Service Canada
People serving people
3231 - Opticians
Analytical text
Type of work
Opticians fit clients with prescription eyeglasses orcontact lenses, assist clients in the selection of eyeglass frames, arrange for the production ofeyeglasses or contact lenses and mount lenses in eyeglass frames. Studentopticians and opticians who are managers of optical retail outlets are includedin this group.
Forthe full and official description of this occupation according to the NationalOccupational Classification (NOC), visit the NOC site.
Examples of Occupational Titles
Contactlens fitter;
contact lens technician;
dispensing optician;
ophthalmic dispenser;
optician.
Someexcerts as samples:
Industries
Accordingto census data, in 2006 approximately 60% of opticians worked in opticians'offices, and 40% worked for optometrists.
In a 2009 decision, the Supreme Court of Canadaconcluded that optometrists and ophthalmologists alone may assess the eyehealth of patients wearing contact lenses. That decision will definitelybenefit demand for the services of optometrists and will have a negative impacton demand for the services of opticians.
These trends should continue over the next fewyears. However, once properly trained opticians have replaced administrativestaff, which will happen in the medium or long term, the employment growth ratewill definitely drop. Since this should occur after the forecast period(2010-2014), the number of opticians should continue to increase sharply overthe next few years.
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