Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting

Credential:: certificate
Program length:: 1 year
Location:: In person (Main Campus) or Blended (Main Campus and Online)
International applicants:: Accepted PGWP eligible
Faculty:: School of Health and Public Safety
CAJG Eligible

Credit credentials

A credit credential includes courses with post-secondary credit applied.

These credits will be used towards your specific program and may be accepted towards a credential at SAIT or a different post-secondary institution.

The credit credentials include a bachelor's degree, applied degree, diploma, certificate and post-diploma certificate.

Bachelor Degree

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Bachelor's degrees are generally four-year programs, but you have up to 10 academic years to complete your courses.

Applied Degree

SAIT's full-time applied degree programs involve one year of study through classes and lab work followed by one year of directed studies in a workplace setting. This builds on the completion of a recognized two-year diploma, which you must have to be admitted to an applied degree program.

You then have seven academic years to finish your applied degree, starting from the day you begin the first course in that program.

Diploma

At SAIT, over 40 full-time diploma programs cover a broad range of areas, from aircraft maintenance to travel and tourism.

Most diploma programs are completed in two years, though you can take up to seven academic years to complete the requirements.

Certificate

SAIT has several certificate programs in the sciences, health and trades.

These programs provide the essential skills to start a career but are shorter in length than SAIT's diploma programs - usually a year or less. However, you have up to five years to complete your program.

Post-Diploma Certificate

These programs build on skills developed through a diploma or degree program and combine classroom instruction with a workplace practicum.

They are often completed in a year or less.

Journeyperson

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Non-credit credentials

A non-credit credential comprises courses and programs designed for professional or personal development.

Because these do not have post-secondary credits attached, they cannot be used towards any of the credentials above. We also cannot guarantee an external institute will accept these courses or credentials for transfer credit.

SAIT's non-credit certificates of achievement and completion are offered through Continuing Education and Professional Studies.

Certificate of Achievement

Certificates of achievement recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 144 (required and elective) course hours.

Certificates of achievement typically develop broader, complex skill sets. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began these programs before July 1, 2022, you still have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates of completion recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 143 course hours.

These certificates are shorter in duration than certificates of achievement and offer a focused education program. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began before July 1, 2022, you will have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Professional Certificate

Program certificates recognize completion of a program that includes the formal evaluation of performance, and that is a minimum of one year in length.

These certificates have program-specific admission requirements.

Micro-credential

A micro-credential recognizes the completion of a non-credit course that includes a formal performance evaluation and verifies you have demonstrated specific competencies.

Micro-credentials focus on the mastery of specific skills. You receive a digital, shareable badge upon completing a SAIT micro-credential (SAITMicro).

Overview

This program equips you with the essential skills to support eye care professionals, including ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians.

As a student, you will:

learn the key medical and scientific principles of eye care
gain expertise in optimal eye health and vision care terminology and procedures
engage in a mix of classroom theory, hands-on lab practice and a clinical practicum
obtain unique skill sets that prepare you for two professions (ophthalmology and optometry) within one program.

Graduates can pursue careers as assistants in diverse medical settings, including private eye care clinics, corporate eye care practices and surgical eye centres.

Those in ophthalmic and optometric assisting tend to be methodical, social and objective.

You need:

to be organized
effective communication skills
the ability to work independently or with others
to work well under stress, maintain professional behaviour and regulate your emotions
patience and a courteous, pleasant manner
critical thinking skills
the ability to interact confidently and instill confidence in patients
a high regard for patient confidentiality
fine motor skills and good vision (with or without corrective lenses).

Ophthalmic and optometric assistants may wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for long periods, which includes exposure to latex and disinfection materials. They also need to be able to meet the physical demands of the job, which can include spending most of their working hours on their feet and performing repetitive tasks.

You may work extended hours and shift work, including nights and weekends.

You are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for ophthalmic medical personnel to ensure you can successfully meet the occupational requirements for the program and profession.

You will complete a required practicum in either an ophthalmology or optometry clinic.

You will be assigned practicum placements with consideration given to your preference of location. However, due to limited availability in Calgary, it might be necessary for you to travel or relocate outside the city. Special considerations will not be accommodated.

In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be required to provide specific documentation before you can participate in your practicum. Find out what requirements you need for this program.

Our Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting program provides entry-level certification.

Graduates may wish to proceed with additional education to achieve the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) certification.

After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting Certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni.

people icon 100% graduate employment rate

salary icon $39,231 average starting salary

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 32109, 33109.

Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting certificate requires 27 credits (nine courses) to complete.

The program spans one year, with two semesters.

View classes by semester

Suggested schedule of study

Year 1

Semester 1

Course code	Course name	Credit
ANPH 204	Human Anatomy and Physiology	3.0
HSCI 219	Ocular Anatomy and Physiology	3.0
HSCI 221	Introduction to Ophthalmic Practice	3.0
HSCI 223	Ophthalmic and Optometric Skills	3.0
HSCI 309	Systemic and Ocular Pathology and Pharmacology	3.0
Semester 1 total		15.0

Semester 2

Course code	Course name	Credit
HSCI 218	Applied Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting	3.0
HSCI 222	Ophthalmic Instruments and Testing	3.0
HSCI 251	Assisting Surgical Procedures	3.0
PRCT 205	Clinical Practicum	3.0
Semester 2 total		12.0
Year 1 total		27.0
Program total		27.0

Course	Credits
This course introduces the structure of the different systems within the human body and describes how those systems work together to maintain homeostasis and keep the body alive. You will identify anatomical parts and describe the organization and relationships between chemical units, cellular components, tissues, organs and systems.	3
This course covers all aspects of ophthalmic and optometric skills, with hands-on practice to develop your technical skills. This course combines theory in the pre-lab activities with labs designed to reinforce the material. The labs will provide experience with all the technical skills required to become an ophthalmic/optometric assistant. This includes obtaining case history and assessment of visual acuities to performing diagnostic testing along with insertion and removal of contact lenses. You will also make eyeglass adjustments and provide follow-up care to your patients. Pre-requisites: HSCI 219 HSCI 221 HSCI 223 HSCI 309 One of: ANPH 204 ANPH 220	3
Ocular anatomy and physiology is the cornerstone of ophthalmic medical technology. This course covers ocular diseases, syndromes and disorders that could be understood through a strong base in anatomy and physiology of the eye.	3
This course introduces principles and standards pertaining to clinical procedures in eye care. These include ethics, legislation, professional regulation, job roles, teamwork, and professionalism.	3
This course focuses on the testing and instrumentation used in an ophthalmic medical setting. This course will provide the learners with knowledge of testing as a diagnostic tool, as well as equip them with technical knowledge necessary to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair equipment. Pre-requisites: HSCI 219 HSCI 221 HSCI 223 HSCI 309 One of: ANPH 204 ANPH 220	3
This course introduces ophthalmic concepts that directly pertain to patient care. This includes: pretesting and supplementary testing, eyewear frames and lenses, contact lenses, refraction and ocular health, removal or application of eye dressings, business and retail, office procedures, and assisting disabled adults and child patients.	3
This course will teach the learners the foundations of assisting in ophthalmic surgical procedures. This includes surgical asepsis, surgical instruments, types of surgeries, and ophthalmic surgical pharmacology. Pre-requisites: HSCI 219 HSCI 221 HSCI 223 HSCI 309 One of: ANPH 204 ANPH 220	3
This course will introduce how systemic diseases can have eye implications and must not be overlooked when considering diagnosis of an eye disease or disorder. The course will also focus on medication classifications, safe medication calculations, and safe medication administration, alongside an introduction to common ocular medications and over the counter (OTC) products.	3
Learners are provided with the opportunity to rotate through specific clinical settings on a weekly basis, in order to achieve identified clinical objectives required for achieving entry-level competencies as specified by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) Competency Profile. Pre-requisites: HSCI 219 HSCI 221 HSCI 223 HSCI 309 One of: ANPH 204 ANPH 220 Corequsites: HSCI 218 HSCI 222 HSCI 251	3

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.

A minimum grade of 60% in each of the following courses:

English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, and
Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, and
Biology 30 or Science 30.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

Upgrade

English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.

We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.

Submit a transfer credit application

There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.

Transfer options for graduates

Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.

🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for a full list of transfer opportunities within the province.

Available intakes

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Sep 03, 2024

Domestic students: Closed: Application deadline: June 28, 2024
International students: Closed: Application deadline: May 29, 2024

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Jan 06, 2025

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	2	$7,992	$1,608	$9,600
Total cost:				$9,600

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	2	$18,711	$1,608	$20,319
Total cost:				$20,319

Books and supplies are approximately $1,200 per full-time year.

An Apple or Android laptop is required. This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page. Tablets or mobile phones are not suitable alternatives.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. Booklists are created by semester and available approximately two weeks before classes begin.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE) and uniforms

You will require:

navy scrubs (pants and top)
closed-toe water-impermeable shoes.

Additional industry-approved PPE will be discussed before the start of labs.

Additional fees

You are responsible for additional expenses related to your practicum, including pre-practicum requirements and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.

Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more

This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.

Fees

Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)

Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside the typical 15-week program.

2024/25 fees per semester

Fees are subject to change without notice.

A breakdown of mandatory fees based on whether you are taking less than or more than nine credits per semester
SAIT fees	Less than 9 credits/semester	9 or more credits/semester
Campus athletic and recreation fee: supports the provision of recreation and fitness facilities, movement classes, wellness programs, events, intermural activities, varsity sports programs, and a variety of initiatives offered throughout the academic year. Exemptions to recreation fees are made in some circumstances.	$51.50	$103
Student support fee: supports services and resources to help you succeed throughout your academic career, including Career Advancement Services and Student Development and Counselling.	$53.75	$107.50
Student technology fee: supports improvements to cybersecurity to protect student and institutional information, access to learning material outside the classroom, and technology to enhance your experience.	$53.75	$107.50
UPass: provides you with unlimited access to Calgary Transit. Additional eligibility requirements apply to obtain a UPass.	n/a	$165
Saitsa fees
Saitsa fee: supports the student-led, non-profit organization representing students. Fees support the operation of various student services, activities, and programming. Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.	$16.23/credit	$146 maximum
Health and dental plan: provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services, and multiple other benefits. Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. Find more details at saitsa.com/benefits. In most cases, your fees are quoted based on paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and dental coverage may opt-out.	n/a	$91 for health $84 for dental

Admission process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the admission process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.

We recommend you add hps.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal.

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $150 for international applicants.

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

What sets SAIT apart
An introduction to the program and area of study
Admission requirements
Future career paths
Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School of Health and Public Safety Advising

Phone: 403.284.8500
Email: hps.info@sait.ca

International Student Advising

Phone: 403.284.8852
Email: international@sait.ca

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Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.

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Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting

On this page:

Overview