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Optical Apprentice Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING)

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Optical Apprentice information

Is becoming an optician hard?

Becoming an optician typically requires completing a certification or training program and gaining practical experience, which can take several months to a year. The job involves learning about optical products, customer service, and sometimes passing a licensing exam, making it accessible with proper training and dedication.

What is the difference between Optical Apprentice vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical ApprenticeOptical Technician
Required CredentialsOn-the-job training, sometimes certification programsCertification or associate degree in optical technology
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised settings in optical stores or labsMore independent work in labs or retail settings
Employer & Industry UsageOptical stores, eye clinics, retail optical chainsOptical labs, manufacturing, retail optical stores

Optical Apprentices typically undergo on-the-job training and may have certification programs, working under supervision. Optical Technicians usually have formal education or certification, performing more independent technical tasks. Both roles are common in optical retail and lab environments, but technicians often have more advanced skills and responsibilities.

What is the highest paid apprenticeship job?

The highest paid apprenticeships often include roles such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC apprenticeships, which can lead to high-paying skilled trades careers. Some specialized technical apprenticeships in fields like engineering or information technology also offer competitive wages, especially with certifications and experience.

What are some typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for an Optical Apprentice during their first year?

As an Optical Apprentice, your first year will typically involve hands-on training in customer service, frame selection, and basic lens fitting under the supervision of licensed opticians. You’ll learn how to interpret prescriptions, adjust and repair eyewear, and understand lens materials and coatings. Apprentices are often exposed to both front-of-house retail duties and behind-the-scenes lab work, which provides a well-rounded introduction to the optical field. Collaboration with experienced opticians and other healthcare professionals is common, offering mentorship and a path toward certification or licensure as your skills grow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of optical principles, strong attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with lens fitting equipment, optical measurement tools, and practice management software is typically required. Excellent communication, customer service, and teamwork skills help you build rapport with clients and support experienced opticians. These skills ensure accurate eyewear preparation, positive patient experiences, and effective collaboration in a clinical environment.

Do opticians do apprenticeships?

Opticians can pursue apprenticeships to gain practical experience while learning about eyewear fitting, lens crafting, and customer service. These apprenticeships often combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction and may lead to certification or licensing in some regions.

Can you be an optical assistant with no experience?

Optical assistants can often start with little or no prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Basic skills in customer service, attention to detail, and familiarity with optical equipment can be helpful, but many employers provide training to new hires. Certification or coursework in optical assisting may improve job prospects but are not always required initially.

What is an Optical Apprentice?

An Optical Apprentice is an individual who is training to become a qualified optical technician or optician. They work under the supervision of experienced professionals to learn how to fit, adjust, and repair eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assist customers in choosing frames and lenses. The apprenticeship typically combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction, helping apprentices gain the knowledge and skills necessary for certification or licensure. This role is ideal for those interested in eye care and customer service, providing a pathway to a rewarding career in the optical industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Toronto, ON? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Toronto, ON are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Apprentice jobs in Toronto, ON? For Optical Apprentice jobs in Toronto, ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Apprentice jobs in Toronto, ON look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Apprentice jobs in Toronto, ON are:
Infographic showing various Optical Apprentice job openings in Toronto, ON as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.
Optician / Contact Lens Practitioner (Licensed)

Optician / Contact Lens Practitioner (Licensed)

Costco Wholesale

Woodbridge, ON

CA$33/hr

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Costco rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,906 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

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Job Description 

Description of position: 
Assists members in selecting and ordering eyewear including frames, lenses, contact lenses and sunglasses. Measures member's cornea base curve and determines correct contact lens for member.  Uses computer to process orders, dispenses eyeglasses and contact lenses and oversees apprentices. Provides prompt, accurate and courteous member service.

Daily tasks and responsibilities:

  • Assists members to choose eyeglass frames, sunglasses, contact lens and ophthalmic lens options appropriate to the lens prescription. Provides and ensures prompt, accurate and courteous member service.
  • Assists in providing members with support in booking Dr appointments.
  • Accurately measures members for pupilary distance (PD) using pupilometer or ruler.
  • Is proficient in determining placement of multi-focal heights and bifocal heights.
  • Examines member's eye using a slit lamp to assess the general ocular health and assist in the fitting of contact lenses.
  • Keys member order into computer. Places special orders to outside vendors by telephone.
  • Rings up orders and over-the-counter optical merchandise. Receives accurate payment, makes change, processes cheques, credit and debit charges according to proper procedures for paperwork, cash handling and performance of duties.
  • Checks contact lenses and completed eyeglasses against prescription prior to dispensing to member. Fits and adjusts eyeglasses to member using frame warmer and bending with fingers.
  • Orders equipment, merchandise and supplies by keying into computer. Keys receipt of special orders from outside vendors.  Follows safety and security procedures.
  • Stocks optical merchandise and supplies. Follows department procedures and standards for production, record keeping, sales, eye health merchandising and product storage.
  • Maintains proper levels of Contact llens trials.
  • Maintains a safe and high level of health care cleanliness at all times.  
  • Cleans department displays and merchandise by spraying and wiping.
  • Oversees apprentices/students as required for certification qualification.
  • Maintains licensing requirements to ensure membership in provincial order is in good-standing.


Qualifications (Costco-specific or industry-specific skills that candidates must possess):

  • Education/Training: Relevant/applicable Provincial Ophthalmic Dispenser accreditation. 
  • Licenses/Certifications: Provincial License as Dispensing Optician; Certified Contact lens Fitter required.
  • Experience:  Licensed Optician/Contact lens Fitter experience preferred.
  • Knowledge/Skills: Computer, math and member service skills preferred.
  • Other:  Opticians who do not have certification/accreditation as a Contact Lens Fitter must enroll in the Contact Lens Fitter course within a year to maintain their position.  


Knowledge and talents recommended for job success:
NOTE:For postings in Quebec locations, candidates must be able to communicate in French (oral and written).

Pay Details 
$33.00 - 33.00
Pay Rate Type 
Hourly
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About Costco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Costco is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise. With more than 800 locations worldwide, Costco provides a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. Today, as the company evolves, it stays true to the qualities that helped attract and retain millions of loyal members around the globe: Commitment to quality. Costco warehouses carry about 4,000 SKUs (stock keeping units) compared to the 30,000 found at most supermarkets. By carefully choosing products based on quality, price, brand, and features, the company can offer the best value to members.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Issaquah, WA, US

Year founded

1983