32100 – Opticians
Lead statement
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. Student opticians and opticians who are managers of optical retail outlets are included in this unit group.
Main duties
- 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.
Employment requirements
- 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.
Example job titles
intern optician · apprentice optician · contact lens dispenser · contact lens fitter · contact lens technician · ophthalmic device dispenser · ophthalmic dispenser · optical device dispenser · optometric dispenser · dispensing optician · eyeglasses fitter · optical frame fitter · spectacle frame fitter · eyeglasses frame fitter · optician · student optician · contact lens practitioner · dispensing optician student · visual orthesis technician · visual orthotic device technician · licensed contact lens practitioner · licensed dispensing optician · licensed optician · managing optician · optical dispensing manager
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $17.80 | $28.50 | $39.40 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $20.43 | $29.59 | $38.51 |
| Nova Scotia | $22.08 | $28.07 | $32.41 |
| New Brunswick | $20.73 | $28.50 | $34.30 |
| Quebec | $17.00 | $30.00 | $36.50 |
| Ontario | $17.80 | $24.04 | $42.80 |
| Manitoba | $21.16 | $29.69 | $37.86 |
| Saskatchewan | $22.24 | $30.10 | $36.51 |
| Alberta | $17.36 | $28.00 | $39.40 |
| British Columbia | $22.00 | $30.82 | $38.46 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.