Optician Diploma

Orientation and Student Success Skills

This course will provide a comprehensive orientation to Stenberg College and the program you are enrolled in. As with all new things, there will be some challenges and excitement; this course, will explore transitioning as a college student, review learning styles, enhance critical thinking, and familiarize you with the resources available for your use. This course covers student success skills where you’ll learn effective study habits (specifically to improving both reading and writing skills) based on your own personal learning style. Life skills exercises are also integral to the course, teaching communication, accountability, teamwork, self-awareness and building an understanding of the impact you have on others.

Keyboarding and Computer Fundamentals

This course is designed to provide you with a detailed introduction to correct typing technique and the computer skills required to work in a fast-paced environment. Throughout the course, you will use a simulated program to improve proficiency with the Internet, Windows environment, and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Access, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).You will also focus on the development and maintenance of accurate keyboarding skills. You are encouraged to practice your keyboarding using the Keyboarding Online program outside of regular classroom hours.

Customer Service & Professional Communications I

In this foundational course, you will learn theoretical and practical skills to promote effective communication with clients and co-workers. You will be encouraged to become more aware of the impact of your own communication choices and patterns. You will have opportunity to develop and use communication techniques that demonstrate personal awareness, respect and active listening skills. Communication theory, therapeutic communication, cross-cultural communication, and effective teamwork will all be covered.

Anatomy & Physiology of the Eye

It’s essential that you, as a Dispensing Optician student, develop a thorough understanding of the concepts of ocular anatomy and physiology. This course gives an overview of the structure and function of each component of the visual system and the external anatomical structures. It explores the pathophysiological alterations that can affect an individual’s vision. Common medications used to treat eye conditions will also be taught.

Professional Practice & Office Procedures

This course provides an introduction to the profession, focusing on the regulations and legislation that informs Opticianry practice within British Columbia. You will discuss your role and responsibilities as a working optician, exploring the Code of Ethics, and Standards of Practice for the profession. You will also be introduced to the roles and functions of various members of the eye care team. You will discuss note taking, documentation practices, informed consent and office set up.

Foundations of Optics

In this course, you will learn the basic principles of light, plane and curved surfaces of mirrors and lenses and how to perform basic mathematical calculations needed for opticianry practice. The photochemistry of vision will be studied along with the concept of visual fields. You will also be introduced to monocular and binocular vision and be able to compare the effects of each on depth perception and visual acuity.

Industry Related Certifications

You will receive industry-relevant certifications: Canadian Red Cross Standard First Aid & Basic Life Support, Body Mechanics and Back Safety, WHMIS, and Managing Hostile Interactions.

Eyeglasses Theory

In this extensive course, you will investigate all aspects of eyeglass production and delivery to the client. You will learn lens theory, interpretation of prescriptions, types of materials and an introduction to the instruments of the trade. You will also learn the variety of lens and frame selections along with the manufacturing process. Conducting client assessments and documentation will also be explored along with methods of client teaching. Finally, you will learn how to evaluate eyeglasses and provide follow-up care to your customers.

Eyeglasses Lab

During this course you will turn your theoretical knowledge into real world practice as you apply your learning in the lab. You will become familiar with the instruments, equipment and tools required for the process of eyeglass dispensing. You will learn how to take ocular measurements, manage infection control and aseptic techniques, as well as safe operating procedures, lens and frames specifications and validation. Demonstrating customer services skills through professional communications will be practiced as you conduct assessments, provide client teaching and document appropriately.

Eyeglasses Fabrication and Design

During this course, you will learn how lenses are tinted, spotted, surfaced, edged and mounted into eyeglasses. The course will cover the calculations for determining the lens size required to ensure proper fitting into eyewear. You will learn the process of rejecting and accepting lenses based on ANSI standards.

Customer Service and Professional Communications II

Following on from the foundational course in Semester I, you will learn how to be an advocate for your clients. To help meet the needs of our aging population, you will focus on how to communicate respectfully and appropriately with older adults.

Low Vision Conditions & Devices

In this combined theory and lab course, you will focus on supporting clients with low vision, reading low-vision prescriptions and working with current products.

Consolidated Practice Experience: Eyeglasses

During this three-week consolidated practicum, you will have the opportunity to put your eyeglass dispensing skills into practice under the supervision of a monitor. Students will receive exposure to the day-to-day operations of the workplace as well as experience in professional behaviour, patient care and instrumentation under the direct supervision of an optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Business Management for the Entrepreneur

In this course you discuss basic business requirements for establishing and running a small business. You will learn core skills through investigating the concepts of time management, human resources, inventory control, legislation and regulations, problem solving and conducting industry and/or product research.

Sales and Marketing Skills for the Entrepreneur

During this course you will focus on topics such as gaining insight into client behavior, appealing to a target audience, developing promotional strategies, the art of upselling, interpreting buying patterns, selling on the phone and retaining a loyal customer base.

Contact Lenses Theory

In this course you will refresh your anatomy and physiology knowledge before exploring eye conditions common to contact lens wearers. You will then learn methods for fitting and dispensing contact lenses. Contact lens materials, manufacturing processes, prescriptions and required instruments are all examined. You will discuss the different products available and how to promote optimal ocular health for contact lens wearers.

Contact Lenses Lab

You will apply your theoretical knowledge within the lab to provide safe, competent care when fitting soft and rigid lenses. You will become proficient in conducting a client assessment, taking measurements, preparing and ordering lenses, then fitting, modifying and evaluating the finished contact lenses. Educating the client on proper care of contact lenses will be emphasized along with providing follow up care.

Consolidated Practice Experience: Contact Lenses

During this three-week consolidated practicum, you will have the opportunity to perfect your contact lens fitting skills in a dispensing setting. Students will receive exposure to the day-to-day operations of the workplace as well as experience in professional behaviour, patient care and instrumentation under the direct supervision of an optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Refractive Conditions and Automated Refraction

In the beginning of this course you will review the principles of refraction before discussing the pathophysiology of refractive conditions including astigmatism, anisometropia, and aniseikonic. In the second part of this course you will learn the automated refraction process and discuss its limitations, contraindications, and referrals before applying your knowledge of the process in the lab.

Career Search Strategies

This course is offered in an online delivery format. You will learn to network effectively (online and in person), to search and apply for jobs and to prepare targeted resumes and cover letters. You are also provided with coaching and individualized instructor feedback on your resume, cover letter and interview skills.

Preceptorship

This final four-week preceptorship concludes the program and facilitates your transition from student to graduate. A designated mentor will guide and encourage you to apply your knowledge, insight and skills in a professional setting. You will be required to be available during the day, afternoon, evening and weekends. At the conclusion of this experience, there will be a collaborative final debriefing. You will have the opportunity to reflect on and share your experiences as well as evaluate your overall educational experience so that the program may be improved in relation to student feedback.

Program Review and License Exam Prep

This will be a review of key theoretical and practical knowledge from the program. You will also receive test-taking skills information to help you as you prepare for your license examination.