The Optical Sciences Advanced Practice Contact Lens Program is offered to Licensed Opticians in the province of Manitoba through the Opticians of Manitoba (OOM). The Program is produced by the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and endorsed and administered by the Opticians Association of Canada (OAC). It consists of a two-year certificate program with classes held one night a week in Winnipeg.

The program consists of both an online theoretical portion and a practical portion.  The practical portion requires that the student complete specific practical objectives within a specified time frame. A student must be employed in an optical dispensary and have access to a licensed supervisor.

The theoretical portion of the course contains a course of study governed by prescribed textbooks and online course material. Students must complete online chapter post tests, written seminar quizzes and written midterm and final examinations.

Advanced Practice Year One: The first year of the program is designed to introduce students to anatomy and physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and instrumentation. Emphasis will be placed on the preliminary examination and other procedures involved with initial clinical visits.

Advanced Practice Year Two - Contact Lenses: The second year of the program is intently focused on the fitting of contact lenses. The art and science of the contact lens fit, design, and care will be introduced and refined. Managment of both soft and hard contact lenses is taught. Emphasis will be placed on specialty lenses and follow-up procedures.

Upon completion of the two-year Optical Sciences - Advanced Practice Contact Lens Program, students are required to successfully complete the NACO Contact Lens Examination to be issued a Contact Lens Fitter License with the Board of the Opticians of Manitoba.

For further information on the Advanced Practice Contact Lens Program, CLICK HERE.
For residents outside of a 50km radius of Winnipeg, CLICK HERE.

If you wish to have an information package and/or application for the NAIT/OAC Optical Sciences - Advanced Practice Contact Lens Program sent to you via mail, email or facsimile, please contact the Opticians of Manitoba office.