Optician Diploma

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You’ll receive Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support Certification including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Health Care Provider (HCP) and Automated External Defibrillation (AED). This industry standard certification is valid for three years.

You will be educated in proper body movement to prevent and correct poor posture, reduce stress on ligaments, joints and tendons and enhance physical capabilities. Proper body mechanics and back safety will enhance the longevity and success in the workplace. Please note: While this training follows best practices, graduates may also be required to learn and follow workplace specific protocols.

WHMIS provides information about materials in the workplace that can be hazardous, such as cleaning agents, compressed gases and flammable materials. Becoming WHMIS certified will demonstrate the ability to identify hazardous materials and handle them properly.

The Provincial Violence Prevention Training Curriculum will teach you to recognize and respond to violent situations and learn about different types of violence and strategies for dealing with the risks in a variety of health care contexts. The Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum has been developed by a team of experts from Worksafe BC, the Occupational Health & Safety Agency for health care in BC, as well as BC health authorities and healthcare unions. This training and certification is offered in collaboration with Fraser Health Authority.

The Personal and Professional Development (PPD) Skills Certificate is a combination of interactive, online modules and synchronous follow-up discussions that apply the general module content to the specifics of your program and future career. In addition to the Soft Skills Development module, you will develop your ability to work with diverse clients, patients, and colleagues through the Gender Diversity and Sexual Orientation; Disability, Neurodiversity, and Accessibility; Anti-Indigenous Racism and Indigenous Gender Diversity; and Anti-Racism modules.