Practicum: 210 hrs/semester
The student will be under the direct supervision of a licensed eyecare provider in a retail optical practice. They will participate as a member of the optical staff providing eyewear service to patients. Regular site visits and practical assessments will be conducted by the instructor.
Introduction
- assignment to optical supervisor
- supervisor objectives
- orientation with the supervising Optician
Application of theoretical and practical skills
- instrumentation
- lens dispensing
- frame dispensing
- product knowledge
- lens materials and functions
- frame materials and functions
Laboratory process
- edging and finishing
- insertion and alignment
- neutralization and verification
- repairing and soldering
- optical onsiderations as they may arise in
- high myopia and hyperopia
- strabismus in children
- special needs for presbyopia
- fitting anisometropia patients
- fitting aphakic patients
Application of communication skills
- interaction with patient
- professional and ethical behaviour
- telephone communication
- initiating contact
- appropriate questioning
- handling customer complaints
- written communication
- patient record-keeping
- laboratory order forms
- inventory ordering/receiving forms
Application of business skills
- record keeping
- patient files
- inventory tracking
- shipping/receiving
Communication and interaction with patients
- cultural safety and humility
- patient-provider relationships
- informed consent
- patient file documentation
- appropriate patient referral
Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to apply theory and skills from all first-year courses in the following activities:
- use of instruments, equipment and tools used in the process of eyeglass dispensing, surfacing, edging, plastic lens tinting and frame repair
- demonstration of professional and ethical skills when communicating with patients, staff and others within the clinical setting
- handling of customer complaints
- use of appropriate interpersonal and written communication within the clinical setting
- use of appropriate documentation techniques for record keeping
- use of basic inventory control techniques as it relates to a small business
- selection of frames for the patient based on face-shape criteria
- incorporating cultural safety and humility in opticianry practices
- discussion of the history and ongoing effects of colonization on the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, including disparities of power in patient-provider relationships
- identification of situations where informed consent may be problematic and take appropriate steps to ensure patient understanding
- adherance to infection prevention and control measures established by jurisdiction and national regulatory bodies
- recognition of significant signs and symptoms in relation to the patient's eyes to identify the need for referral
This is a mastery course. Evaluation will be based on course objectives and will be consistent with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. Students will receive detailed outlines of performance expectations at the beginning of the course. Evaluation for mastery will include the following components:
- satisfactory performance of objectives as assessed by the course instructor and in conjunction with the supervising licensed eyecare professional.
Evaluation records will be completed by the course instructor following consultation with the student and with the supervising licensed eyecare professional.
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
Brooks and Borish, System for Ophthalmic Dispensing, current edition, Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier.