The College has been receiving a large number of inquiries from registrants regarding assistance and guidance in managing their response to the COVID-19outbreak.  The College urges registrants to monitor the orders and directives that are being issued by our Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Officer. 

We recognize the situation is changing rapidly, and it is important to keep everyone safe.  The College is recommending that registrants assess their capacity to safely provide optometric services, and take proper precautions, which are designed to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus in British Columbia thereby ensuring the well-being of patients, staff, and the public as a whole. 

All registrants that choose to maintain ongoing care must perform a thorough pre-examination assessment that involves risk to the patient, their staff and the public before optometric care is provided. Should there be any risks identified, then it is strongly recommended that the examination be postponed, or referred to the appropriate health care provider.  We further recommend that a comprehensive pre-screening be performed by telephone. 

The College will be monitoring updates from the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Officer very closely, and will advise you as we learn more.