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An automated refraction (sight test) is a quick, safe, and accurate way for individuals who wear glasses to check their vision before purchasing a new pair of glasses. An automated refraction, however, is not an eye health exam. While the automated technology is very accurate at measuring an individual's visual clarity and determining the power of corrective lenses, it is not intended to identify underlying eye health problems that may affect vision that are more likely to be found during an eye health exam. Therefore, individuals with underlying health problems or eye-health risk factors need to have an eye health exam, which includes having their eyes dilated to examine the retina, having visual field tests, and eye pressure tests. How To Become A Refracting Optician in BC You've decided you want to be able to practice to your full potential. In order to become a refracting optician in BC, opticians must fulfill the following requirements: 1. Successful completion of an accredited refraction educational program; 2. Successful completion of an examination; and 3. Register as a refracting optician with the College ( click here for the registration form). There are three accredited refraction educational programs available:
NAIT 12 week online independent study program
Offered by the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), this course is designed both as an educational resource and as a training vehicle for those provinces requiring a training pathway for automated refracting certification. Public education and safety are major themes running through all phases of the Automated Refracting Course. Topics include pre-screening format, interview protocols, recognizing elements of family/personal medical history requiring referral, documentation requirements, privacy issues, design and execution of general public education and client education programs and client consent forms, knowledge of automated refraction equipment and interpretation of results of automated refraction equipment. The course contains a course of study governed by prescribed textbooks and online course material. Students must complete online assessments and assignments, participate in online discussions, and complete a written final examination. For more information, click here or email education@opticians.caNAIT 2 year online independent advanced study program
This refraction program offered by NAIT is an advanced practice course. This program consists of two years of theory and a practicum component. For more information, click here or email education@opticians.ca
Douglas College 15 week online program (additional optional 4 hour live workshop)
This course will provide learners with the knowledge of the core refracting competencies as required by the College of Opticians of British Columbia. The course will include topics in prescreening, initial evaluation, automated refraction, and ancillary testing processes. The learner will acquire an in depth understanding of the complete automated refraction process and tests involved. Current techniques in tonometry will also be reviewed. A thorough review of the relevant COBC Standards of Practice pertaining to automated refraction will be conducted. The course is delivered entirely online line through Blackboard learning management system. The 4 hour optional workshop will provide learners with the skills necessary to conduct automated refraction on qualified patients using the Eyelogic automated refraction equipment. The course will include skill training for the complete automated refraction process from the point the patient enters the room to the point the patient leaves with a copy of their prescription. The relevant COBC Standards of Practice procedures pertaining to automated refraction will be adhered to. For more information, please contact Tony Viani, Douglas College Program Coordinator, at vianit@douglas.bc.ca
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