The Optician reports to the Optical Services Manager and is responsible for assisting in the operations of Optical Services at The University of Waterloo, School of Optometry and Vision Science and Health Sciences Optometry Clinic. The Optician requires a thorough knowledge of all aspects of ordering, fabrication and dispensing of prescribed ophthalmic appliances. The incumbent must hold and maintain a current Optician license in Ontario.

Optical Services within the School of Optometry consists of two primary activities providing educational and clinical services; the Ophthalmic Optics Laboratory and the Optical Services Dispensary. Optical Services is one of several clinic areas within the School of Optometry & Vision Science that provide public patient services as a part of the undergraduate optometry program. The public clinic functions as a retail operation collecting fees for services and products.

The Optician is responsible for all aspects of the dispensing of prescribed ophthalmic appliances related to the profession of opticians, for supervising interns and assisting faculty and staff within the Optical Services area. These activities include, but are not limited to, the design, fitting, ordering, adjustment, verification, and repair of spectacles and other ophthalmic appliances.

Intern Supervision

• Clinical instruction and evaluation of interns in Optical Services
• Verify measurements, frame choice and adjustments
• Review and confirm all Visual Eyes system entries and sign files when complete
• Provide support to interns as needed with aniseikonic and lens demonstration software and new technology
• Conduct orientation for new interns

Dispensing Duties

• Verify work orders checking for accuracy and completeness
• Process returns for warranty work and process complimentary orders
• Ensure that ample spectacle options are available for patients, (low vision needs, external dispensing, up-to-date frame styles)
• Offer external dispensing services to local long term care facilities, recommending spectacles, repairing and adjusting glasses as required

Technical Services

• Conducts expert edging services to accommodate a one-hour service when patients are using existing frames
• Troubleshoot/problem solve vision difficulties with patients new or existing glasses; follow up by making a referral (if required) to the appropriate clinic area in regards to solving their chief complaint
• Assist with frame and lens repairs

Administrative Duties

• Delegate and perform clinic upkeep duties
• Manage frame boards
• Prepare and review lens quotes
• Recommend, dispense and repair eyewear
• Communicate with new and existing patients either in person or on the phone regarding questions pertaining to their eyewear and new products available
• Update price lists
• Deliver shipments to other areas of the building as required

Classroom Instruction

• Provide and delivers lectures on relevant dispensing skills and concepts
• Meet and discuss latest lens technologies with optical company representatives to ensure and promote the use of contemporary technologies

• Ontario Optician’s License required
• 5-7 years of optical experience required, preferably in an academic environment
• Ability to manage multiple projects and responsibilities and to prioritize is critical
• Previous experience with in an electronic medical record system is required
• Good understanding of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Powerpoint)
• Good knowledge and understanding of an Electronic Medical Record System (EMR), preferably Visual Eyes
• Solid understanding of all ophthalmic instruments and equipment required
• Ability to communicate, both orally and in a written format, information at all levels of the organization is essential
• Tact, judgement and diplomacy are essential

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.