Optician

This course will introduce the structure of the different systems of the human body and describe how the systems work together to maintain homeostasis within the body. Students will learn to identify the different anatomical parts and describe the organization and relationships between chemical units, cellular components, tissues, organs, and systems in the body.

This applied computer course provides students with critical electronic communications, data and file management skills, along with a strong focus on using common productivity applications to format, calculate, analyze, visualize, and present or report data and information.

Equivalents:

• COMP 261

This is a practical course applying knowledge of dispensing theory. Learners will receive hands-on exposure to dispensing lab tools and equipment, as well as gain experience taking measurements and verifying single vision spectacle prescriptions. This course offers hands-on training using the appropriate instruments to measure, assess and fit contact lenses. Learners will apply previously obtained knowledge of soft contacts, contact maintenance, and care.

This course covers all aspects of single vision eyeglass assessment, production, and delivery to the patient. Students will learn the history of spectacles, the nature of a patient needs assessment, optics, and prescription interpretation. Students will also learn what impacts lens and frame selection, as well as how to evaluate eyeglass fit and provide follow-up care to patients.

This course begins with an introduction to the history of contact lenses and moves through milestones in development, manufacturing processes, assessment methods, and the different lens options, including the range of products available for care and cleaning. The course also covers different patient factors and characteristics that impact the success of contact lens wear, the different types of manual and automated instruments used in contact lens fitting procedures, and how to take measurements and evaluate patient data and needs assessment information. Finally, this course addresses soft contact lens patient education as a means to support continued ocular health, visual acuity, and comfort, as well as product-based care systems and follow-up procedures.

Ocular anatomy and physiology is the cornerstone of ophthalmic medical technology.  This course covers ocular diseases, syndromes and disorders that could be understood through a strong base in anatomy and physiology of the eye.

This course will study the principles and standards as they pertain to performing clinical procedures in a medical setting and in ophthalmology in particular. This includes ethics, communication, patient education, legislation, professional regulation, career planning, teamwork, conflict resolution, and psychology.

This course introduces ophthalmic concepts that directly pertain to patient care.  This includes: pretesting and supplementary testing, eyewear frames and lenses, contact lenses, refraction and ocular health, removal or application of eye dressings, business and retail, office procedures, and assisting disabled adults and child patients.

This course builds on previous learning of the assessments and requirements prior to fitting contact lenses. Students will also obtain knowledge of soft lens materials, wearing schedules, modalities, and indicators for contact lens wear.

Pre-requisites:

• HSCI 217

This hands-on course is a continuation of Contact Lenses & Dispensing 1, and enhances student competencies in a dispensing lab setting. Focus is placed on proficiency with the slit-lamp and its illuminations, in order to detect anomalies and concerns that rise from the fitting process. Further, students will learn how to properly obtain patient medical history, and convert spectacle prescriptions into contact lens prescriptions. Finally, students will be trained to insert and remove contact lenses, and perform visual assessment on patients.

Pre-requisites:

• HSCI 207

This course is designed to equip students with techniques for frame adjustments and repairs, as well as with skills for managing complex prescriptions, proper lens and frame choice, and prescription interpretation.

Pre-requisites:

• HSCI 214

This course provides learners with the theoretical knowledge necessary for performing automated and manual refraction.  Focus is placed on methods of measuring, assessing, and detecting abnormalities in visual acuity, visual field, and binocular vision. Operating the instruments used in such testing is also covered.

This course builds on previous learning to increase the theoretical knowledge necessary for performing automated and manual refraction.  Focus is placed on methods of measuring, assessing, and detecting abnormalities in visual acuity, visual field, and binocular vision. Operating the instruments used in such testing is also covered.

Pre-requisites:

• HSCI 301

This course will introduce how systemic diseases can have eye implications and must not be overlooked when considering diagnosis of an eye disease or disorder. The course will also focus on medication classifications, safe medication calculations and safe medication administration, alongside an introduction to common ocular medications and OTC products.

This course on dispensing eyewear will enhance student knowledge of custom-made eyewear (multifocal, task specific, and children’s lenses). Aphakia and its special considerations for dispensing will be discussed, as well as abnormal ocular conditions and their resolutions. Special consideration is given to anisometropia, aphakia, and other optical aberrations.

Pre-requisites:

• HSCI 253

This course incorporates all components of clinical theory that have been previously learned in the program. Students are given the opportunity to refine their learning through performing manual and objective assessment of refractive errors on a patient.

This course continues to study advanced hard and soft lens design and fitting. It will also study special lens fitting considerations and modifications with respect to contact lenses and out of the ordinary ocular conditions. The course continues the learning of the pre-assessments required to fit contact lenses, and provides a detailed outline of all requirements necessary in the fitting of contact lenses. Assessment of the adnexa and cornea surface will be thoroughly discussed. Soft lens materials, wearing schedules, modalities, and indicators of contact lens wear are also covered.

Pre-requisites:

• HSCI 250

In this course, measurements and fitting of advanced contact lenses and eyeglasses are practiced. This course reviews content from previous dispensing and contact lens courses. An emphasis is placed on preparation to challenge the NACOR contact lens and dispensing exam.

Pre-requisites:

• HSCI 252

Building on Applied Refracting Skills 1, this course again incorporates all components of clinical theory that have been previously learned in the program. Students are given the opportunity to further refine their learning through performing visual acuity testing, manual and objective assessment of refractive errors on a patient, and providing prescriptions for the purpose of visual disturbances correction.

Pre-requisites:

• HSCI 350

Business Development is defined as the creation of long-term value for an organization from customers, markets, and relationships. This course will look at the relationship between traditional transactional sales, relationship selling and the evolution of the Business Development function. Market scanning and analysis, and the identification of potential growth markets, and key customers will be examined. Relationship, customer-centred selling techniques will be developed including relationship building, needs analysis, along with after sales customer care. Managing a sales force is explored including the effective organization of a sales department, forecasting and analyzing sales, recruiting and training a sales force, evaluating performance, and legal and ethical issues within the sales profession.

Equivalents:

• MKTG 2366

Learners are provided with the opportunity to rotate through specific clinical settings in order to achieve identified clinical objectives required for achieving entry-level competencies as specified by the National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) Competency Profile.

Pre-requisites:

• COMP 264
• HSCI 207
• HSCI 214
• HSCI 217
• HSCI 219
• HSCI 221
• HSCI 223
• HSCI 309
• MKTG 366
• PROF 240
• One of:
  • ANPH 204
  • ANPH 220

In this practicum course, you will rotate through a variety of clinical settings to achieve specific clinical objectives. These objectives are aligned with the entry-level competencies defined by the National Association of Optician Regulators.

Pre-requisites:

• HSCI 250
• HSCI 252
• HSCI 253
• HSCI 301
• HSCI 308
• HSCI 311
• HSCI 350
• HSCI 351
• HSCI 352
• HSCI 371
• PRCT 252

As future health care professionals, students in this course will require strategies for working effectively and respectfully within interdisciplinary teams. The course examines topics such as conflict management, problem solving, decision making, customer service, leadership, ethics and values in the health care workplace.