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Opticians  (NOC 3231)
Fredericton--Oromocto
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Opticians fit clients with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, assist clients in the selection of eyeglass frames, arrange for the production of eyeglasses or contact lenses and mount lenses in eyeglass frames. They are employed in optical retail outlets or other establishments with optical dispensing departments, or they may be self-employed. Student opticians and opticians who are managers of optical retail outlets are included in this group.

contact lens fitter, contact lens technician, dispensing optician, ophthalmic dispenser, optician.

Opticians perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Obtain specifications for eyeglasses or contact lenses from a prescription prepared by an ophthalmologist or optometrist or by analyzing the client's eyeglasses or contact lenses and by measuring client's eye curvature, pupillary distance and bridge width, using optical measuring devices
  • Assist clients in selecting eyeglasses by advising on lens materials, frames, tints and anti-reflection coating
  • Advise on use and care of contact lenses
  • Arrange for grinding and polishing of lenses or grind and polish lenses
  • Cut and edge lenses and fit lenses into frames
  • Adjust finished eyeglasses to fit client
  • May supervise or manage the activities of other opticians or student opticians.
Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Fredericton, Nackawic, Oromocto

View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Opticians in Fredericton--Oromocto

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Opticians in Fredericton--Oromocto as well as in the rest of the New Brunswick.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
Fredericton--Oromocto <Not assigned> 2012-02-08

According to the most recent (2006) Census, this is a small occupational group with a labour force of 50, and an unemployment rate (0%) that is below the average (8%) for all occupations in the area. Also, the average age of Opticians is 40, which is approximately equal to the average age (40) of all occupations.

According to the most recent Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) Forecast, the average annual employment growth rate for this occupation is below the average for all occupations in New Brunswick. Many of the jobs in this occupation can be found in these main industries: 1) Retail Trade and 2) Health Care and Social Assistance.

Local Labour Market News

Week of Apr 29 – May 03, 2013

  • The provincial government has announced that it will close the Agriculture Laboratory Service in Fredericton. The agricultural laboratory which provides soil testing for New Brunswick farmers will close on June 28. The laboratory has been in operations for 80 years and is located on the grounds of the experimental farm in Lincoln.

Week of Apr 22 – Apr 26, 2013

  • A job fair will be held in Fredericton on April 30th at the Delta Hotel for job seekers interested in working in Western Canada. Seven companies will be represented at the fair.

Week of Apr 15 – Apr 19, 2013

  • According to a building activity report released by the City of Fredericton development committee, overall construction activity in the first quarter of this year increased to $17.6M compared to $16.9M during the same period last year. It was also reported to be the highest first quarter construction value since 2008.
  • The Minister of Health for the province of New Brunswick announced that roughly 400 jobs in the health-care system would be eliminated in the next year in an attempt to control spending. Horizon Health Network will cut 131 positions this fiscal year. 57 jobs will be cut at Facilicorp and 40 positions will be eliminated at the Department of Health itself. More job cuts are expected to be announced later this year.
  • Shannex Inc. has received final approval to proceed with the construction of an 80-unit luxury retirement complex at 35 Patience Lane in Fredericton

Week of Apr 08 – Apr 12, 2013

  • Oak Ridge Manufacturing Inc. of Keswick has re-opened after a fire caused the business to close three years ago. The cabinet and counter top company, which employs 22 to 24 employees, reports nearly tripling business since opening. An additional three workers have been hired since they re-opened.
Please consult the New Brunswick and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.