The emergence of the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC marks a pivotal evolution in healthcare regulation. The College was formed in June 2024 to amalgamate the regulation of a diverse group of health and care professionals: audiologists, dietitians, hearing instrument practitioners, occupational therapists, opticians, optometrists, physical therapists, psychologists, and speech-language pathologists.

This innovative amalgamation of regulatory bodies into a singular, powerful entity is rooted in the principles of public protection, education, and connection. It represents a commitment to excellence, efficiency, and inclusivity in processes such as public complaints, registration, and registrant quality practice.

At its foundation, the College is tasked with the critical mission of helping to safeguard public health by regulating these health and care professions to ensure they have the competencies needed to practice and that they adhere to the standards needed for safe and ethical care.

Through its dedication to protecting the public, the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC stands as a trusted authority, dedicated to acting in the public interest.

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as an optician in B.C., you must be licensed with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. Eligibility is achieved by completing an accredited education program and completion of a national licensing examination. 

Opticians

This instructional program class comprises 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.

Opticianry/ophthalmic dispensing optician

Optician Diplomas

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.

The Opticianry Diploma combines health care, business, fashion and technology. You’ll study all areas of modern opticianry, including eyeglasses, contact lenses and refraction technologies. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to take the College of Opticians exam, which is a required step in becoming a licensed optician in B.C. 

Opticianry Diploma

For information and to apply visit the institution's website: 

[Optician Diploma](https://continuingstudies.vcc.ca/public/category/courseCategoryCertificateProfile.do?method=load&certificateId=1817487)

Optician Diploma

You can learn the science of eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision devices, and automated refraction while gaining the professional skills needed to work as an optician in Canada.

Educational Path

Optician Diplomas

Programs

Careers