Technical occupations in therapy and assessment

How to become an Optician

Official title: Opticians

Also called: Optician, Intern optician, Student optician, Licensed optician, Managing optician, Apprentice optician, Dispensing optician, Dispensing optician student, Licensed dispensing optician, Eyeglasses fitter, Contact lens fitter, Ophthalmic dispenser

Opticians assist clients in the selection of eyeglass frames, take the necessary measurements and arrange for the production of eyeglasses or contact lenses, mount lenses in eyeglass frames and fit clients with final prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. 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 unit group.

Main tasks

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 take necessary measurements including the curvature of the eyes, the accurate position of the pupils and bridge width, using optical measuring devices
Advice clients on eyeglasses selection by informing them of different products such as lens materials, frames, tints and anti-reflection coating
Adjust contact lenses and inform client on use and care
Grind, polish, cut and edge lenses or have them made by a laboratory before inserting them into the frame
Adjust finished eyeglasses to fit client
May supervise or manage the activities of other opticians or student opticians

How to become one

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 all provinces. Licensing requirements for scope of practice and protected titles related to the sale or dispensing and fitting of contact lenses vary by province.

See the full NOC 2021 profile

Ways in

College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 69% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Ophthalmic and optometric support services and allied professions; Electrical/electronic engineering technologies/technicians; Business administration, management and operations.
Licence or registration: Licensing by a regulatory body for opticians is required in all provinces. Licensing requirements for scope of practice and protected titles related to the sale or dispensing and fitting of contact lenses vary by province.

Pay · Outlook

Median pay: $55,575 a year The middle half earn $44,850 to $64,350.
About 11,700 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 14,600 are projected by 2033. (+24.8%)
Projected labour market to 2033: balance.

Questions people ask

How do I become an Optician?

How much does an Optician earn in Canada?

Median full-time pay is $55,575 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $44,850 to $64,350.

Is an Optician a growing career in Canada?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 25% by 2033, from about 11,700 to about 14,600 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Do you need a degree to become an Optician?

Usually not. Only 19% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.

Sources

Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03