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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Interim Registrar announcement - September 16, 2020
COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRISTS OF BC On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff at the College of Optometrists of BC (“the College”) I wish to announce that the College has appointed, Dr. Mary Watterson, an Interim Registrar, effective Monday, September 14, 2020. Dr. Watterson brings a wealth of experience in Health Regulation in BC, […]
Read MoreAnnouncement of Dr. Dergousoff Interim Registrar resignation - September 10, 2020
On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff at the College of Optometrists of BC (“the College”) I wish to advise you that the board has accepted Dr. Dale Dergousoff’s resignation as Interim Registrar, effective Friday Sept. 11, 2020. The board wishes to sincerely thank Dr. Dergousoff for his many years of service to […]
Read MoreProvincial government releases final recommendations for modernizing health profession regulatory framework - August 31, 2020
On August 27, 2020, Health Minister Adrian Dix announced the final recommendations in a report delivered by an all-party Steering Committee for changes to the province’s health profession regulatory system. The report, Recommendations to modernize the provincial health profession regulatory framework, has implications for all health profession regulatory colleges in BC. Summary of the recommendations: […]
Read MoreThree years in: A report on the achievements since signing the Declaration of Commitment to Cultural Safety and Humility - July 8, 2020
Three years in: A report on the achievements since signing the Declaration of Commitment to Cultural Safety and Humility, from BC Health Regulators. Now available on the College website.
Read MoreProviding In-person community care in British Columbia During COVID-19 - May 16, 2020
Providing In-person community care in British Columbia During COVID-19
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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