Dispensing optician diploma
Facts checked 7 September 2026
Report a mistake·How we check facts
Part of the route toOptician·Diploma
A two-year accredited college diploma teaching optical physics, contact lens design, automated lens fabrication, and 1,000 clinical dispensary hours.
Ways to get this paid for
Government money that can cover this course. Check who qualifies before you pay.
Free adult upgrading
FreeGrade 11 and 12 courses and English classes are free at public colleges and school districts. This covers the Grade 11 and 12 prerequisite courses, not the program itself.
Canada Training Credit
Half your tuition back, up to $5,000 in your lifeFederal tax credit. $250 a year builds up from age 26. Claim it on your tax return.
BC Access Grant
Up to $4,000 a yearFor low and middle income students in full-time programs under two years at public schools. Assessed when you apply through StudentAid BC.
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
Step 1 of 8
Grade 11
⏱ 1 school year- Foundations of Math 11 or Pre-calculus 11 with minimum C
- Physics 11 or Chemistry 11 (recommended)
- Physics 11. Requirement varies by school (Douglas College, Stenberg College). Strictest requirement: C.
- Grade 12 English (min 60%) and Grade 11 Mathematics (min 60%)
- High School Academic Prerequisites
Step 2 of 8
Grade 12
⏱ 1 school year- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
- English Studies 12 with a minimum C or C+ grade
- BC High School Graduation (Dogwood Diploma). Requirement varies by school (Douglas College, Stenberg College). Strictest requirement: standard completion.
- Grade 12 English (min 60%) and Grade 11 Mathematics (min 60%)
Step 3 of 8
What you need to get in
- Typing assessment and admissions interview
Step 4 of 8
How to apply
- Apply through EducationPlannerBC to Douglas College or directly to Stenberg College
- Submit official secondary and post-secondary transcripts
- Complete college entrance testing or attend program information session
- Confirm registration and order optometric toolkit and lab safety supplies
Step 5 of 8
Dispensing optician diploma
⏱ 2 years- 2 years (4 academic terms) of combined optical lecture, lab, and dispensary work
- Geometrical optics, physical optics, focal calculations, and ophthalmic prism design
- Automated lens edging, lensometry verification, frame fitting, and beveling laboratory
- Corneal topography, keratometry, and soft/rigid gas permeable contact lens fitting
- 1,000+ hours of supervised clinical practicum in licensed optical dispensaries
Step 6 of 8
Where to take it
⏱ 2 schools in BC- Douglas College — 2 years (About $6,500 per year)
- Stenberg College — 2 years (Tuition not yet verified)
Step 7 of 8
Exams and registration after
- NACOR National Eyeglasses Examination (written and practical)
- NACOR National Contact Lens Examination (written and practical)
- CHCPBC Jurisprudence Examination on health legislation and bylaws
- Statutory registration and practicing licence with CHCPBC
Step 8 of 8
Leads to: Optician
- Explore Optician wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(2 schools)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
We have not checked this school's tuition yet. See the school's page.