The practice of Opticianry in British Columbia is governed under the Health Professions Act and the Opticianry Regulations. Every individual practicing in British Columbia as an Optician or Contact Lens Student must be registered with the College of Opticians of British Columbia (College). Failure to register is a significant offence and can result in disciplinary action and/or fines.

Canadian and international applicants who have not graduated from an accredited and approved program and are not registered in good standing with another Canadian optician regulator may be accepted for admission where they have a combination of knowledge, skills, experience and abilities which are, in the opinion of the registration committee, substantially equivalent to the requirements set out in the Bylaws for new applicants.

All applicants from non accredited and approved education will be required to complete the following:

1. Application for Registration with COBC

Complete and submit a COBC application in the form required by the registration committee, and submit such documentation as may be required by the registration committee

2. Preliminary Assessment of Application by Registration Committee

Committee and/or appointed interviewer will review the following:

   2.1 Resume of work experience
   2.2 Transcripts of formal education 
   2.3 Letters of personal reference
   2.4 Letters of professional competence
   2.5 Letters of good standing
   2.6 ICES or IQAS
   2.7 Language proficiency
   2.8 Interview

3. Competency Gap Analysis

An online tool used to assess the competencies of an applicant. This tool will assist the Registration Committee in identifying any gaps in learning. 

4. Registration Committee Assess Information

After the Registration Committee assesses the information they may refer the applicant to complete one or more of the following:

5.  Bridging

If gaps in learning are identified at any point in the process the Registration Committee may refer the applicant to complete a specified bridging program. 

6.  Examination

The applicant may proceed to attempt the National Optical Sciences (NOS) Examination.

The applicant will be entitled to proceed to step seven upon successfully completing any of the above steps as required by the Registration Committee

7. Allow the Applicant to Proceed to Registration with the COBC

The applicant must submit the following:

   7.1 Proof of insurance
   7.2 Solemn declaration
   7.3 Criminal records check
   7.4 Payment of fees

Please click here to download a Registration Package.