32100

Opticians

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Health

3 › 32 › 321 › 3210

Definition

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.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following 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.

Example job titles

•contact lens fitter
•contact lens practitioner
•dispensing optician
•licensed optician
•optician

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, opticians are categorized under NOC code 32100. This occupation belongs to TEER category 2, which makes it highly eligible for key Canadian economic immigration pathways, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program managed through the Express Entry system, as well as various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Opticians in Canada design, fit, and dispense corrective spectacles, contact lenses, and other optical appliances based on the written prescriptions of ophthalmic medical practitioners or optometrists.

To qualify for immigration and practice as an optician in Canada, candidates must meet specific professional standards. Employment requirements typically include the completion of a two-to-three year college program in ophthalmic dispensing and a period of supervised practical training. Licensing by the appropriate provincial or territorial regulatory body is mandatory in all provinces to legally practice and use the title of Registered Optician. Typical duties include interpreting optical prescriptions, taking precise facial measurements, advising clients on lens and frame selection, and adapting or fitting optical devices to meet individual patient needs.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute official legal or professional Canadian immigration advice. For official and updated guidelines, please refer directly to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

Commonly confused codes

31111Optometrists

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.