Dispensing optician diploma
Dispensing Optician Diploma
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.
How long
2 Years
Cost
Not published
Schools
2 in BC
🏫Where you can take this: 2 schools
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)
1Grade 11 Preparation
2Grade 12 Graduation
3Admissions & Prerequisites
4Application Process
5Program Curriculum
6Where to Take It
7Licensing & Certification
8Career Destination
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
1
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
2
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%)
3
Step 3 of 8
What you need to get in
- Typing assessment and admissions interview
4
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
5
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
6
Step 6 of 8
Where to take it
⏱ 2 schools in BC- Douglas College — 2 years (Not published)
- Stenberg College — 2 years (Not published)
7
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
8
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.
📚
Duration2 years
TuitionNot published
DeliveryIn-Person
“Accredited 2-year diploma teaching eyeglasses dispensing, contact lens fitting, automated lens finishing, and NACOR national exam preparation.”
🔬
Duration2 years
TuitionNot published
DeliveryHybrid
“Accredited optician diploma combining flexible online theory with intensive on-campus optical edging labs and supervised retail dispensaries.”