Continuing Competency Made Easy

The Health Professions Act requires each Health Regulatory Organization to develop and administer a Quality Assurance Program to assure the quality of the practice of the profession and to promote continuing competence among the members. Currently, the College supports opticians in maintaining acceptable standards and competence through mandatory continuing education (MCE) for both practicing and non-practicing registrants.

Why Mandate Continuing Education?



Rapid changes in health care technology and research challenge the professional to constantly update and add to his/her expertise. Opticians need to be aware of new techniques and knowledge that may impact eye care or the services they render to clients. In addition, the public has a right to expect that registered health professionals continually demonstrate proficiency in their chosen field and are not relying on knowledge that was gained when they first entered the profession. The public rightfully expects the College of Opticians to ensure all registrants are up-to-date. The government agrees with the public expectation and requires the College to make registration renewal contingent on the completion of new educational requirements.

Specialist Requirements



Many Opticians have advanced practice training. The College recognizes the high level of skill of all opticians and particularly those that have contact lens certification. The College anticipates that in the future more registrants will also be certified as sight testing opticians. With more complex levels of practice comes an added responsibility to maintain competency. Those with extra qualifications will be required to complete additional continuing education in those fields. In short, those with advanced practice certification must gain a few more credits than those with a standard dispensing certification.

Mandatory Continuing Education Requirements 

Each optician is required to complete a number of continuing education credits within a thirty-six month period. The number of credits varies for dispensers and contact lens fitters. For a full explanation of MCE requirements, please click here.

Connie Chong
Assistant Registrar
(604)278-7510 Ext. 24
cchong@cobc.ca