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ClosedDiploma
Diploma of Opticianry
- New Westminster, Canada
- 2 years
- English
- On campus
- Diploma
About the program
Two-year diploma in fitting and dispensing corrective lenses.
Program highlights
- Internship available: yes
- Placement support: yes
- Work during study: yes
- Post-study work rights (2): yes
- PR pathway friendly: no
What you will learn
- Demonstrate applied knowledge and practical skills in Opticianry. Apply concepts related to two academic years in guided assignments and practical contexts. Communicate work appropriately and complete subject-relevant projects or assessments.
Career outcomes
- Optician in optical retail
- Healthcare facilities
- Optometry and ophthalmology clinics
- Lens manufacturing labs
- Sales
- Clinic management
- Optical store owner
Curriculum
- Two academic years
- Blended delivery. Core: business fundamentals for opticianry
- Ethical practice
- Mathematical science for opticians
- Ophthalmic applications
- Manual refraction
- Ocular science
- Optical screening and eye health
- Contact lens theory
- Assessment and care
- And two seven-week practicums.
Entry requirements
Academic
- Programme-specific: High School Graduation or equivalent *
- Any Math 11 with a grade of "C-" or better (or equivalent)
- A completed and signed Optical Tour Form
- Applicants may be required to attend a personal interview in order to provide information and academic clarification.
- Grade/academic selection criteria: Grade 11 Mathematics: C or 60% (most programmes)
- Some programmes higher
Accepted academic background
Transcript showing high school graduation or equivalent; minimum final grade of C or 60% in Grade 11 Mathematics or equivalent for most programmes; minimum age 17 on the first day of the first semester; some programmes have higher or extra requirements
Language tests
- IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0 for post-degree/post-baccalaureate programmes)
- TOEFL iBT 4.5 (new 1-6 scale from January 2026
- PTE Academic no section below 4.0
- Duolingo 83 on the old scale before 2026-01)
- IELTS Academic 6.5
Documents you’ll need
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts
- Secondary school completion certificate
- English language proficiency evidence if required
- Passport identification page
How to apply
- Review the Opticianry admission requirements at Douglas College. Prepare academic transcripts and evidence of the entry qualification. Complete the application on the official university website. Upload the required documents and language results if applicable. Pay the application fee if applicable and submit before the relevant deadline. Review the admission decision and complete acceptance requirements.
Other costs
| Tuition per year | $22,573 CAD |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $100 CAD |
| Deposit | $2,500 CAD |
Program details
| Campus | Campus in New Westminster |
|---|---|
| Faculty or school | Science and Technology |
| Department | Opticianry |
| Teaching language | English |
| Credit value | 63 |
| Study pace | Fixed |
| Post-study stay | 2 |
| Scholarship note | Douglas College lists or refers to scholarship opportunities. International eligibility, awards and deadlines must be checked for Diploma of Opticianry. |
Intakes and deadlines
Program starts
January 2027
Applications closed
30 Sept 2026
Closed
Frequently asked questions
The program takes 2 years.
Tuition is $22,573 CAD per year. The application fee is $100 CAD. The deposit is $2,500 CAD. The estimated living cost is $23,448 CAD.
Accepted language tests: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0 for post-degree/post-baccalaureate programmes), TOEFL iBT 4.5 (new 1-6 scale from January 2026, PTE Academic no section below 4.0, Duolingo 83 on the old scale before 2026-01), IELTS Academic 6.5.