* Students' Union Fee, Health Insurance, Student Activity Fee, Books and Supplies,U-Pass BC, etc
You are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language prior to admission to Douglas College. You may demonstrate English language proficiency by completing and submitting proof of one of the following
OEFL (Internet Based Test – iBT)
, Overall score of 83 (minimum 21 in Writing for Post-Degree and Post-Baccalaureate programs). Official test scores must be sent directly to Douglas College from ETS. Douglas College's institution code is: 9568.
IELTS (Academic Module), Overall score of 6.5 (no band below 6.0 for Post-Degree and Post-Baccalaureate programs)
CAEL, Minimum overall and essay score of 60 (computer or paper based)
EIKEN Practical English, Minimum placement of Grade 1
LPI, LPI - minimum essay score 4
B.C. secondary school English 12 (final classroom and provincial exam blended grade) , Minimum grade of C (60%)
B.C. secondary school Communications 12 (final classroom and provincial exam blended grade) , Minimum grade of B (73%)
International Baccalaureate (IB) English Language A – Standard Level , Minimum grade of 3 or C
Advanced Placement (AP) English Language or Literature
, Minimum grade of 3 or C
Enrolment in a college or university level English or Communications course (recognized B.C. post-secondary institutions only), Minimum grade of C recommended
Graduation from a recognized bachelor or master degree program at an accredited university at which English is the primary language of instruction in a country where English is the principle language (Depending on the program of study, the length of the program and time since graduation, Douglas College may request English language proficiency scores to demonstrate English proficiency). ,
EC language school, Completion of the Advanced Level of the University Preparation program
ELS language school , Level 112 completion with satisfactory attendance
ILAC language school , University Pathway 3.3 Level 16 completion with satisfactory attendance
ILSC language school , University Pathway Level A2 completion with satisfactory attendance
KAPLAN PLI language school , Level C1 completion with satisfactory attendance
VGC International College , Level 7 completion with satisfactory attendance
Global Village language school, Level 7 completion with satisfactory attendance
PTE (Pearson Test of English), Minimum overall score of 56
A completed and signed Optical Tour Form
Applicants may be required to attend a personal interview that will be used for the purposes of providing information and academic counselling. Direct entry into second year of the program is available for those individuals already employed within the optical field as an Optician - Eyeglass Dispenser and desiring educational qualifications in the fitting of contact lenses
Criminal Record Check - This program requires students to train in an environment that demands individuals to provide proof of a satisfactorily completed, current CRS for the protection of the clients. To meet this requirement, prospective students must submit to a current CRC as a condition of entry to the program. All costs related to the completion of this search are the responsibility of the individual student.
The Dispensing Optician Diploma Program covers all areas of modern opticianry, including eyeglasses, contact lenses and refraction technologies. Students gain clinical experience and service skills by working with customers in the College's Vision Centre. The program provides the necessary skills for employment and prepares students to meet British Columbia's licensing requirements. If you are already a licensed Dispensing Optician and want to gain contact lens fitting qualifications, you may be eligible for direct entry into the second year of the program.
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Course Requirements:
Semester I
DOPT 1100, Dispensing Optician Theory I, 5.00
DOPT 1112, Dispensing Optician Lab Skills I, 6.00
CMNS 1216, Interpersonal Skills for the Workplace, 3.00
Semester I credits, , 14.00
Semester II
DOPT 1200, Dispensing Optician Theory II, 5.00
DOPT 1210, Dispensing Optician Clinical Practice II, 4.00
DOPT 1212, Dispensing Optician Lab Skills II, 6.00
Semester II Credits, , 15.00
Semester III
DOPT 1310, Dispensing Optician Eyeglass Preceptorship, 5.00
Semester III credits, , 5.00
Semester IV
DOPT 2101, Theory in Contact Lenses & Optical Technologies I, 4.00
DOPT 2113, Laboratory in Contact Lenses & Optical Technologies I, 6.00
Semester IV credits, , 10.00
Semester V
DOPT 2201, Theory in Contact Lenses & Optical Technologies II, 4.00
DOPT 2211, Clinical in Contact Lenses & Optical Technologies II, 5.00
DOPT 2213, Laboratory in Contact Lenses & Optical Technologies II, 6.00
Semester V credits, , 15.00
Semester VI
DOPT 2311, Clinical in Contact Lenses & Optical Technologies III, 4.00
Semester VI credits, , 4.00
Total Program Credits, , 63.00
With an employment rate of close to 100 percent, Douglas College's Dispensing Optician Program has a strong track record with the optical industry. Graduates can work for independent opticians, large companies, optometrists, ophthalmologists, or become self-employed.
Demand is strong for contact lens fitters. Students who continue to the second year to learn this skill will have enhanced employment options.
To work as a Dispensing Optician or a contact lens fitter in this province, you must complete a training program approved by the College of Opticians of B.C., and then pass their registration exam. Douglas College students have a high pass rate on the College of Opticians exam.
All international students studying for more than 6 months in BC are required to have basic medical coverage.
This medical coverage is issued through the government of British Columbia and is called the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
MSP covers the cost of any medically required service provided by a physician enrolled with MSP. There is a monthly fee for this coverage and it is billed to you directly by the government.
Effective January 1st 2020, the total cost of MSP will go up to $75 per month, per student.
This extended coverage plan covers things that are not covered by the MSP, such as ambulance fee, vision care, dental care and prescription drugs. Full-time students registered in a Fall semester are automatically enrolled in the Student Health and Dental plan for $260 per year, charged as part of the tuition fees. The insurance period begins on September 1 and ends on August 31 of the following year.
