Opticianry (Diploma)

Combine health care, business, fashion and technology with a Diploma in Opticianry. You’ll study all areas of modern opticianry, including eyeglasses, contact lenses and refraction technologies. Classes take place three days per week, which means you’ll be able to work part time while you study. 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. 

A practical education

You’ll gain real-world experience in eye testing, automatic refracting, and eyeglass and contact lens dispensing through the Douglas College Vision Care Centre, a retail facility located on campus that is open to the public. You’ll work with standard and specialized optical equipment with a complete eyeglass dispensing service, including a comprehensive contact lens lab with five fitting rooms and one automated refraction station. Sharpen your skills with retail site placements that offer practical experience and job contacts necessary to jump-start your career. 

Future education

If you’re interested in furthering your education, your credential may transfer to health care programs at other post-secondary institutions in B.C. Visit the B.C. Transfer Guide and your transfer university’s website to confirm which courses transfer. 

Excellent job prospects

Many of our students are hired part time in the industry in their first or second semester and work full time over the summer break. Plus, surveys show close to 100 percent of our Opticianry graduates are currently working in the field. (Source: B.C. Student Outcomes). 

Prior learning assessment and recognition

If you are already a licensed optician and want to get your contact lens fitting qualifications, you may be eligible for direct entry into the second year of the program.