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Orientation and Student Success Skills
This course will provide a comprehensive orientation to Stenberg College and the Optician Program. It includes student success skills where you’ll learn effective study habits (specifically improving reading skills) based on your own personal learning style. Life skills exercises are also integral to the course, teaching accountability, teamwork, self-awareness and building an understanding of the impact you have on others. In addition, you will be taught how to effectively navigate and learn within the program’s combined delivery model using the online learning platform (Moodle) as well as Adobe Connect for online meetings.
Computer Fundamentals
This course is designed to provide you with a detailed introduction to correct typing technique and the computer skills required to work in a fast-paced environment. Throughout the course, you will use a simulated program to improve proficiency with the Internet, Windows environment, data entry and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, and Excel).
Customer Service & Professional Communications I
In this foundational course, you will learn theoretical and practical skills to promote effective communication with clients and co-workers. You will be encouraged to become more aware of the impact of your own communication choices and patterns. You will have opportunity to develop and use communication techniques that demonstrate personal awareness, respect and active listening skills. Communication theory, therapeutic communication, cross-cultural communication, and effective teamwork will all be covered.
Anatomy & Physiology of the Eye
It’s essential that you, as a Dispensing Optician student, develop a thorough understanding of the concepts of ocular anatomy and physiology. This course gives an overview of the structure and function of each component of the visual system and the external anatomical structures. It explores the pathophysiological alterations that can affect an individual’s vision. Common medications used to treat eye conditions will also be taught.
Professional Practice & Office Procedures
This course provides an introduction to the profession, focusing on the regulations and legislation that informs Opticianry practice within British Columbia. You will discuss your role and responsibilities as a working optician, exploring the Code of Ethics, and Standards of Practice for the profession. You will also be introduced to the roles and functions of various members of the eye care team, and you discuss note taking, documentation practices, informed consent and office set up.
Foundations of Optics
In this course, you will learn the basic principles of light, plane and curved surfaces of mirrors and lenses and how to perform basic mathematical calculations needed for opticianry practice. The photochemistry of vision will be studied along with the concept of visual fields. You will also be introduced to monocular and binocular vision and be able to compare the effects of each on depth perception and visual acuity.
Eyeglasses Theory
In this extensive course, you will investigate all aspects of eyeglass production and delivery to the client. You will learn lens theory, interpretation of prescriptions, types of materials and an introduction to the instruments of the trade. You will also learn the variety of lens and frame selections along with the manufacturing process. Conducting client assessments and documentation will also be explored along with methods of client teaching. Finally, you will learn how to evaluate eyeglasses and provide follow-up care to your customers.
Eyeglasses Lab
During this course you will turn your theoretical knowledge into real world practice as you apply your learning in the lab. You will become familiar with the instruments, equipment and tools required for the process of eyeglass dispensing. You will learn how to take ocular measurements, manage infection control and aseptic techniques, as well as safe operating procedures, lens and frames specifications and validation. Demonstrating customer services skills through professional communications will be practiced as you conduct assessments, provide client teaching and document appropriately.
Eyeglasses Fabrication and Design
During this course you will learn how to finish eyeglasses through adjustments such as lens edging and tinting as well as how to adjust frames to match the client’s needs and perform minor frame repairs. You will also research fashion trends in eyeglasses and discuss how to assist clients in finding their style.
Customer Service & Professional Communications II
Following on from the foundational course in Semester I, you will discover how to be an advocate for your clients. To help meet the needs of our aging population, you will focus on how to communicate respectfully and appropriately with older adults.
Low Vision Conditions & Devices
In this combined theory and lab course, you will focus on supporting clients with low vision, reading low-vision prescriptions and working with current products.
Consolidated Practice Experience: Eyeglasses
During this three-week consolidated practicum, you will have the opportunity to put your eyeglass dispensing skills into practice under the supervision of a monitor.
Business Management
In this course you discuss basic business requirements for establishing and running a small business. You will learn core skills through investigating the concepts of time management, human resources, inventory control, legislation and regulations, problem solving and conducting industry and/or product research.
Sales and Marketing Skills
During this course you will focus on topics such as gaining insight into client behavior, appealing to a target audience, developing promotional strategies, the art of upselling, interpreting buying patterns, selling on the phone and retaining a loyal customer base.
Contact Lenses Theory
In this course you will refresh your anatomy and physiology knowledge before exploring eye conditions common to contact lens wearers. You will then learn methods for fitting and dispensing contact lenses. Contact lens materials, manufacturing processes, prescriptions and required instruments are all examined. You will discuss the different products available and how to promote optimal ocular health for contact lens wearers.
Contact Lenses Lab
You will apply your theoretical knowledge within the lab to provide safe, competent care when fitting soft and rigid lenses. You will become proficient in conducting a client assessment, taking measurements, preparing and ordering lenses, then fitting, modifying and evaluating the finished contact lenses. Educating the client on proper care of contact lenses will be emphasized along with providing follow up care.
Consolidated Practice Experience: Contact Lenses
During this three-week consolidated practicum, you will have the opportunity to perfect your contact lens fitting skills in a dispensing setting.
Refractive Conditions and Automated Refraction
In the beginning of this course you will review the principles of refraction before discussing the pathophysiology of refractive conditions including astigmatism, anisometropia, and aniseikonic. In the second part of this course you will learn the automated refraction process and discuss its limitations, contraindications, and referrals before applying your knowledge of the process in the lab.
Career Search Strategies
This course is offered in an online delivery format. You will learn to network effectively (online and in person), to search and apply for jobs and to prepare targeted resumes and cover letters. You are also provided with coaching and individualized instructor feedback on your resume, cover letter and interview skills.
Preceptorship
This final four-week preceptorship concludes the program and facilitates your transition from student to graduate. A designated mentor will guide and encourage you to apply your knowledge, insight and skills in a professional setting. You will be required to be available during the day, afternoon, evening and weekends. At the conclusion of this experience, there will be a collaborative final debriefing. You will have the opportunity to reflect on and share your experiences as well as evaluate your overall educational experience so that the program may be improved in relation to student feedback.
Program Review and License Exam Prep
This will be a review of key theoretical and practical knowledge from the program. You will also receive test-taking skills information to help you as you prepare for your license examination.
In order to be placed in an agency or facility for the required program practice experiences, you must have successfully completed Standard First Aid, CPR Level HC. As a student in the Stenberg Program, you will also take Body Mechanics and Back Safety as well as Managing Hostile Interactions Certification to ensure that you have the advantage of additional external certifications valued by today’s employers.
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Standard First Aid CPR Level HCP
You’ll receive Red Cross Standard First Aid Certification including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Health Care Provider (HCP) and Automated External Defibrillation (AED). This industry standard certification is valid for three years.
Body Mechanics & Back Safety
You will be educated in proper body movement to prevent and correct poor posture, reduce stress on ligaments, joints and tendons and enhance physical capabilities. Proper body mechanics and back safety will enhance the longevity and success in the workplace. Please note: While this training follows best practices, graduates may also be required to learn and follow workplace specific protocols.
Managing Hostile Interactions
Hostile incidents are clearly on the increase in society today and more people find themselves presented with personally hurtful, intimidating hostile behaviour. Dealing effectively with hostile individuals takes energy and the careful application of a specific
range of skills. In this certificate course, you will learn to manage your own conduct, defuse the person, and then address the problem.