As an employer you should be aware that Registered Opticians are governed by the British Columbia Health Professions Act. Opticians are authorised by the Opticians Regualtions to the Act to undertake optical dispensing. The limits and repsonsibilities of Registered Opticians are described in the regulations. Further, Opticians are obligated to practice within guidleines described in the Opticians Standards of Practice; they have also undertaken to be bound by the Opticians Code of Ethics. Copies of each of these documents are available at the bottom of this page.
Employers should be aware that any individual holding themselves out as an Optician must be registered with the College of Opticians in order to dispense eye glasses, fit contact lenses or low-vision aids as set out in the Act. Registered Opticians are required at all times to display their official Certificate of Registration with a seal supplied by the College indicating their status as currently registered with the College.
When the College receives information that individuals who are not Registered Opticians are performing the act of dispensing eyeglasses, contact lenses or low-vision aids contrary to the Act, the College of Opticians of British Columbia can and will take action with the BC Courts against unauthorized practice.
Below are areas of the website that may be of interest to employers of Opticians in British Columbia.