New HOYA Vision Care Eyeglass Dispensing Lab available for Seneca Polytechnic opticianry students

The space will be available for students in Seneca’s opticianry diploma program, which will authorize them to dispense contact lenses, eyeglasses, and subnormal vision devices. Image credit: Seneca Polytechnic

A new optical laboratory is now available for opticianry students at Seneca Polytechnic.¹ The HOYA Vision Care Eyeglass Dispensing Lab at Seneca’s Newnham Campus provides an immerse learning experience for students to develop their skills through hands-on experiential learning in a space that replicates a high-end retail optical dispensing and vision testing environment, according to a news release.

“We are thankful to HOYA for the generous donation that made our new Dispensing Lab possible,” said David Agnew, president of Seneca Polytechnic, in the release. “Students are already benefitting tremendously from this new facility and its sophisticated equipment, ensuring that they transition seamlessly from education to employment.”

The laboratory is equipped with professional grade technology, which allows students to practice skills including taking precise measurements, selecting appropriate frames, and ensuring proper fittings of eyewear. The space will be available for students in Seneca’s opticianry diploma program, which will authorize them to dispense contact lenses, eyeglasses, and subnormal vision devices.¹

“HOYA is proud to support the next generation of opticians through our sponsorship of Seneca Polytechnic and our commitment to the optical industry in Canada,” said Steven Haifawi, president of HOYA Vision Care, Canada, in the release. “We are ensuring that future eye care professionals have the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to provide great service to their communities.”

Education and scope of practice

Seneca’s 2-year diploma program is offered in a hybrid delivery format, with some coursework that can be completed online and others to be completed in-person. Students can choose from in-person, hybrid, and flexible formats. Courses are available in winter, summer, and fall semesters.²

Students who graduate from the program have options for careers in retail optical dispensaries, contact lens clinics, medical clinics, and a health care delivery team. In Canada, registered opticians prepare work orders that give ophthalmic laboratory technicians information to prepare lenses for a frame. Some opticians prepare and finish lenses themselves. Opticians also work to verify the product is completed to the specifications ordered after the design is completed and the eyeglasses are made.³

Some opticians in Canada specialize in fitting contact lenses, artificial eyes, or cosmetic shells to cover blemished eyes. Opticians will measure the eye, selecting contact lens material type, and preparing work orders. After delivery, opticians will assist with insertion and will inspect the patient’s eyes, corneas, lid, and contact lenses, and will provide insertion, removal, and care education to patients about their contacts, cosmetic shells, or artificial eyes.³

References:

1. Seneca Polytechnic launches new opticianry lab through gift from HOYA Vision Care. News release. Seneca Polytechnic. April 22, 2025. Accessed April 23, 2025. https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/news-and-events/media-releases/2025/seneca-polytechnic-launches-new-opticianry-lab-through-gift-from-hoya-vision-care.html

2. Opticianry (OPTC). Seneca Polytechnic. Accessed April 23, 2025. https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/programs/fulltime/OPTC.html

3. Scope of practice. NACOR. Accessed April 23, 2025. https://nacor.ca/about/opticians/scope-of-practice/