NOC 32100: Opticians
Opticians assist clients in the selection of eyeglass frames, take the necessary measurements and arrange for the production of eyeglasses or contact lenses, mount lenses in eyeglass frames and fit clients with final prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. 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 unit group.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
NOC 32100 (Opticians) is a TEER 2 occupation, so it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It is not on IRCC's high-wage list. It isn't on any current category-based draw list.
TEER
TEER 2
Skilled for Express Entry
High-wage
Not listed
No extra CRS points
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
| NOC 2021 code | 32100 |
|---|---|
| Title | Opticians |
| Broad category | Health occupations |
| TEER | TEER 2 — usually requires a college diploma or apprenticeship of 2+ years, or supervisory roles |
Example job titles
Main 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 take necessary measurements including the curvature of the eyes, the accurate position of the pupils and bridge width, using optical measuring devices
- Advice clients on eyeglasses selection by informing them of different products such as lens materials, frames, tints and anti-reflection coating
- Adjust contact lenses and inform client on use and care
- Grind, polish, cut and edge lenses or have them made by a laboratory before inserting them into the frame
- Adjust finished eyeglasses to fit client
- May supervise or manage the activities of other opticians or student opticians.
Your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties to use this NOC — check the full profile on the official NOC site.
Related occupations
- NOC 32101 — Licensed practical nurses
- NOC 32102 — Paramedical occupations
- NOC 32103 — Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
- NOC 32104 — Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians
- NOC 32109 — Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
- NOC 32110 — Denturists
- NOC 32111 — Dental hygienists and dental therapists
- NOC 32112 — Dental technologists and technicians
- NOC 32120 — Medical laboratory technologists
- NOC 32121 — Medical radiation technologists
← NOC 31303 Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals · NOC 32101 Licensed practical nurses →
Calculate your CRS score → · All NOC codes · High-wage list
TEER 2 also matters for work permits: see the spousal open work permit (TEER rules for spouses of workers), LMIA explained and the Atlantic Immigration Program (job offers in TEER 0–4).
Sources: Statistics Canada NOC 2021 V1.0; IRCC high-wage occupations; IRCC category-based selection; IRCC who can apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is NOC 32100 eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 32100 is a TEER 2 occupation. IRCC counts work in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupations as skilled work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class, as long as all other program requirements are met.
Is NOC 32100 a high-wage occupation?+
No. NOC 32100 isn't on IRCC's Express Entry high-wage occupations list, so it doesn't earn the extra high-wage or job offer CRS points. Canadian work-length points can still apply for TEER 0–3 work.
Which Express Entry category draws include NOC 32100?+
None of IRCC's current category-based selection lists include NOC 32100. Candidates can still be invited in general, program-specific (such as CEC) or PNP rounds.