Service Canada


- Recognition of the occupation

Since the early 1990s, many important adjustments have been observed in the roles of optometrists and opticians, the two main occupations involved in performing eye tests and fitting, adjusting and selling lenses. Historically, many optometrists and sometimes even opticians entrusted the adjustment and sale of glasses to administrative staff trained on the job. This situation, now illegal, is changing because of the gradual transfer of these tasks to properly trained opticians. As a result of this transfer of responsibility and greater recognition of the occupation, the percentage of opticians with a postsecondary education increased significantly between 1991 and 2006, rising from 75% to 85%, according to census data. The shift toward recognition has promoted employment in, and should continue to promote, the occupation. The Ordre des opticiens d'ordonnances du Québec has also stepped up its investigations of illegal practices and initiated many criminal prosecutions to stop them.

In a 2009 decision, the Supreme Court of Canada concluded that optometrists and ophthalmologists alone may assess the eye health of patients wearing contact lenses. That decision will definitely benefit demand for the services of optometrists and will have a negative impact on demand for the services of opticians.

These trends should continue over the next few years. However, once properly trained opticians have replaced administrative staff, which will happen in the medium or long term, the employment growth rate will definitely drop. Since this should occur after the forecast period (2010-2014), the number of opticians should continue to increase sharply over the next few years.


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