Registered Opticians are 'vision architects'. They are specially trained to design, fit, and dispense eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids, and prosthetic ocular devices. The patient brings their requirements to their Registered Optician. Requirements include a record of the lens powers (commonly referred to as a prescription) plus any particular needs they have. The Registered Optician will gather more information from the patient regarding function, fashion, and fit and budget. From that information the optician will make recommendations and assist the patient in selecting lens products and frame styles. Registered Opticians are also responsible for taking the measurements necessary to customize the lenses and frames for each individual patient.

Recently in some provinces, government announced proposed changes to Opticians' Regulations that will allow Registered  Opticians who have received specialized training to conduct automated refractions (sight tests) and, based on the results, determine the power for corrective lenses for their client's eyeglasses. Although opticians in some provinces have conducted automated refractions (sight tests) since 1996, they have done so under the nominal supervision of a physician. These changes, which will expand the scope of practice of some opticians to perform these tests without the oversight of a physician, are not yet in effect.

All registrants of the provincial regulatory authorities must meet educational requirements and pass the national competency examinations related to the dispensing of eyeglasses, and to the fitting of contact lenses. There are currently approximately 6,000 practicing Licensed Opticians in Canada.

Registered Opticians prepare work orders that give ophthalmic laboratory technicians' information needed to prepare lenses for a frame. The work order is like a blueprint because it includes power of the lenses and information on their size, material, color, and style along with the individual specifications that the optician has devised to customize the product. Some Registered Opticians prepare and finish lenses themselves.

After the optician's design for the product has been completed and the eyeglasses are made, opticians verify that the product has been completed to the specifications ordered. They are trained to adjust the eyeglasses, by hand or by using special tools to ensure the eyeglasses fit each patient properly and comfortably. Some also fix, adjust, and refit broken frames. Opticians instruct clients about adapting to, wearing, or caring for eyeglasses and teach them how to care for their eyewear throughout its life.

Some Registered Opticians specialize in fitting contact lenses, artificial eyes, or cosmetic shells to cover blemished eyes. To design and fit these devices, Registered Opticians measure the shape and size of the eye, select the type of contact lens material, and prepare work orders specifying the power of the lenses and lens size. In some cases, opticians prepare moulds of an eye, which are used in the manufacture of some of these specialized devices. This work requires considerable skill, care, and patience.

After the device has been delivered, opticians observe clients' eyes, corneas, lids, and contact lenses with special instruments and microscopes to ensure an optimal fit and satisfactory vision. Over the course of care, opticians teach patients how to safely insert, remove, and care for their contacts, their cosmetic shells or their artificial eyes, and regularly provide follow-up care to ensure ongoing eye health.

Registered Opticians prepare work orders that give ophthalmic laboratory technicians' information needed to prepare lenses for a frame. The work order is like a blueprint because it includes power of the lenses and information on their size, material, color, and style along with the individual specifications that the optician has devised to customize the product. Some Registered Opticians prepare and finish lenses themselves.

After the optician's design for the product has been completed and the eyeglasses are made, opticians verify that the product has been completed to the specifications ordered. They are trained to adjust the eyeglasses, by hand or by using special tools to ensure the eyeglasses fit each patient properly and comfortably. Some also fix, adjust, and refit broken frames. Opticians instruct clients about adapting to, wearing, or caring for eyeglasses and teach them how to care for their eyewear throughout its life.