ANNOUNCEMENTS
What is an Optician?
Opticians fit clients with prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses and other optical appliances assist clients in the selection of eyeglass frames, arrange for the production of eyeglasses or contact lenses and mount lenses in eyeglass frames. They are employed in optical retail outlets or optical dispensing departments, or they may be self-employed. Student opticians and opticians who are managers of optical retail outlets are included in this group.
Designations of Licensed Opticians:
Registered Opticians (RO)
Contact Lens Practitioner (RCLP)
All Opticians and Contact Lens Practitioners in Alberta must maintain mandatory continuing education levels to remain licensed.
Setting standards for Opticians, requirements for licensing and keeping skills up to profession standards is a part of public protection and therefore the mandate of The Alberta Opticians Association. A Practice Certificate is supplied each year to all Opticians who have kept up to date as members in good standing. Look for it when purchasing your next pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Why Should I see an Optician?
Your eyesight is too important to trust to just anyone. Seeing a registered Optician will ensure you are getting a high quality service from an accountable professional. Registered Opticians have to meet standards of practice and training, to commit to ongoing education, hold insurance, and are held to these standards by the Alberta Opticians Association.
Eyeglasses
All Registered Opticians may design, prepare, dispense and adjust eyeglasses and low vision aids based on an optical prescription. Opticians also promote eye health and the correct use of the eyeglasses and may be involved or collaborate in optical related research. To obtain an Opticians License to dispense eyeglasses in Alberta, a student must complete a two-year cooperative learning program. The student must work under the direct supervision of a licensed Optician and will be supported by courses through the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). They must also pass a Licensing examination set by the Alberta Opticians Association.
Contact Lens Practitioners
A Registered Contact Lens Practitioner is first an Optician and then may be further licensed to fit contact lenses. All Registered Contact Lens Practitioners may design, prepare, dispense and adjust contact lens based on an optical prescription. Contact Lens Practitioners also promote eye health and the correct use of the contact lenses and may be involved or collaborate in optical related research. To obtain a License to dispense Contact Lenses the student will complete an additional two-year cooperative learning program. Again, the student must work under the direct supervision of a licensed contact lens practitioner and will be trained by courses through NAIT. They must also pass a Licensing examination set by the Alberta Opticians Association.
Low Vision Aids
Registered Opticians help provide low vision aids to make reading easier and more enjoyable for the visually impaired. specially trained Registered Opticians will consult with visually impaired clients and design the best vision aid for that individual, their situation and specific visual limitation. Devices can vary from simple hand-held magnifying lenses systems to high-tech computerized or electronic systems.
Manufacturing
Registered Opticians prepare work orders that give ophthalmic technicians' information needed to grind and insert lenses into frames. The work order includes power of the lenses and information on the size, material, colour, and style. Some Registered Opticians grind and insert lenses themselves. After the glasses are made, Registered Opticians verify that the lenses have been ground to specifications. They are trained to adjust the eyeglasses, by hand or by using special tools to ensure the eyeglasses fit the client properly and comfortably. Some also fix, adjust and refit broken frames. They instruct patients about adapting to, wearing, or caring for eyeglass.