Latest Posts
Proposed Amendments to the Designated Drugs and Standards of Practice Regulation
Published: 2019-10-02
Member & Stakeholder Consultation – Alternate Entry-to-Practice Examination
Published: 2018-11-07
College of Optometrists of Ontario 2017 Annual Report
Published: 2018-09-04
Our 2017 annual report, with audited financial statements, is now online.
Volunteer with the College
Published: 2018-08-27
Members – want to have a lasting impact on the health of Ontarians? Want to help guide the profession, share your knowledge, and work with your fellow practitioners? Consider a volunteer opportunity with the College.
Call for Nominations: 2018 Council Elections
Published: 2018-08-27
Nominations are now being accepted for the upcoming Council election. This election is required under Part 6 of the College by-laws. It will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2018.
College response to Competition Bureau
Published: 2018-07-26
The College of Optometrists of Ontario has responded to “Bureau encourages online competition in eyewear industry,” an article published July 26, 2018 by Competition Bureau Canada.
Council Meeting Highlights, June 21, 2018
Published: 2018-06-28
College Council met on Thursday, June 21, 2018. Here are some highlights:
Protecting Patients Act – New Regulations Now in Effect
Published: 2018-05-03
When Ontario’s Protecting Patients Act, 2017 was passed into law on May 30, 2017, it made amendments to the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA). Several other amendments, however, were yet to be proclaimed and further changes were likely to come given the Minister’s new regulation-making authority.
Council Meeting Highlights, April 9, 2018
Published: 2018-04-13
College Council met on Monday, April 9, 2018. Here are some highlights:
Update: Essilor/Clearly Appeals January 11 Injunction Decision
Published: 2018-03-23
Essilor/Clearly has appealed the January 11, 2018 decision of Justice Lederer, which ordered that it may not dispense prescription eyewear in Ontario unless the dispensing is performed by an optometrist, optician, or physician who is licensed to practice in Ontario.
Changes To Reporting Requirements In The Highway Traffic Act
Published: 2018-03-20
The Highway Traffic Act (HTA) was recently amended to include both mandatory and discretionary reporting for certain health care practitioners, including optometrists.
2017: Fair Registration Practices Report
Published: 2018-03-01
The College has completed its Fair Registration Practices Report for 2017.
Council Meeting Highlights, January 15, 2018
Published: 2018-01-26
The College Council met on Monday, January 15, 2018. Here are some highlights:
Essilor/Clearly Injunction Update
Published: 2018-01-12
A recent application to seek an injunction preventing Essilor/Clearly from unlawfully dispensing prescription eyewear over the internet has been successful. The College of Optometrists and the College of Opticians jointly filed the application in December 2016 and the matter was heard October 11, 2017. Justice Lederer delivered his decision January 11, 2018 in favour of the two regulatory colleges.
College of Optometrists of Ontario 2016 Annual Report
Published: 2017-11-09
Our 2016 annual report, with audited financial statements, is now online (PDF).
Workshop: Improve Your Recordkeeping
Published: 2017-11-03
Past College president and past Quality Assurance chair Dr. David White will take you through the art and science of recordkeeping.
College Council Election Results
Published: 2017-10-26
On Thursday, October 26, an election was held in District 5 – Provincial Electoral District for two positions.
Council Meeting Highlights, September 19, 2017
Published: 2017-09-28
College Council met on Tuesday, September 19, 2017. Here are some highlights:
Engaging Patients in Patient Safety
Published: 2017-08-17
We know that patients and families have valuable experiences and perspectives to share when it comes to the quality and safety of their care, but engaging in those conversations can be difficult.
How to Safely Watch the August 21 Solar Eclipse
Published: 2017-08-15
On August 21, 2017, a solar eclipse will cross much of North America. Many of us will be taking some time to witness this astronomical marvel. But as the Canadian Space Agency reminds us, looking directly at the sun without appropriate protection can lead to serious problems such as partial or complete loss of eyesight.
Members: Mandatory eLearning Module Now Online
Published: 2017-08-14
This fall, to renew your certificate of registration, you will be required to complete the College’s new elearning module, “Professionalism, Ethical Decision Making and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Patients.”
Council Meeting Highlights, June 22, 2017
Published: 2017-07-04
College Council met on Thursday, June 22, 2017. Here are some highlights:
2016 Financial Statements
Published: 2017-06-16
The College’s 2016 financial statements, with audited report, are now online.
Notice of Revocation of Certificate of Registration – Alvin John Metzger (a.k.a. John Metzger)
Published: 2017-06-02
On May 17, 2017, a Panel of the Discipline Committee of the College of Optometrists of Ontario found Alvin John Metzger (a.k.a. John Metzger) guilty of professional misconduct and ordered the revocation of his certificate of registration, effective immediately.
Council Meeting Highlights, April 6, 2017
Published: 2017-04-28
The College Council met on Monday, April 6, 2017. Here are some highlights:
Circulation: A Proposal to Appoint All Public Members to the Discipline Committee
Published: 2017-04-18
This proposed by-law amendment would help facilitate the appointment of properly constituted panels for Discipline hearings.
Request for Proposals: Alternate Canadian Entry-to-Practice Examination
Published: 2017-03-24
The College is inviting proposals from organizations interested in the development and implementation of an alternate Canadian examination to assess entry-level knowledge, skills and judgment of optometric professionals seeking registration to practise optometry in Canada.
Fair Registration Practices Report: 2016
Published: 2017-02-17
The College has completed its Fair Registration Practices Report for 2016.
New Drugs Added to Prescribing List
Published: 2017-02-06
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) has announced it has expanded the list of drugs that optometrists may prescribe for the treatment of eye and vision conditions.
Recirculation: Proposed Amendments to Registration Regulation and College By-laws
Published: 2017-02-02
In late fall of last year, the College circulated several proposed amendments to the Registration Regulation and College by-laws:
Records: Optometrists and Opticians Working Together
Published: 2017-01-27
The College, in collaboration with the College of Opticians of Ontario, has drafted a guide for optometrists and opticians working together in practice.
Council Meeting Highlights, January 16, 2017
Published: 2017-01-24
The College Council met on Monday, January 16, 2017. Here are some highlights:
Colleges Seek Injunction Against Essilor Group of Canada Inc./Clearly
Published: 2016-12-14
Changes to how patients who receive social assistance will access coverage for eye exams
Published: 2016-12-01
Effective December 1, 2016, most patients receiving social assistance (ODSP or OW) will no longer be issued a paper drug card as proof of social assistance eligibility.
What to Expect During an Optometric Exam
Published: 2016-10-11
“What to Expect During an Optometric Exam,” a resource guide for patients, is available now on the College website.
Comments Requested on Proposed Amendments to Registration Regulation and College By-laws
Published: 2016-10-06
At its September meeting, Council approved for circulation proposed amendments to the Registration Regulation and College by-laws.
Council Meeting Highlights, September 21, 2016
Published: 2016-10-03
College Council met on Wednesday, September 21, 2016. Here are some highlights:
Council Positions for 2017 Filled by Acclamation
Published: 2016-09-29
Nominations for this year’s Council elections closed on September 27, 2016. The College received one nomination for each of four available positions.
Council Meeting Highlights, June 20, 2016
Published: 2016-07-07
College Council met on Monday, June 20, 2016. Here are some highlights:
Recirculation: Proposed Amendments to the Optometry Act, Designated Drugs and Standards of Practice Regulation, and Controlled Acts
Published: 2016-06-23
The Clinical Practice Panel of the Quality Assurance Committee has proposed amendments to the Optometry Act, Designated Drugs and Standards of Practice Regulation, and Controlled Acts.
Click here to read the circulation document and supporting material.
Council Meeting Highlights, April 20, 2016
Published: 2016-05-03
College Council met on Wednesday, April 20, 2016. Here are some highlights:
Council Meeting Highlights, January 20, 2016
Published: 2016-02-02
College Council met on Wednesday, January 20, 2016. Here are some highlights:
New Registration Policy Approved: Non-Practising Members
Published: 2016-01-26
Council approved a new Registration policy that clarifies the process by which members can change their registration status from practising to non-practising, or vice-versa, for fixed or indefinite periods of time.
College Council Election Results
Published: 2015-11-02
Council will welcome two new members and two returning members in 2016.
Council Meeting Highlights, September 30, 2015
Published: 2015-10-13
The College Council met on Wednesday, September 30, 2015. Here are some highlights:
Registration Policy: Non-Practising Status
Published: 2015-10-06
The purpose of this policy is to establish a fair process for members who are not practising in Ontario, but wish to maintain their registration with the College, while ensuring the delivery of the highest quality of eye care in the public interest.
By-Law Proposal Consultation – CE Audit Fee
Published: 2015-10-06
The College seeks your input on a proposed by-law change that would amend the Schedule of Fees to include a fee for a Continuing Education (CE) deficiency audit by the Quality Assurance Committee for members who misreport their total number of CE hours to the College.
Call for Nominations: 2016 Council Elections
Published: 2015-09-03
Nominations will now be accepted for the upcoming Council election. This election is required under Part 6 of the College by-laws. It will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2015. The three-year term of the newly elected councillors will begin on January 20, 2016, at the first regular Council meeting following the election.
College of Optometrists of Ontario 2014 Annual Report
Published: 2015-08-04
Our 2014 annual report, with audited financial statements, is now online (PDF).
Council Meeting Highlights, June 18, 2015
Published: 2015-07-02
The College Council met on Thursday, June 18, 2015. Here are some highlights:
By-law Consultation — Transparency Project, Phase Two
Published: 2015-06-29
At its June meeting, Council approved for circulation proposed amendments to Part 18 of the College by-laws. If passed by Council, these amendments will allow certain additional information about College members to be posted to the public register.
Click here to read the circulation document and supporting material.
Council Meeting Highlights, April 8, 2015
Published: 2015-04-17
The College Council met on Wednesday, April 8, 2015. Here are some highlights:
Fair Registration Practices Report: 2014
Published: 2015-03-02
The College has completed its Fair Registration Practices Report for 2014. Click here to read the report.
Council Meeting Highlights, January 16, 2015
Published: 2015-01-26
The College Council met on Friday, January 16, 2015. Here are some highlights:
Court issues decision on refraction and remote prescribing
Published: 2015-01-22
James McLean brought a Court application asking a judge to determine whether his proposed business model to provide local sight tests and using an Alberta-based ophthalmologist to sign the “prescriptions” was lawful. The Attorney General of Ontario, joined by the College of Opticians of Ontario along with this College argued that Mr. McLean could not do so. On January 5, 2015, the judge agreed.
Click here to read the decision.
In Focus, January 2015
Published: 2015-01-14
The latest issue of our newsletter is now available.
New Continuing Education Policy Approved
Published: 2014-12-22
Council has approved a new Continuing Education Policy for the upcoming CE cycle of January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017.
The College Outlines Transparency Initiatives
Published: 2014-12-01
The College of Optometrists of Ontario today released its report to the Honourable Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, regarding recent transparency initiatives.
College Council Election Results
Published: 2014-11-03
On October 31, 2014, elections were held for two positions on Council in District 5, the Provincial Electoral District.
The ballots have been counted and results are in. Congratulations to Dr. Pooya Hemami and Dr. Marta Witer, who have been elected to Council for a three-year term.
By-law Consultation — Transparency Project, Phase One
Published: 2014-10-22
At its September 17 meeting, Council approved for circulation amendments to College by-laws that will increase the transparency of the regulatory process by making additional information about its members available on the public register.
Click here to read the circulation document and supporting material.
Quality Assurance (QA) Regulation Proposal
Published: 2014-10-22
On September 17, Council approved for circulation a new QA Regulation that would allow more flexibility in the definition and process of practice assessments and make it consistent with the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) and the new Registration Regulation under the Optometry Act.
Click here to read the circulation document and explanatory material.
Council Meeting Highlights, September 17, 2014
Published: 2014-09-24
The Council of the College of Optometrists of Ontario met on September 17, 2014. Here are some highlights:
College of Optometrists of Ontario 2013 Annual Report
Published: 2014-08-29
Our 2013 annual report, with audited financial statements, is now online (PDF).
Proposed Regulation – Spousal Exception
Published: 2014-07-02
On June 6, 2014, the College of Optometrists of Ontario’s Council approved for circulation to members and stakeholders a proposed regulation to create an exception that would allow optometrists to treat their spouses.
Click here to read the proposed regulation and accompanying guidelines.
Proposed Change to the Schedule of Fees and Penalties of the College By-Laws
Published: 2014-07-02
The College is required to circulate to members, for 60 days prior to Council approval, any by-law related to fees a member is required to pay to the College.
Click here to read the circulation document.
Council Meeting Highlights, June 6, 2014
Published: 2014-06-22
The Council of the College of Optometrists of Ontario met on June 6, 2014. Here are some highlights:
Accessibility Standard for Customer Service
Published: 2014-06-12
Click here to read the document
Spectacle Therapy Using the Internet – New Guidelines Approved
Published: 2014-06-11
Click here to read the document.
New Guidelines for Independent Contractors
Published: 2014-06-11
Click here to read the document.
Council Meeting Highlights, April 7, 2014
Published: 2014-04-14
The College Council met at the new College office on Monday, April 7, 2014. Here are some highlights:
In Focus, Spring 2014
Published: 2014-03-28
The latest issue of our newsletter is now available.
New Professional Misconduct Regulation
Published: 2014-03-03
On April 15, 2014, the new Professional Misconduct Regulation, including modernized conflict-of-interest provisions, came into force. The College has prepared guidelines to assist members in their review and understanding of the updated regulation.
New Professional Misconduct Regulation, Including Conflict-of-Interest Provisions, Effective April 15 2014
Published: 2014-02-19
Special Announcement
College’s new address effective February 24th
Published: 2014-02-05
The College of Optometrists of Ontario is on the move. Effective Monday, February 24, 2014, the College’s new address is:
65 St. Clair Ave. E., Suite 900, Toronto, Ontario M4T 2Y3
Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Social Media by Optometrists
Published: 2014-02-03
With the advent of social media, optometrists have many new means of communicating with their patients and the public.There are many examples of social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Linkedin, blogging sites, etc.
Partnership in Vision Care
Published: 2014-02-03
The College of Optometrists of Ontario believes that you and your optometrist should work together in order to maintain your optimum eye care.
Council Meeting Highlights, January 17, 2014
Published: 2014-01-31
The College Council met on Friday, January 17, 2014. Here are some highlights:
Pause Before You Post: Social Media Awareness for Regulated Healthcare Professionals
Published: 2013-12-05
The College of Optometrists of Ontario is pleased to present the following e-learning module:
A scary fact: Halloween contact lenses can lead to irreversible vision loss
Published: 2013-10-25
New Partnership in Vision Care document approved
Published: 2013-10-20
Click here to read the document
New Social Media Guidelines approved
Published: 2013-09-20
Click here to read the document
College of Optometrists of Ontario successfully obtains court order prohibiting illegal practice in Vaughan
Published: 2013-08-06
The College of Optometrists of Ontario successfully obtained an injunction on May 30 2013 prohibiting Tony Frisoli,
Updated OPR and Anti-Discrimination Policy Guidelines in Effect
Published: 2013-05-03
The College has updated several documents in the Optometric Practice Reference (OPR).
Election of 2013 Council Officers
Published: 2013-02-26
The following officers were elected at the January 14, 2013 Council meeting:
Circulation Documents: Proposed Additions to Drug List
Published: 2013-02-01
Click here to read the document
New College Fees on Nov 1st, 2012
Published: 2012-10-14
New College fees come into effect on Nov. 1, 2012, and can be found here.
Press release: new Registration Regulation
Published: 2012-09-17
Here is a press release associated with the College’s new registration regulation which came into effect on Sept. 14, 2012.
College’s response to IOBP Review
Published: 2012-07-31
Letter to Drs Turnour and Spafford, IOBP Review
Press Release: College Responds to Marketplace Investigation
Published: 2012-02-24
Responds to Marketplace Investigation on Eyewear Sector
TPA Policy: New Information and Course Availability
Published: 2012-02-22
Below is the College’s Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents Policy: Educational Requirements for Members to Prescribe Drugs (TPA Education Policy)
Proposed Amendments to Existing Registration Regulation
Published: 2012-01-19
Circulation Memo
Feedback Form
Registration Regulation Proposed Amendments
Published: 2011-05-18
In October 2010, the College circulated a proposed Registration Regulation to members and other stakeholders for feedback.
New Registration Policies
Published: 2011-05-16
The College has submitted a proposed Registration Regulation to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC).
Designated Drugs Regulation
Published: 2011-04-06
The regulation that designates the drugs that optometrists are authorized to prescribe has been approved by an Order in Council of the Government of Ontario.
Proposed Professional Misconduct & Conflict of Interest Regulation with Explanation for Amendments
Published: 2011-02-24
The proposed regulation will replace any previously circulated document and contains some significant changes.
Bergez Sentencing Announced
Published: 2010-10-01
The Honourable Mr. Justice J. Turnbull of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario announced his decision today with respect to penalty in the Great Glasses case.
College Registrar speaks out against ‘circle’ lenses trend and online dispensing
Published: 2010-07-13
On July 13, 2010, the Toronto Sun published an op ed piece by the College Registrar speaking out against the current trend for teenage girls to use ‘circle’ lenses
College in Court with a Motion to close Great Glasses stores across Ontario
Published: 2010-06-30
July 5, 2010 – Lawyers for the College of Optometrists of Ontario were back in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice arguing a motion to close the Great Glasses stores across Ontario.
College suggests Tips for Improving Cross Cultural Communication
Published: 2010-05-07
Click here to read the document
College responds to HPRAC Review
Published: 2010-01-28
The Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council is reviewing inter-professional collaboration among health professions in the eye care sector in order to
Pandemic Advisory: Pandemic Planning for Optometrists
Published: 2009-11-15
The College of Optometrist of Ontario is committed to assisting members to care for their patients and themselves in the event of a pandemic.