Description
Opticians assist clients in the selection of eyeglass frames, take the necessary measurements and arrange for the production of eyeglasses or contact lenses, mount lenses in eyeglass frames and fit clients with final prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. They are employed in optical retail outlets or other establishments with optical dispensing departments, or they may be self-employed. Student opticians and opticians who are managers of optical retail outlets are included in this unit group.
Job Titles
- Apprentice optician
- Contact lens dispenser
- Contact lens fitter
- Contact lens practitioner
- Contact lens technician
- Dispensing optician
- Dispensing optician student
- Eyeglasses fitter
- Eyeglasses frame fitter
- Intern optician
- Licensed contact lens practitioner
- Licensed dispensing optician
- Licensed optician
- Managing optician
- Ophthalmic device dispenser
- Ophthalmic dispenser
- Optical device dispenser
- Optical dispensing manager
- Optical frame fitter
- Optician
- Optometric dispenser
- Spectacle frame fitter
- Student optician
- Visual orthesis technician
- Visual orthotic device technician
Main Duties
- Obtain specifications for eyeglasses or contact lenses from a prescription prepared by an ophthalmologist or optometrist or by analyzing the client’s eyeglasses or contact lenses and take necessary measurements including the curvature of the eyes, the accurate position of the pupils and bridge width, using optical measuring devices
- Advice clients on eyeglasses selection by informing them of different products such as lens materials, frames, tints and anti-reflection coating
- Adjust contact lenses and inform client on use and care
- Grind, polish, cut and edge lenses or have them made by a laboratory before inserting them into the frame
- Adjust finished eyeglasses to fit client
- May supervise or manage the activities of other opticians or student opticians.
Workplaces
- Optical dispensing departments of retail establishments
- Optical retail outlets
- Self-employed
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Digital Literacy
- Instructing
- Learning and Teaching Strategies
- Management of Personnel Resources
Abilities
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Colour Perception
- Far Vision
- Finger Dexterity
- Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Personal Attributes
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability
- Analytical Thinking
- Collaboration
- Concern for Others
Similar Occupations
- Optometrists (31111)
- Other assisting occupations in support of health services (33109)
- Retail and wholesale trade managers (60020)
- Ocularists (32129.02)
- Ophthalmologists (31101.03)
Source: OaSIS
Employment Outlook
The employment outlook will be good for Opticians (32100) in Prince Edward Island for the 2022-2024 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about Opticians in Prince Edward Island:
- Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Opticians mainly work in the following sectors:
- Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 74%
- Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 26%
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 50% compared to 51% for all occupations
- Women: 50% compared to 49% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: n/a
- high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor’s: 40% compared to 25% for all occupations
- bachelor’s degree: n/a
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
Source: Job Bank
Prevailing Wages
| AREA | LOW | MEDIAN | HIGH |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEI | $22.94 | $25.00 | $27.18 |
| Canada | $17.00 | $26.44 | $32.69 |
Training
There are no known training programs for this occupation in PEI. If you are aware of a local training program, please contact us.
There are currently no job listings for this occupation on WorkPEI.