Join the eye care field as an optician

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U)
• Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U)  
  • OR Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C or U) Chemistry 
  • OR Grade 11 or 12 (U), or Grade 12 (C) Physics

Applicants must meet minimum averages to receive final acceptance.​​

First-year enrolment is limited, satisfying minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission.

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Pathways

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Selection Process

Selection is based on admission requirements and academic grades.

In order for a student to register for the National examinations (NACOR) the student must have:

• Successfully completed all academic semesters
• Successfully completed two co-operative work terms
• Successfully completed the practice requirements including:
  • 1000 hours of supervised dispensing experience
  • 250 eyeglass fittings broken down into specific categories
    • 15 soft contact lens fittings
    • 5 rigid lens fittings
• Registered as an Intern Optician with the College of Opticians of Ontario

Vulnerable Sector Checks – Registered Optician – College of Opticians

Vulnerable Sector Checks

Applicants for a certificate of registration as a Registered Optician must also provide a Vulnerable Sector (“VS”) check as part of their application for registration with the College. A VS check verifies whether the applicant has a criminal record or any record suspension for sexual offences and searches local police records for information relevant to the VS check. The College uses the results of the VS check to verify some of the above noted information.

Important Information

The Vulnerable Sector check must meet the following requirements:

• The VS check must be completed using all names currently used by the applicant, as well as any names the applicant has used in the past.
• The full legal name, previous names (if applicable) and date of birth on the VS check must match the information provided to the College during the application process.
• The VS check must have been conducted no more than six months prior to the date the application for registration is submitted to the College.
• The original signed document obtained from the applicant’s local police service must be sent to the College by mail or courier. Faxes, scans or photographs will not be accepted.
• The VS check must be obtained at the applicant’s own expense.

Opticians are long-standing health care professionals employed in an industry for which there is a growing universal need. Registered Opticians may dispense eyewear independently or as part of the eye care team. Consequently, graduates may aspire to operate their own businesses. As recognized professionals under the Regulated Health Professions Act, full-time career possibilities, including managerial roles, exist in large retail optical chains, independent dispensaries and medical clinics in Ontario and across Canada.