Opticians prepare and dispense eyeglasses, contact lenses, prosthetic ocular devices and low-vision aids based on the interpretation and adaptation of optical prescriptions. This includes all measurements and fitting to develop the specifications of the optical appliance as well as verification, delivery, adjustment and follow-up.
This profession is regulated in Manitoba by the Opticians of Manitoba.
Note: The Opticians of Manitoba conducts the licensing process in English only. Thus, all documents must be translated into English.
To practise opticianry in Manitoba you must:
You must complete the following steps:
STEP 1: Contact the Opticians of Manitoba and tell them you are an internationally educated optician and would like information on how to become licensed to practise in Manitoba.
Opticians of Manitoba (OOM)
2706 - 83 Garry Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4J9
Phone: 204-982-6060
Toll-free: 1-800-847-3155
Fax: 204-947-2519
E-mail: oom@opticians.ca
Website: opticiansofmanitoba.ca
STEP 2: Complete the OOM application form. This form can be downloaded from the OOM website. Mail the completed application form and the following documents to the OOM.
* If the original documents are not in English you must submit notarized translations of the documents.
STEP 3: Apply to the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) for a "basic" evaluation. Submit to ICES a completed application form and the required documents.
Note: The ICES basic evaluation is separate from the assessment of your education done by OOM. On the ICES application form indicate that a copy of your evaluation is to be sent to OOM and provide OOM's mailing address.
STEP 4: Once your application form, documents, and application review fee have been received, OOM will review your application.
In this step, the OOM will assess your education and work experience to determine if they meet Manitoba standards. This step may also include a personal interview.
STEP 5: After the application review is complete, the OOM may determine that your education and experience is not sufficient to be licensed as an optician in Manitoba.
If this is the case, you will be referred to a "bridging" education program, which can be completed inside or outside of Canada.
Once you have completed the bridging program, you will move on to the next step, the gap analysis evaluation.
If the OOM determines from the application review that your education and experience is sufficient you will proceed to Step 6.
STEP 6: The OOM will contact you to arrange for the gap analysis evaluation after either your original application review or upon your completion of the bridging program.
The gap analysis evaluation is an assessment of your knowledge to determine if you need any additional training or education. The assessment is done using a computer program where you will answer questions.
The gap analysis evaluation can be done at the OOM office. If you are not in Manitoba the OOM will arrange for you to do the gap analysis in your current location.
The fee for the gap analysis evaluation is C$450.
STEP 7: You must take the National Optical Sciences examination or examinations to be licensed as an optician.
In Manitoba, there are two examinations - one for the dispensing of eyeglasses and one for the dispensing of contact lenses. You must pass both examinations to be licensed to dispense contact lenses. However, you can take only the eyeglasses examination and be licensed to dispense only eyeglasses.
It costs C$650 to take the eyeglasses examination. It costs C$1,300 to take both examinations.
To arrange to take the examinations, contact the OOM.
STEP 8: When all requirements have been met and fees paid you will be licensed by the Opticians of Manitoba to practise in Manitoba.
Additional information
The OOM registration fee is C$75 and the licence fee is C$396.
Contact lens opticians must pay a registration fee of C$75 and a licence fee of C$432.
All fees are subject to change without notice.
Language: As part of your work, you are required to have intermediate or advanced English language skills in the four basic language areas - listening, speaking and reading and writing comprehension. Therefore, you should be able to:
Revised October 2011
Assistance for newcomers in Manitoba
