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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Notice of Summer Closure - February 19, 2020
The College office will be closed Monday, July 27, 2020 through August 10, 2020. The office will reopen Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at 9:00 am.
Read MoreNotice of Office Closure -
Please be advised that the College office will be closed for Good Friday and Easter Monday. The College office will reopen on Tuesday April 13, at 9:00 AM.
Read MoreInformation On Novel Coronavirus - February 3, 2020
As many of you are aware, there has been an international outbreak of Coronavirus, and although it has hit British Columbia with one confirmed case, the risk for British Columbians remains low. The College wants to inform our registrants and their patients to follow the Ministry of Health guidelines, to keep everyone safe. The health, […]
Read MoreModernizing The Provincial Health Profession Regulatory Framework - November 29, 2019
The Steering Committee on Modernization of Health Profession Regulations, established by the Minster of Health, has issued a consultation paper that sets out proposed changes for the regulation of health professions: Click here for the Steering Committee’s consultation paper. The Steering Committee has made several recommendations which will have significant implications for the regulation of […]
Read MoreSan’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Health Program -
The Quality Assurance Committee has approved the San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Health program (core ICS Health) for eight hours of public health (ocular health) continuing education credit.
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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