Optical Sciences Eyeglasses Diploma Program - Opticians ...

NAIT/OAC Optical Sciences - EyeglassesAbout the ProgramThe Optical Sciences Eyeglasses Program is produced by the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology(NAIT) and is administered by the Opticians Association of Canada (OAC).This program is currently offered in English only.Opticianry is a growing industry that involves the fitting and supplying of eyeglasses. The skillful preparationand fitting of corrective lenses is vitally important to the customer's health, so people entering this fieldrequire rigorous training and education. The work is retail oriented, so anyone considering this as a careermust have great communication skills as well as a flexible schedule.The Optical Sciences Eyeglasses Diploma is a two-year independent study program. In addition to the 2years of theory, 4 levels of practicum must be completed. This practicum consists of on-the-job trainingsimilar in nature to an apprenticeship – students perfect their skills under the supervision of registeredpersonnel at their place of employment.Completion RequirementsTo obtain a NAIT Optical Sciences Eyeglasses Diploma, students must successfully complete: 12 online theory courses with an overall passing grade of 63%.4 clinical practicums of 500 hours each, under the direct supervision of a qualified preceptor.RegistrationStudents interested in participating in the Eyeglasses Program must contact the Opticians Association ofCanada. Email education@opticians.ca or call 1-800-847-3155. (In your email, please specify yourprovince of residence)Entrance RequirementsAcademic RequirementsHigh School Diploma issued by a Canadian province or territory or the assessed equivalent.

Non-Academic RequirementsMust be employed within the optical industry, with a qualified preceptor willing to supervisethe clinical practicum. The preceptor must be a registered optician or optometrist .Practicum/Co-op/Work ExperienceThrough the clinical practicum, students gain practical experience by working with patients and equipment.Each level of the practicum requires 500 hours to be documented under the direct supervision of a qualifiedpreceptor. The preceptor must be a registered optician or optometrist.There is also an accompanying practical manual to be completed during this time.Accreditation & Industry CertificationThe NAIT Optical Sciences Program is accredited by the National Association of Canadian OpticianRegulators (NACOR) http://www.nacor.ca/. This accreditation is recognized by all the Provincial RegulatoryBoards in Canada.Where It Can Take YouGrads work as registered Opticians in retail dispensaries, low vision practices, refractive surgery clinics, andcontact lens specialty practices. You can also go on to obtain advanced practice certificates in contactlenses and sight testing.Required CoursesHere is the list of required courses that must be taken to successfully complete your program.Year One CoursesSemester OneOPSC1111 Communications – 3 creditsOPSC1112 Frames – 4.5 creditsOPSC1113 Math and Optics – 3 creditsOPSC1191 Clinical I: Eyeglasses – 9.0 creditsSemester TwoOPSC1211 Instruments and Measurements – 3.0 creditsOPSC1212 Prescriptions & Single Vision Lens Design – 3.0 creditsOPSC1213 Analysis & Interpretation of Lenses & Prescriptions – 3.0 creditsOPSC1292 Clinical II: Eyeglasses – 9.0 credits

Year Two Courses*Year Two courses will be divided into a semester system, like Year One above, for the 2014 academic yearODP2 Eyeglasses Year Two (Academic) – 22.0 creditsODP527 Eyeglasses Practicum Level 3 - 8.0 creditsODP528 Eyeglasses Practicum Level 4 - 8.0 creditsWhat to ExpectIt’s all about the eye: the conditions, anatomy and physiology. Year 1 focuses on the theory you’ll need tobecome a registered optician. Emphasis will be on:the use of instruments and toolsframe adjustmentssingle vision lenseslens designsopticsanalysis and interpretation of prescriptionsYou will also learn about fostering communication and conflict resolution.In year 2 you will learn about eye health, multifocal lens designs, charting, and screening. Emphasis will beplaced on:the use of instruments and toolsopticsavailable lens productssurgical alternativesanalysis and interpretation of prescriptionsDistance LearningThis program is primarily taught online using an e-learning system called Moodle. The program contains acourse of study governed by prescribed textbooks and computer-based learning guided by an onlineinstructor. Students must participate in online discussions, can view and print class notes, andapply theory through hands-on exercises and quizzes. An internet connection is all that's required.Students are also required to complete a hands-on practical lab test and complete a written finalexamination at the end of each semester. The lab tests and examinations are not completed online.