College Diploma - Opticianry (OPTI) (co-op) at Georgian College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-05-27

Program overview

Program Overview

Join the eye care field as an optician with the Opticianry Ontario College Diploma, Co-op program at Georgian College. This program is designed to prepare students to become valuable members of the eye health team. With a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, students will learn in a nationally accredited, state-of-the-art facility. The program boasts an impressive job placement rate of over 95%, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to enter the workforce and make a significant impact in the optical industry.

Program Structure

The Opticianry program is structured to provide a comprehensive education over a 2-year period, delivered in a full-time, in-person format. The program includes:

Hands-on training in modern labs equipped with the latest technology.
A unique blend of health care and professional service education.
Co-op work term component, allowing students to gain real-world experience in optical dispensaries, clinics, and retail settings.
Emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills.

Students will also have the opportunity to participate in co-op experiences in various communities across Ontario and Canada, as their skills will be in high demand. This program is designed to ensure that graduates are ready to meet the challenges of the optical industry and excel in their careers.

Featured Experiences

The Opticianry program at Georgian College offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Access to newly renovated labs with modern equipment for hands-on learning.
Practical placements that allow students to apply their skills in real-world settings.
Work-integrated learning opportunities that provide valuable experience in the field.
Small class sizes that foster personalized attention and mentorship from experienced faculty.
Preparation for national registration examinations (NACOR) upon successful completion of the program.

Career Options

Graduates of the Opticianry program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Registered Optician: Dispense eyewear and provide patient care in various settings, including retail and healthcare facilities.
Optical Retail Manager: Oversee operations in optical retail stores, ensuring excellent customer service and efficient business practices.
Contact Lens Specialist: Focus on fitting and dispensing contact lenses, providing specialized care to patients.
Ocular Health Educator: Educate patients and the community about eye health and the importance of regular eye exams.
Entrepreneur: Start and manage an independent optical business, providing personalized services to clients.

With a diploma in Opticianry, graduates are well-prepared to meet the growing demand for eye care professionals across Canada.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Georgian College official website

Last updated on 2025-05-27

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Opticianry program at Georgian College, prospective students must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
Grade 12 English (C or U)
Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U)
Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U) or Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C or U) Chemistry or Grade 11 or 12 (U), or Grade 12 (C) Physics

Applicants must meet minimum averages to receive final acceptance. First-year enrolment is limited, and satisfying minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission.

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing.

In order for a student to register for the National examinations (NACOR), the student must have:

Successfully completed all academic semesters
Successfully completed two co-operative work terms
Successfully completed the practice requirements including:
- 1000 hours of supervised dispensing experience
- 250 eyeglass fittings broken down into specific categories
- 15 soft contact lens fittings
- 5 rigid lens fittings
Registered as an Intern Optician with the College of Opticians of Ontario

Vulnerable Sector Checks – Registered Optician – College of Opticians: All applicants must complete the criminal record screening and mandatory reporting process as part of the Registered Optician application process. This includes disclosing:

Any outstanding charges or findings of guilt for an offence in Canada or any other jurisdiction.
Whether they are subject to any bail conditions or other restrictions that were imposed on them or agreed to by them in relation to a charge in Canada or any other jurisdiction.
Whether they are the subject of any allegations or findings of professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity by any body that regulates a profession inside or outside Ontario.
Whether they are the subject of any allegations or findings of professional negligence or malpractice in any jurisdiction.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For any clarification and support regarding the admission process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

At Georgian College, all applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. This is essential for those coming from countries where English is not an official language.

Applicants must meet ONE of the following criteria to fulfill Georgian’s language proficiency requirements:

Completed three full years of study at the secondary school level in English in a country where English is a primary language.
Completed one full year of study in an accredited postsecondary program in English in a country where English is a primary language.
Possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or Canadian provincial equivalent) with an English credit (Grade 12 U, M or C) issued by a public or Catholic school board.
Provide proof of graduation from one of the authorized Georgian College partner school pathway programs.
Completed three years of study at a secondary private school in Ontario and received an Ontario Secondary School Diploma and English credit (Grade 12 U, M or C).

Acceptable language tests include:

Examinations	Diploma/certificate	HBSN/ HBNA	Pharmacy Technician	Degree studies	Graduate certificate
Duolingo Language Test*	110	140	N/A	120	130
TOEFL internet-based test (IBT)	79	89**	N/A	89**	89**
IELTS Academic only	6.0	7.0	Minimum bands of: 7.0 in Reading, 7.0 in Listening, 7.0 in Speaking, 6.5 in Writing	6.5	6.5
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)/CAEL Online	60	N/A	N/A	60***	60***
Pearson Test of Academic English (PTE)	58	N/A	N/A	61	61

* Duolingo will forward your test results directly to Georgian College.

** Require minimum bands of 22 in writing and 22 in speaking.

*** Minimum bands of 50.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2025-12-06

Program overview