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Last updated April 25, 2008

Attention Members

AGM/Convention 2008 Registration

2008 AGM/Convetion Sponsors
Bausch & Lomb
Eyelogic Systems Inc.
Transitions
Essilor Canada
Wal-Mart Canada
NAIT
TD Meloche Monnex
Witten LLP
RBC
Alcon Canada
Nova Optical Labs
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care
Safilo Canada
Luxottica Group
White Ophthalmic Supploy Co Ltd.
Regent Optical Centre
Family and Friends of Justin Holmes
Rodenstock
Optiks International
Delta Calgary South
Pearl Vision
Cooper Vision
Marchon Canada
Western Optical
Marchon Eyewear
Centennial Optical
Nikon Optical Canada

ATTN: IF YOU HAVE REGISTERED AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECEIPT IT MAY MEAN WE DID NOT GET YOUR REGISTRATION

Electronic Claims are Coming

Alberta Opticians Association
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The Alberta Opticians Association (AOA) is the regulatory body for Opticians in Alberta. The main function of the AOA is to protect the public.

The Alberta Opticians Association was established in 1965.
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Opticians

Opticians fit clients with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, assist clients in the selection of eyeglass frames, arrange for the production of eyeglasses or contact lenses and mount lenses in eyeglass frames. They are employed in optical retail outlets or optical dispensing departments, or they may be self-employed. Student opticians and opticians who are managers of optical retail outlets are included in this group.

Example Titles
Optician
Contact Lens Practitioner or Fitter
Contact Lens technician
Dispensing Optician
Ophthalmic Dispenser

All Registered Opticians may design, prepare, dispense and adjust eyeglasses and low vision aids based on an optical prescription. Opticians also promote eye health and the correct use of the eyeglasses and may be involved or collaborate in optical related research.

To obtain an Opticians License to dispense eyeglasses in Alberta, a student must complete a two-year coopertative learning program. The student must work under the direct supervision of a licensed optician and will be supported by courses through the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. (NAIT) They must also pass a Licensing examination set by the Alberta Opticians Association.

Contact Lens Practitioners

A Registered Contact Lens Practitioner is first an Optician and then may be further licensed to fit contact lenses. All Registered Contact Lens Practitioners may design, prepare, dispense and adjust contact lens based on an optical prescription. Contact Lens Practitioners also promote eye health and the correct use of the contact lenses and may be involved or collaborate in optical related research.

To obtain a License to dispense Contact Lenses the student will complete an additional two-year cooperative learning program. Again, the student must work under the direct supervision of a licensed contact lens practitioner and will be trained by courses through NAIT . They must also pass a Licensing examination set by the Alberta Opticians Association.

All Opticians and Contact Lens Practitioners in Alberta must maintain mandatory continuing education levels to remain licensed.

Setting standards for Opticians, requirements for licensing and keeping skills up to profession standards is a part of public protection and therefore the mandate of The Alberta Opticians Association. A Practice Certificate is supplied each year to all Opticians who have kept up to date as members in good standing. Look for it when purchasing your next pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses.

The Three O's

Opticians are only one of the three health professions that are concerned with eyes and eye health.

The other two "Os" responsible for eyes are Ophthalmologists, and Optometrists.

AGM Sponsors

Bausch & Lomb
Platinum Sponsor