What is an Optician?
Opticians are an integral part of the design, fabrication and verification of a corrective optical appliance. Opticians control many variables which affect the finished product, such as lens design, lens thickness, lens treatments, overall weight, frame measurements and fit. Opticians are trained to consider all contributing factors that will affect the overall finished optical appliance throughout the fitting process.
Designations of Licensed Opticians:
Licensed Opticians (LO)
Licensed Contact Lens Practitioner (LCLP)
All Opticians and Contact Lens Practitioners in Saskatchewan must maintain mandatory continuing education levels to remain licensed.
Setting standards for Opticians, requirements for licensing and keeping skills up to professional standards is a part of public protection and, therefore, the mandate of The Saskatchewan College of Opticians (SCO). A licence certificate is supplied each year to all Opticians who have kept up to date as members in good standing. Look for it when purchasing your next pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Why Should I See an Optician?
Your eyesight is too important to trust to just anyone. Seeing a Licensed Optician will ensure you are getting high-quality service from an accountable professional. Licensed Opticians have to meet standards of practice and training, commit to ongoing education, hold insurance, and are held to these standards by the Saskatchewan College of Opticians.
Eyeglasses
All Licensed Opticians may design, prepare, dispense and adjust eyeglasses and low vision aids based on an optical prescription. Opticians also promote eye health and the correct use of eyeglasses and may be involved or collaborate in optical-related research. To obtain an Opticians Licence to dispense eyeglasses in Saskatchewan, a student must complete a two-year cooperative learning program. The student must work under the direct supervision of a Licensed Optician and will be supported by courses through the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). They must also pass a Licensing examination set by the National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR).
Contact Lens Practitioners
A Licensed Contact Lens Practitioner is first an Optician and then may be further licensed to fit contact lenses. All Licensed Contact Lens Practitioners may design, prepare, dispense and adjust contact lens based on an optical prescription. Licenced Contact Lens Practitioners also promote eye health and the correct use of contact lenses. To obtain a Licence to dispense Contact Lenses, the student will complete an additional two-year cooperative learning program. Again, the student must work under the direct supervision of a Licensed Contact Lens Practitioner and will be trained by courses through NAIT. They must also pass a Licensing examination set by the National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR).