Prescriptions and ‘Expiry Dates’
Both the public and opticians have asked questions about disclaimers of time limitations or ‘expiry dates’ on some optical prescriptions: e.g. “Not valid if over one year old”. In particular, both the public and members wonder whether Opticians are entitled to dispense corrective eyewear from a prescription that is seemingly past its ‘expiry date’.

Unless there is a medical contraindication, setting a generic time limitation on prescriptions is not justified by medical or health safety reasons. Opticians are able to dispense eyewear based on any prescription in accordance with the Standards of Practice - generic ‘expiry dates’ should be regarded as a suggested recall examination date only and not a prohibition from providing eyewear.

The College of Opticians of BC “Standards of Practice” provides an excellent guideline for public safety and best practices. Registered Opticians are members of the COBC and follow the standards of practice of the College.

“Optician” is a Reserved and Protected Title
The correct us of a reserved title allows the public to know they are dealing with a registered professional who has undergone required training and is held accountable to provide a high standard of service. A person other than a registrant of the College must not use the word "Optician" in any manner that expresses or implies that he or she is a registrant or is associated with the College of Opticians.

To ensure the public know when they are purchasing eyewear they are dealing with an Optician, the COBC protects the use of the title through the Health Professions Act. Only active registrants of the COBC can use the title “optician” and other associated terms. No other person can claim to be an “optician” or suggest that s/he is recognized by the COBC.

When a business wishes to use the title “optician” in their advertising, marketing or company name, they are only entitled to do so if there are persons working within the business who are rightly registered Opticians with COBC. Businesses cannot use the reserved titles for Opticianry if they do not have registered Opticians on staff.

Recall Notice for Complete MoisturePLus Contact Lens Solution

Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) Canada Company is immediately recalling all lots of Complete® All-In-One MoisturePlusTM contact lens solution. Read the statement here.