The College of Opticians of British Columbia partnership with Opticianry regulators across Canada led to the development of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) which was established to allow Opticians who meet specific criteria to move more easily across the country. The MRA has now been signed by nine of the ten provincial authorities. They are: British Columbia Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Opticians currently licensing and practicing in any other Canadian province will be accepted in British Columbia, without additional examination or training.

An applicant for a certificate of registration as an Optician who, at the time he/she applies, is licensed or registered, and in good standing, in another province or territory of Canada to dispense either eye glasses or contact lenses, will be accepted for registration in the similar category provided that he/she meets the general registration requirements. A registered Optician from Quebec or Ontario will be accepted as a registrant in both eyeglasses and contact lenses

Of the seven steps to registration a nationally registered applicant must successfully complete steps 1, 2.5 and 7.

1. Applicant Applies for Registration with COBC

2. Preliminary Assessment of Application
   2.5 Letter of good standing

7. Proceed to COBC Registration
   7.1 Proof of insurance
   7.2 Solemn declaration
   7.3 Criminal records check
   7.4 Payment of fees

How to apply as an MRA applicant from another province?

If you are licensed to dispense dispense eyeglasses only or eyeglasses and contact lenses, provide the College the following:
1. Written request
2. Letter of good standing from your home province confirming your status to be sent directly to the College of Opticians of British Columbia)

After which, an application package for registration will be sent to you or click here to download the Registration Package.

See the Mutual Recognition Agreement here.