Overview
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply the National Competencies for Canadian Opticians as set out by the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators to provide the best care for patients.
- Practice within relevant legislation, Standards of Practice & Guidelines, and Code of Ethics set out by the College of Opticians of BC.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with patients, colleagues, and industry professionals.
- Provide ethical and transparent patient-centred care and service that recognizes and respects the diverse needs of each individual.
- Apply essential knowledge of optics, ocular anatomy, physiology, and pathology to make informed decisions about opticianry practice.
- Demonstrate safe and competent practice in all aspects of dispensing eyeglasses, contact lenses, and low-vision devices.
- Provide patient-centred care and education throughout the dispensing process from initial assessment to follow-up care.
- Integrate acquired knowledge and skills to recommend and sell products based on patient's lifestyle requirements.
- Apply professional business management skills to opticianry practice.
- Accurately perform vision assessments using an automated refraction system.
- Recognize the need to engage in continuous learning to maintain and enhance ability to better serve patients.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
This full-time program is four (4) academic terms and must be completed within three (3) years from the date the student began studies in the first term of the program.
Admission requirements
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
- English Studies 12 with a minimum 'C-' grade, or equivalent
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Upon Acceptance:
- Criminal Record Check (CRC)
- Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC's Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.
- Prior to first practice experience, students may be required to complete site specific orientation
- Foundations of Math 11 with a minimum 'C' grade, or equivalent
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Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading, university transfer or English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses.
Recommended Characteristics
- A sincere interest in working with patients in a sales environment
- Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
- Ability to listen empathetically and communicate effectively with a diverse patient population
- Good computer skills including correct typing technique and experience with the Internet, Windows, and Microsoft Office
- Ability to act respectfully, decisively, and professionally with patients and colleagues
- Good organization skills with an attention to detail
- Good eyesight (corrected vision is accepted)
- Creativity and mathematical aptitude are assets
Fees and other costs
Tuition deposit: $13,500 ($10,000 non-refundable). Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $145 | |
| Tuition | $43,268 | |
| Student union | $283 | |
| College initiative | $104 | |
| Campus resource | $433 | |
| Medical & Dental | $570 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | $149 | |
| U-PASS | $752 | |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $45,749 |
* This is an international cohort program. As international cohorts are exclusively for international students, international fees apply throughout the duration of the program.
* Tuition and other fees are approximate and subject to increase up to 5% per year. Students will be required to pay increased rates if the fees change at any time during the period of enrolment in the program. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.
Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's international refund policy.