Protecting the Public and Guiding the Profession
The College of Optometrists of British Columbia guides and regulates all optometrists registered with the College. Our mandate is to act in the public interest and to ensure the public is provided with safe, ethical and effective optometric services throughout the province.
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Learn more about registering as an Optometrist in British Columbia
In order to practise optometry in British Columbia, you must complete the Registration Application, submit all documents required by that form, pay the Assessment of registration application fee, attend the College’s mandatory Orientation Session and successfully pass the Jurisprudence Examination.
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Learn More about the role of a Registered Optometrist
An optometrist is a primary eye care provider who is licensed and university educated as a doctor of optometry, to examine the eyes, diagnose defects in vision, signs of injury and ocular diseases or other disorders of the eye and visual system. In doing so, optometrists may prescribe medications, fit and supply corrective lenses or contact lenses, or other therapies and provide referrals to other health providers, when appropriate.
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Providing In-person community care in British Columbia During COVID-19 - May 16, 2020
Providing In-person community care in British Columbia During COVID-19
Read MoreCOVID-19: May 12th Update - May 12, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting state of emergency here in British Columbia has been a challenge for us all, and the disruption caused by this, is one we will all remember. Registrants have weathered the storm as best they could, and we recognize the eagerness to return to caring for British Columbians. We were all […]
Read More2019 Annual Report - May 7, 2020
The 2019 Annual Report & Audited Financial Statements is now available here.
Read MoreCOVID-19 Update From The Registrar - May 1, 2020
As we turn another calendar page, we realize that it has been a long time since we have been able to provide routine care to all our patients, who come into our practice for their eye care needs. This week, the provincial government extended the state of emergency, and we continue to provide urgent and […]
Read MoreCOVID-19: Important update from the Registrar - April 22, 2020
On March 23, 2020, Dr. Bonnie Henry, the Provincial Health Officer addressed all regulated health professionals in BC, regarding the provision of healthcare services. Healthcare professionals were asked to limit the delivery of in-person services in community settings, and this message remains current despite the recent mentioning of lifting some of these measures at a future date. […]
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Optometrist Directory
Optometrists practice in all parts of our province. To find an optometrist, enter your search below.
What Are The Standards of Practice?
All registrants of the College are required to comply with the Standards of Practice. The standards are written in plain language and span the full scope of optometric practice. Every registrant must determine – and accept accountability for – how each standard is implemented. The College provided Statements of Guidance to assist this process. The College views compliance with all standards as fundamental in the delivery of current, high quality optometric services that are safe, effective, and ethical. This in the joint interest of the public and the profession.
Current to May 27, 2019
Standards of PracticeWhat If I Have A Complaint?
The College of Optometrists of British Columbia is committed to serving and protecting the public and carrying out its mandate in a transparent and accountable manner. The College has developed a process, based on best practices, to address concerns and complaints from the public regarding the practice of registered optometrists. Complaints Process File a Complaint