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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Update on masking requirement - April 19, 2022
On March 10, 2022, the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) issued a notice stating that wearing a mask in public indoor settings is no longer required by public health. The PHO’s guidance letter to all BC health regulatory colleges included the following paragraph: “In addition to following masking requirements established by employers and operators as part […]
Read MoreCollege Office Closure - April 14, 2022
The College office will be closed from Friday, April 15th until Monday, April 18th, and will reopen Tuesday, April 19th at 9a.m.
Read MoreBoard Election Results - March 18, 2022
An election for two positions on the Board of the College, whose terms expire on April 15, 2022, has been conducted by the Registrar in the presence of two Board members, one of whom is a Public member. The ballots were counted today, March 18, 2022. I certify, the following registrants have been elected to […]
Read MoreNew public health order requires College to record vaccination status of registrants - March 8, 2022
New public health order requires College of Optometrists of British Columbia to record vaccination status of registrants For information only: no action required A new Order of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) has been issued “to prevent or reduce the risk of the transmission of infection with SARS-CoV-2 by health professionals.” The Health Professionals COVID-19 Vaccination Status […]
Read MoreProvincial Health Officer announces order requiring COVID-19 vaccination for all regulated health professionals - February 10, 2022
BC Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Bonnie Henry announced February 9, 2022, that she will issue a public health order next week requiring full COVID-19 vaccination for all regulated health professionals, including Optometrists. The new order will broaden a previous PHO order originally dated October 14, 2021, which mandated COVID-19 vaccination for health care workers […]
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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