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The Optical Sciences Eyeglass Program is offered to residents of Nova Scotia through the Nova Scotia Society of Dispensing Opticians.  The Program is produced by the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and endorsed and administered by the Opticians Association of Canada (OAC). It consists of a 2 year Diploma program.

The program consists of both an online theoretical portion and a practical portion.  The practical portion requires that the student complete specific practical objectives within a specified time frame. A student must be employed in an optical dispensary and have access to a licensed supervisor.

The theoretical portion of the course contains a course of study governed by prescribed textbooks and online course material. Students must complete online chapter post tests, practical lab tests and written midterm and final examinations.

Eyeglass Year One: The first year of the program is designed to introduce students to mathematics, anatomy, physiology, and conditions of the eye. Emphasis will be placed on the use of instruments and tools, the adjustment of frames, available lens products, optics, analysis and interpretation of ophthalmic prescriptions.

Eyeglass Year Two: The second year of the program introduces the student to interpersonal skills and lens finishing. Continued emphasis will be placed on the use of instruments and tools, optics, available lens products, and analysis and interpretation of prescriptions.

Upon completion of the two-year Optical Sciences - Eyeglass Program, students are required to successfully complete the NACO Eyeglasses Examination to be eligible to apply for an Optician's License with the College of Opticians of Nova Scotia.

If you wish to have an information package and/or application for the NAIT/OAC Optical Sciences - Eyeglass Program sent to you via mail, email or facsimile, please contact
the Nova Scotia Society of Dispensing Opticians office.