40,033 median annual incomeBachelor
$61,668 median annual incomeMedicine, Dentistry, Veterinary, Optometry
$81,191 median annual incomeHigh school
$24,829 median annual incomeMaster
$69,296 median annual incomeEducation & training
Vision Science/Physiological Optics
University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific study of vision, visual processes, and related phenomena and clinical research and treatment modalities. They 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
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional licence. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.