What constitutes a Complaint?

A written submission to the College regarding an act or omission of a specific member of the College with respect to their practice.

Can I make an anonymous complaint?

The College of Opticians is not able to act on anonymous complaints as the member who is the subject of the complaint must be in a position to respond fully to the allegation or allegations contained in the complaint.

Can the College make a dispensary give me back my money?

The College of Opticians regulates only Opticians, Student Opticians and Non Practicing Opticians in Brtish Columbia. The College has limited legal authority or jurisdiction over optical stores, dispensaries, corporations or their non-Optician owners or managers. The College does not have the legal authority to deal with issues that are solely of a monetary nature, such as prices, warranties or refunds, which are not regulated. Should your concerns entail these issues only, please consider contacting the Better Business Bureau or the Small Claims Court.

Can the College give me information about an ongoing investigation?

Unlike the results of the disciplinary hearing, which become a matter of public record, all information relating to the investigation and resolution of complaints is held in the strictest of confidence. The College is prohibited from making any information regarding ongoing and resolved Complaint investigations public knowledge.

What is the difference between Unauthorized Practice and a Complaint?

A complaint must contain the name of a registered member of the College of Opticians of British Columbia. If someone is practicing Opticianry in British Columbia who is not licensed with the College of Opticians the College of Optometrists of British Columbia or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, then they are dispensing illegally and should be reported.