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Overview

Course Duration

2 years

Type of course

Full-time

Campus where course is offered

ITE College East

Course Certification

Nitec

The eyes are the windows to the world.

Make a real transformation in people's lives by helping them see better when you join the Nitec in Opticianry course!

As an Optician (eyecare practitioner), you will learn to test a person's vision, measure spectacle prescriptions and take various ocular measurements in order to fit a pair of glasses. This course will teach you to cut ophthalmic lenses and fit them into frames to make spectacles. An Optician is also trained to recommend the correct type of lenses and frames, to suit a person’s visual needs, style and facial shape.

Upon graduation, Nitec in Opticianry graduates can register under the Optometrists & Opticians Board (OOB) to become provisionally licensed Opticians.

What you'll learn

  • Take and record clients’ measurements and specifications required for optical aids
  • Assist clients in selecting frames to co-ordinate with the style, colour, facial and eye measurements, and optical prescription
  • Recommend specific lenses, lens coatings and frames to suit clients’ needs
  • Perform sales of optical products such as spectacles, sunglasses and other eye related goods
  • Prepare work orders and instructions for edging of lenses
  • Adjust eyewear to fit clients
  • Maintain records of clients’ prescription, work orders and payments
  • Perform administrative duties such as tracking inventory, sales and simple bookkeeping
  • Perform refraction for clients according to current Optometrists & Opticians Board (OOB) guidelines

Entry Requirements

GCE ‘O’ level grades in any 2 subjects:

  • Grade 1-8

or

GCE ‘N’ level passes in Mathematics or Science* and 2 other subjects:

  • Grade A-D or Grade 1-5

* Mobile Robotics and Smart Electrical Technology subjects can be used in lieu of Science for admission to this Nitec course.

Note:

  • Shortlisted applicants would have to attend a pre-course interview.
  • Students will be required to purchase a Laptop for the course. This is in addition to the course fees. Financial assistance is available to eligible students under ITE Opportunity Fund subject to terms and conditions. For more details on the minimum laptop specifications, please click here.

 

Occupation Traits and Functional Ability Requirements

Nature of Work Functional Abilities
As Opticians, or sometimes known as Dispensing Opticians, they help their clients to see better and look good on well-fitting eyeglasses.  
They measure clients’ eyes, including the distance between the centres of the pupils and the distance between the ocular surface and the lens. For clients with prescriptions, dispensing opticians may use a focimeter, an optical equipment which could record eyeglass measurements, in order to check their existing prescription. To ensure accurate measurements are taken, they need to guide clients on the proper use of their eyewear prescribed. This includes sitting posture and positioning of the eyes. They need to also record and gather information on the client's visual needs. hand and finger dexterity, sensory ability (sight and hearing), communication skills, physical mobility
They need to communicate with their clients to find out their preference and to recommend eyeglass frames and lenses that would improve their looks based on their facial types. They may be required to prepare work orders and key in relevant information pertaining to the client’s records of particulars and eye data on computer. They also have to attend to housekeeping activities, including counter display of glass frames. All these activities are usually done at the shop-front of the retail outlets. interaction with strangers communication skills, physical mobility, hand and finger dexterity, sensory ability
Opticians working in lens laboratories will help to prepare the lenses based on the prescription ordered. They are required to cut lenses to the correct frame shape, perform grinding and chamfering of lens edges, and apply tint onto lens surfaces, depending on the work orders. The equipment, tools and materials they work on require them to possess fine motor skills. These machines if not handled properly may also compromise the user's safety. Therefore the user needs to mentally alert and aware of the work related risks. dealing with non-routine activities physical mobility hand and finger dexterity sensory (sight & hearing) ability to react quickly

This course is less suitable for students who do not possess the functional abilities indicated.  If in doubt, please consult your school career guidance officer or visit ITE College East for further academic advising.

Progression Opportunities

Nitec in Opticianry graduates with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 may apply for progression to the following Work-Study Diploma course at ITE:


Nitec in Opticianry graduates with a GPA of 3.5 and above may apply for progression to the first year of a related diploma course at the Polytechnics. For more details on diploma courses for progression, please refer to the Joint Polytechnic Admissions website.

Nitec in Opticianry graduates with a GPA of 2.3 and above may also apply for progression to related Higher Nitec courses offered by ITE. For more information on progression, please click here.

Career Opportunities

Nitec in Opticianry graduates are employed in variety of settings such as independent or joint practice, hospitals, eye care centres, optical laboratories or optical retail stores. Some of the job titles held by graduates include Optician, Dispensing Optician and Dispensing and Refraction Optician.