Opticians prepare and dispense lenses, eyeglasses and contact lenses, based on the interpretation and adaptation of optical prescriptions.  The preparation and dispensing includes all measurements and fitting to develop the specifications of the optical appliance, verification, delivery, adjustment and follow-up.

Educational Requirements - Graduation from a School of Opticianry recognized by the Opticians of Manitoba.

Work Experience Requirements - One year of practical training.

ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Step One
To be eligible to practice in Manitoba as an Optician the candidate must apply to the Opticians of Manitoba (OOM). He/she must submit:

• a completed application form; (Located under Membership:Application Forms)
• original degree/transcript from the academic institution where training in opticianry was undertaken
• complete course outlines from the academic institution
• examination syllabus from the academic institution
• examination syllabus from the licensing body in the jurisdiction where the applicant is licensed
• notarised copy of the applicants license certificate
• letter from the foreign licensing body stating her/his licence is in good standing;
• detailed work history supported by documentation from employers; and
• the names and addresses of two professional references;

If documents are not in English, notarised translations are required.            

Step Two
When OOM has received all of the documentation and approved the application, the candidate will be asked to write the National Accreditation Committee of Opticians Examination - Eyeglasses (2007 fee is $600.00)  If the candidate is also trained in contact lens fitting the candidate may apply to write the National Accreditation Committee of Opticians Examination – Contact Lenses.  (2007 fee is $600.00) The National Accreditation Committee of Opticians (NACO) administers the examinations in Manitoba twice each year. Examinations can usually be written in  July and November. (For examination dates, go to Membership:Licensing Examination)

When all requirements have been successfully met and the annual fees (2007 fees are $75.00 registration fee plus $459.00 license fee) have been paid to OOM, the applicant will be registered to practice as an Optician in the province of Manitoba.

All fees, documentation requirements, and assessment process detailed above are subject to change without notice.

For more detailed information please contact the Opticians of Manitoba office.