Opticians are in high demand in Canada, with the government expecting a shortage of workers in the near future. This is due to the aging population and the ever-increasing demand for eyewear. Optics is a unique industry, as its products both correct vision and act as a fashion accessory. Millions of people buy eyeglasses every year to both look good and see better.
In order to become an optician, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent and receive some type of on-the-job training. It is also beneficial to have an associate's degree from an accredited program and certifications from the American Board of Optics (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). In most states that require a license, opticians must renew their license every 1 to 3 years and must complete continuing education requirements. The owners of this type of business have begun to hire more opticians to meet the growing demand for eyewear.
However, employment growth is expected to be limited by increased productivity, which will allow a certain number of opticians to serve more customers. Opticians who work in small stores or prepare custom orders can cut lenses and insert them into frames, tasks often performed by ophthalmic laboratory technicians. Because people tend to have eye problems more often as they age, the need for eye doctors is likely to increase as the number of older people increases. Opticians are expected to work in the evenings, on weekends, and on holidays, depending on where they work.
Accredited opticians have more comprehensive training and have a better relationship with customers, making them particularly sought after. The training for opticians includes technical instructions in which they measure a customer's eyes or adjust the frame under the supervision of an experienced optician. This is due to the fact that accredited opticians have more comprehensive training and have a better relationship with customers. Opticians who have received accreditation from the American Board of Optics are in particularly high demand. In conclusion, opticians are in high demand in Canada due to the aging population and increasing demand for eyewear. To become an optician, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent and receive some type of on-the-job training.
Accredited opticians are particularly sought after due to their comprehensive training and better relationship with customers.
