100 Years of Optometric Regulation - College of Optometrists of Ontario

This year, the College of Optometrists of Ontario is celebrating 100 years of optometric regulation.

The profession has seen significant growth over that time, both in numbers (from the first four optometrist to register to the now more than 2500) and in professional practice. One thing that has not changed is our vision: to ensure the best eye health and vision for everyone in Ontario through excellence in optometric care.

Yesterday’s Council meeting took place exactly 100 years to the day when the Optometry Act, 1919 was brought into force.

First page of Bill 105 — The first page of Bill 105
the *Optometry Act, 1919*

College of Optometrist of Ontario President Dr. P. Hemami cuts cake celebrating 100 years of regulation April 24, 2019 — College of Optometrist of Ontario President Dr. P. Hemami cuts cake celebrating 100 years of regulation
April 24, 2019

In addition to marking this occasion, we continued the work first started by the Board of Examiners in Optometry in 1919: to protect the public interest by regulating Ontario’s optometrists.

Check out our timeline to learn more about important milestones in the history of optometric regulation:

Optometry. A century of regulation in Ontario.