College of Opticians of British Columbia

COBC Board Meeting - January 29, 2012

1/24/2012 11:44:40 PM

The first COBC board meeting for 2012 is on January 29 at 10 AM at the Granville Island Hotel in the Quarter Deck Room (1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC).
Meetings of the Board are open to COBC registrants and members of the public on a pre-arranged basis. The objectives of open board meetings are to enhance the Board's accountability to those who have an interest in the organization's affairs and to facilitate understanding of the Board's governance of the opticianry profession in the public interest. Participation in discussions during the meeting is limited to Board members. If you wish to observe at a board meeting, please notify the College office before the board meeting.

Become a Vision Screening Optician

1/19/2012 1:32:30 AM

Under 40% of the population see an eye care professional. That means that there are a lot of people that have yet to truly experience a world where they can see to their very best. Take for example adults age 40 years and older. This group of people are at greatest risk for eye diseases. The major eye diseases for this age group are age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. In particular, adults age 40 years and older are highly at-risk for presbyopia, the normal aging of the eyes, and require vision correction. However, many adults are self-diagnosing themselves with ready readers instead of seeing an Optician because they don't know how Opticians can make them see better. How can you reach out to these people and let them know what they are missing when they can't see their world to their very best?

Vision screening is an important tool to identify people that need to be under the care of an eye care professional. BC opticians represent a task force that is in the front-line position to provide free vision screening as part of a community outreach program.

By becoming an Optician with advanced practice credentials in vision screening, you will be able to:

increase your profile in your community by being the first contact in the vision care system
identify potential consumers who are at risk for eye disease or unaware they need corrective eyewear
educate consumers about the roles and services of Opticians and
list yourself as a Vision Screening Optician on the College of Opticians online registry (under "Specialties")

The College of Opticians will recognize you as a Vision Screening Optician after you complete the following requirements:

1) Complete part 1 of the vision screening program (community outreach) worth 9 EC credits:

Course material (workshop or online module offered by the OBC)
Online multiple choice exam
Practicum (3 hours of community outreach volunteering)

2) Complete part 2 of the vision screening program (specialize in children/adults) worth 6 EC credits:

Course material (workshop or online module offered by
Online multiple choice exam

Part 2 of the vision screening program will become available Fall 2012

In addition, the College of Opticians and OBC: Opticians of British Columbia are partnering together on a vision screening campaign, featuring a vision screening mobile that will tour around BC to hold various vision screening events during the spring and summer of 2012.

Opticians who have completed part 1 of the vision screening course material will have the opportunity to complete their practicum by volunteering at a vision screening event.

Stay tuned for announcements on the dates of upcoming vision screening events.

To register for part 1 of the vision screening course (community outreach) with the OBC, visit http://www.opticians.bc.ca

Mandatory Refraction Jurisprudence Seminar (Victoria & Kelowna)

1/19/2012 1:22:37 AM

With changes in legislation, which permit opticians to conduct independent refractions, current refracting opticians must attend a seminar to ensure understanding of the "jurisprudence" or the laws affecting refracting opticians. Refracting opticians will receive 6 EC credits upon completion. This seminar is free of charge and refreshments will be provided.

VICTORIA, BC: The mandatory seminar for refracting opticians in the Victoria, BC area will be at 10AM-12PM on February 12, 2012 at the Comfort Hotel & Conference Centre (3020 Blanshard Street, Victoria, BC).

KELOWNA, BC: The mandatory seminar for refracting opticians in the Kelowna, BC area will be at 10AM-12PM on February 19, 2012 at the Manteo Resort Waterfront Hotel (3762 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC).

Refracting opticians do not need to register. Since the refraction jurisprudence seminar is mandatory, we will keep track of seminar attendees.

If you have questions regarding this seminar, please contact Connie Chong at cchong@cobc.ca or 604.278.7510 extension 202.

COBC District 1 Board Election Results

1/3/2012 11:27:00 PM

Lunny MacInnes has scrutineered the results of the elections this morning.

The COBC is pleased to announce the results of the elections for District 1 (Lower Mainland):

60 votes - Aly Jamal
53 votes - Sharene Jansen
38 votes - Chris Lee
73 votes - Raheem Savja
42 votes - Steve Weins
A total of 266 eligible votes were cast. There were no rejected ballots.

Aly Jamal and Raheem Savja have been elected to the COBC Board. Their term of office is January 3, 2012 to December 31, 2014. Click here for Mr. Jamal's Certificate of Election and click here for Mr. Savja's Certificate of Election.

The COBC thanks each of you for your interest in the Board election and we congratulate Aly Jamal and Raheem Savja on their election.

Holiday Office Hours

12/22/2011 9:33:36 PM

The College office will be closed December 23, 2011 to January 2, 2012.

District 1 (Lower Mainland) Board Election

11/25/2011 1:40:22 AM

An election is being held for Electoral District 1 (Lower Mainland) from November 30, 2011 to December 31, 2011.

Each year, the registrants of the College of Opticians of British Columbia elect two of their own to the governing Board. This year five candidates from Electoral District 1 are standing for election to the Board.

It is appropriate, as the elections approach, to remind both the candidates and the voting members about the duties of the College and the roles of a Board member. There are a number of worthy sources for this information, from the Health Professions Act (which is the College’s enabling legislation) to a 2004 report from the Ombudsman of British Columbia. The College encourages all opticians to understand the important role the COBC plays as a regulatory body, and how it differs fundamentally from the purposes of a professional association.

A regulatory body is responsible for protecting the public interest and acting in the public interest, while a professional association may advocate to advance the interests of the profession and their businesses. Each member of the board of the regulatory body is bound as a fiduciary - a very high duty that includes subsuming all other interests in favor of the public interest.

The five candidates for Electoral District 1 (Lower Mainland) are:
- Jamal, Aly
- Jansen, Sharene
- Lee, Chris
- Savja, Raheem
- Wiens, Steve

Click here to read the full version of the profiles each candidate submitted

All registered opticians in good standing from Electoral District 1 may vote for two candidates in Electoral District 1. Your ballot must be received by the Registrar no later than 11:59 pm on December 31, 2011. Ballots received after the deadline will not be counted.

Registrants will be notified of the results of the election in January 2012. Terms for the newly elected Board members take effect on January 1, 2012. The two members from Electoral District 1 will serve three year terms.

Please contact the College office at 604-278-7510 if you are a registrant from District 1 (Lower Mainland) and did not receive an election package.

Dec 4, 2011 COBC Board Meeting

11/25/2011 1:11:37 AM

Please note the next COBC board meeting on Dec 4, 2011 has been changed to 11AM at the Granville Island Hotel in the False Creek Room (1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC).

Meetings of the Board are open to COBC registrants and members of the public on a pre-arranged basis. The objectives of open board meetings are to enhance the Board's accountability to those who have an interest in the organization's affairs and to facilitate understanding of the Board's governance of the opticianry profession in the public interest.

Participation in discussions during the meeting is limited to Board members. If you wish to observe at a board meeting, please notify the College office before the board meeting.

Opticians Council Of Canada Urges Trick Or Treaters To See Halloween Safely

10/24/2011 7:18:08 PM

WINNIPEG, Oct. 18, 2011 /CNW/ - The Opticians Council of Canada (OCC) urges consumers to heed their warnings when considering cosmetic contact lenses (non-corrective coloured lenses) for their Halloween costumes. Cosmetic lenses, sold over-the-counter as costume accessories at some retail outlets and online, are used to change the colour and/or appearance of eyes. While cosmetic lenses are readily available, consumers need to make the right educated choices.

"Improper lenses can lead to allergic reaction, infection, swelling of the cornea, and even blindness," says Robert Dalton, Executive Director of the Opticians Association of Canada. "Severe eye infections have been reported in as little as 24 hours, and some of this damage can be difficult to treat or repair."

The OCC recommends consulting a Licensed Optician to help you make the right decision on a product that won't harm your vision. A Licensed Optician can also provide training on contact lens use and instruction on hygiene.

"Getting a cheap pair of contact lenses online or at the costume store for your werewolf outfit seems like a great idea- until your vision is permanently damaged by improper fit or you use a bad lens," says Drew Jeffries of the College of Opticians of Alberta. "This is when that cheap pair of lenses has cost you more than you bargained for."

Here are emergency care instructions if you find yourself in a situation with any contact lens that has not been fitted or cared for properly, and is now difficult to remove:

1) Drink plenty of fluids to rehydrate.
2) Gently try to move the contact lens. If you can't move it at all, apply hydrating eye drops and once the lens has been rehydrated, attempt to remove it with care.
3) Go see your closest vision care professional to have it removed safely and properly, and to treat irritation immediately.

Licensed Opticians are regulated vision health professionals who ensure that you receive the essential care and education necessary when choosing contact lenses, eyeglasses or low vision aids. They are trained to recommend and safely fit a full range of devices that help improve your vision and take into account your lifestyle, environment, and aesthetics. They can also guide you along a safe and appropriate path to resolve all your vision health issues.

To find out more about what a Licensed Optician is, or to find one in your area visit LicensedOptician.ca.

College Moving

9/29/2011 10:11:58 PM

The College is moving the office and will be closed Sept 30 - Oct 3, 2011. Please email reception@cobc.ca if you want to leave a message.

COBC Annual General Meeting

9/29/2011 5:12:49 PM

The COBC Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2011 from 12:15PM - 1:15PM. There is no fee to attend the COBC AGM and you do not have to register beforehand. The COBC AGM is worth 2EC continuing education requirements.

Location: Delta Vancouver Airport (3500 Cessna Drive, Richmond, BC)

COBC Board Meeting

8/26/2011 9:27:24 AM

Please note the next COBC board meeting on September 18, 2011 has been changed to 11AM at the Granville Island Hotel in the False Creek Room (1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC).

Meetings of the Board are open to COBC registrants and members of the public on a pre-arranged basis. The objectives of open board meetings are to enhance the Board's accountability to those who have an interest in the organization's affairs and to facilitate understanding of the Board's governance of the opticianry profession in the public interest.

Participation in discussions during the meeting is limited to Board members. If you wish to observe at a board meeting, please notify the College office before the board meeting.

COBC Bylaw Amendment

8/25/2011 12:25:00 AM

On May 15, 2011, the Board of the College of Opticians of British Columbia (the “College”) approved draft amendments to the College’s Bylaws pursuant to section 19(1) of the Health Professions Act (the “Act”).

Click here to download the May 15, 2011 resolutions of the Board (the “Resolutions”) along with the attached Schedule “C”.

Pursuant to section 19(6.2) of the Act, a copy of the amendment proposed in the Resolution has been distributed to BC health professions colleges and has also been posted on the COBC website to ensure that the public and other interested stakeholders may view the proposed changes in a timely manner.

Feedback
Feedback can be sent no later than November 24, 2011 to:

Ministry of Health
By E-mail: HLTH.LPRAdmin@gov.bc.ca
By fax or ordinary mail to the attention of:
Daryl Beckett
Director, Professional Regulation
Ministry of Health
5th Floor, 1515 Blanshard Street, Victoria BC V8W 3C8
Fax: 250.952.2205

College of Opticians of British Columbia
By E-mail: natkinson@cobc.ca
By fax or ordinary mail to the attention of:
Nick Atkinson, Registrar
College of Opticians of British Columbia
420 - 2025 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1Z6
Fax: 604.278.7510

New Requirements for Refracting Opticians

5/28/2011 12:41:38 AM

To be a refracting optician in this province, you will have to apply for registration with the College of Opticians of BC (COBC). With changes in legislation, which permit certified refracting opticians to conduct independent vision testing, current refracting opticians must also satisfy the following requirements:

As part of your continued refracting certification by the COBC, you are required to attend a seminar on the "jurisprudence" or the laws affecting refracting opticians. You will receive credits for your attendance and participation;

Write an online jurisprudence on line examination administered by the COBC. This examination aims to assess the optician's knowledge of the laws surrounding refracting and currently, offered in an open-book and multiple choice format. There is no fee for the first attempt; thereafter, examinees will be charged $25.00 for each attempt.

For those who wish to register as refracting opticians with the COBC, you will have to:

Complete either the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) automated refracting course, the Douglas College automated refracting course or the NAIT full refracting course.
As noted above, write a jurisprudence online examination administered by the COBC, which will assess the optician's knowledge of the laws surrounding refracting and currently, offered in an open-book and multiple choice format.

Volunteers needed for Teddy Bear Picnic

5/28/2011 12:42:27 AM

The 22nd Annual Teddy Bear Picnic will take place on Sunday June 12, 2011 at Coquitlam Town Centre from 11:00am till 4:30pm. The Teddy Bear Picnic has always provided a day of great family fun, entertainment and adventure. Children are encouraged to bring their teddies in for workshops such as their annual medical checkup at the Teddy Bear Clinic.

The College, Opticians of BC and Douglass College have partnered together to host a booth to provide vision screening for the children and their teddies. We are looking for optician volunteers to help us participate at this community event and help make it a success. The following volunteer positions are open:

Teddy bear vision screening (at event)
Teddy bear pipe-cleaner glasses making (at event)
Opticianry & eye health education (at event)

If you are interesting in volunteering, please contact Connie at cchong@cobc.ca. Volunteers will receive 1RF credit for volunteering.

COBC Board Meeting

5/13/2011 9:38:44 PM

Please note the next COBC board meeting on May 15, 2011 has been changed to 11AM at the Granville Island Hotel in the Bridge Room (1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC).

Meetings of the Board are open to COBC registrants and members of the public on a pre-arranged basis. The objectives of open board meetings are to enhance the Board's accountability to those who have an interest in the organization's affairs and to facilitate understanding of the Board's governance of the opticianry profession in the public interest.

Participation in discussions during the meeting is limited to Board members. If you wish to observe at a board meeting, please notify the College office before the board meeting.

Hiring for an Asisstant Registrar

4/18/2011 9:52:05 PM

Job Type: Full-time
Salary: Based on experience, benefits after 3 months
Number of Positions Open: 1
Start Date of Employment: ASAP
Deadline: May 1, 2011
Website Address: www.cobc.ca

The College of Opticians of British Columbia (COBC) is the health regulatory body for all Opticians in BC. The COBC is responsible for regulating Opticianry in the public interest and ensuring that Opticians are providing competent and effective care to help people achieve better vision.

The Assistant Registrar position is a good opportunity to gain experience for further career opportunities in executive leadership. The Assistant Registrar will learn by working with the Registrar and participating directly with strategic planning, budgeting processes, interactions with related organizations, and consultations with legal and government relation experts. The COBC is dedicated to training and equipping you in the field of professional management and administration.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

- Bachelor’s degree in International Relations is an asset
- Current relevant experience in a healthcare or regulatory setting
- Demonstrated skills in project management and implementation
- Excellent verbal, written and communication skills
- Excellent computer software skills
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks
- Self-starter who works independently without supervision
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail and accuracy is a must
- Must be willing to adapt in an ever changing environment

Responsibilities:
- Facilitate Board and committee meetings
- Manage new projects as assigned by the Registrar
- Assist in the administration of the COBC, including the registration of registrants, policy development, fiscal management and website management
- Provide administrative support and carry out the mandate of the following Committees:

Registration Committee
All administrative and operational activities within the department, which include:
- Facilitating the Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process for applicants from non-accredited education
- Administration of the registration of registrants
- Responding to enquiries regarding registration processes and procedures
- Providing logistical support for national examinations
- Organizing committee meetings as necessary; creating agendas, recording minutes and carrying out the action lists from each meeting
- Preparing quarterly reports to the Board on the committee’s progress

Inquiry Committee
All administrative and operational activities within the department, which include:
- Managing the investigation of all complaints
- Handling and processing of all complaints according to established internal processes
- Ability to apply discretion in preparing, disclosing and handling information of a confidential and/or sensitive nature.
- Assess incoming complaints and ensure appropriate action is taken
- Ensure any follow‐up required is completed in a timely fashion according to policies and protocols
- Organizing Committee meetings as necessary; creating agendas, recording minutes and carrying out the action lists from each meeting
- Preparing quarterly reports to the Board on the committee’s progress

Patient Relations Committee
- Organizing Committee meetings as necessary; creating agendas, recording minutes and carrying out the action lists from each meeting
- Preparing quarterly reports to the Board on the committee’s progress

Contact Information:
Please direct enquiries, resumes, and cover letters to:
Brandi Park
Assistant Registrar
bpark@cobc.ca

Registration Renewal Deadline Extended

4/5/2011 10:37:06 PM

The late registration renewal payment fee will not be effective until April 13, 2011.

You can renew your registration and manage your profile online by clicking here. Your unique username and password is located at the top of your 2011 registration renewal form. If you did not receive a form, please call the COBC office at 604-278-7510 to request your login information. For easy instructions on how to login to your online profile, click here

2011 Online Registration Renewals

3/25/2011 10:01:19 PM

The COBC is now accepting online registration and renewals. You can renew your registration and manage your profile online by clicking here. Your unique username and password is located at the top of your 2011 registration renewal form. If you did not receive a form, please call the COBC office at 604-278-7510 to request your login information. For easy instructions on how to login to your online profile, click here

Key features of new Opticians Regulation

3/10/2011 11:38:33 PM

The following is a memorandum from the legal counsel for the College of Opticians of British Columbia summarizing the new Opticians Regulation:

There have been a number of changes in health care regulations and the overall market place in the past year due to the impact of regulatory changes introduced by the government of British Columbia effective May 1, 2010.

The key features of the new Opticians Regulation which came into effect on May 1, 2010 can be summarized as follows:

Opticianry continues to be a regulated health profession, under the Health Professions Act;
The titles “optician” and “contact lens fitter” continue to be titles reserved for registrants of the College;
The fitting of contact lenses continues to be an act reserved for registered contact lens fitters, or non-registrants acting under the supervision of a registered contact lens fitter;
The scope of practice of registered opticians is expanded to include independent automated refracting (or “sight testing”) without the involvement of a prescriber, but only for registrants approved by the College to perform those services; and
The circumstances in which non-registrants are permitted to dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses pursuant to a valid prescription or contact lens record are expanded.

It is important that you be aware that the terms “optician” and “contact lens fitter” cannot be used in marketing materials or signage unless you have registered opticians and registered contact lens fitters on site.

It is also important that you be aware that no fitting of contact lenses can be performed at your premises unless you have a registered contact lens fitter on site, either performing or supervising those services.

Industry members who use the reserved titles “optician” or “contact lens fitter” without an entitlement to do so, or who permit the performance of restricted activities without the involvement of a registrant of the College may be subject to legal action by the College.

The regulatory changes introduced in May, 2010 provide an opportunity for registered opticians to expand their scope of practice to include independent sight testing, provided they are first certified by the College to do so.

It is the responsibility of the College to protect the public through the regulation of opticians and contact lens fitters and the prevention of unauthorized practice. Those responsibilities are continued, and in fact heightened, by recent regulatory changes to the profession.

Should you have any questions or concerns, we invite you to contact the Registrar of the College, Nick Atkinson, at 604-278-7510.

To download this memorandum, click here.

Win a new iPad!

3/3/2011 9:31:33 PM

Last year we worked with the Opticians Council of Canada to create a brand to raise public awareness about the role and services of Licensed Opticians. Before our next national public awareness campaign phase, we want to hear what Licensed Opticians know about the brand, what’s working and what would work better, so we can shape how we move forward. Take the survey and ensure your opinion is part of a stronger brand for Licensed Opticians. Only Canadian Licensed Opticians are eligible. Completing the survey enters Licensed Opticians into a draw for one of two iPads® or a Licensed Optician branded item. Deadline to complete the survey is March 16, 2011.

Election Results For District 2 & 4

1/4/2011 9:14:41 PM

Lunny MacInnes has scrutineered the results of the elections this morning.

The COBC is pleased to announce the results of the elections for District 2 (Vancouver Island):

7 votes - Daniela Baur
9 votes - Payam Moshrefzadeh
5 votes - John Shelswell
41 votes - Ronald Yardley
A total of 62 eligible votes were cast. There were no rejected ballots.

The COBC is pleased to announce the results of the elections for District 4 (Cariboo):

5 votes - Maureen Reiter
13 votes - Megan Wingham
A total of 18 eligible votes were cast. There were no rejected ballots.

Ronald Yardley (District 2 Vancouver Island) and Megan Wingham (District 4 Cariboo) have been elected to the COBC Board. Their term of office is January 4, 2011 to December 31, 2013. Click here for Mr. Yardley's Certificate of Election and click here for Ms. Megan Wingham's Certificate of Election.

The COBC thanks each of you for your interest in running for the Board and we congratulate Ronald Yardley and Meghan Wingham on their election.

Important Announcement

1/4/2011 7:24:49 PM

We wish to advise that access to the national Competency Gap Analysis program (“CGA”) has been temporarily suspended to enable revisions to be implemented. The CGA, jointly developed and maintained by the College of Opticians of British Columbia and the Alberta Opticians Association, is incorporated as part of the prior learning assessment and recognition process (“PLAR”) of many provincial regulators. Candidates applying for registration with their provincial optician regulator through PLAR should be aware that, if the CGA is required as part of the registration process, the processing of their applications may be delayed. It is anticipated that access to the CGA will be restored by January 31, 2011. Candidates who have questions regarding the impact of this temporary suspension should contact their provincial optician regulator.

COBC Holiday Hours

12/23/2010 11:56:03 PM

The COBC office is closed during the winter holidays between December 24, 2010 and January 3, 2011.

We will respond to your correspondence when we return on Tuesday, January 4, 2011.

Happy Holidays!

We want to hear from you! OCC iPod Contest

12/9/2010 9:38:51 PM

The Opticians Council of Canada is putting on a contest for all BC opticians for a chance to win a new iPod nano! From now until December 31st, tell us "why someone would refer their mother to see you?" We want you to tell us what makes you valuable and special as an optician and why people should see you.

To enter the contest:
1) Click here: http://www.licensedoptician.ca/Contact.aspx
2) Be sure to enter your name AND registration # in the "full name section"
3) Enter your email address so we can contact you if you're the winner
4) In the "comments" section, submit 3 reasons answering the question, "Why should someone refer their mother to see me?

The winner will be announced and contacted by email in January 2011.

Click here to download the latest Licensed Optician campaign update.

Electoral District 2 and Electoral District 4

12/9/2010 9:01:26 PM

An election is being held for Electoral District 2 (Vancouver Island) and Electoral District 4 (Cariboo) from November 30, 2010 to December 31, 2010.

Each year, the registrants of the College of Opticians of British Columbia elect two of their own to the governing Board. This year four candidates from Electoral District 2 and two candidates from Electoral District 4 are standing for election to the Board.

It is appropriate, as the elections approach, to remind both the candidates and the voting members about the duties of the College and the roles of a Board member. There are a number of worthy sources for this information, from the Health Professions Act (which is the College’s enabling legislation) to a 2004 report from the Ombudsman of British Columbia. The College encourages all opticians to understand the important role the COBC plays as a regulatory body, and how it differs fundamentally from the purposes of a professional association.

A regulatory body is responsible for protecting the public interest and acting in the public interest, while a professional association may advocate to advance the interests of the profession and their businesses. Each member of the board of the regulatory body is bound as a fiduciary -a very high duty that includes subsuming all other interests in favor of the public interest.

The four candidates for Electoral District 2 (Vancouver Island) are:
- Baur, Daniela
- Moshrefzadeh, Payam
- Shelswell, John
- Yardley, Ronald

The two candidates for Electoral District 4 (Cariboo) are:
- Reiter, Maureen
- Wingham, Megan

Click here to read the full version of the profiles each candidate submitted

All registered opticians in good standing from Electoral District 2 may vote for one candidate in Electoral District 2. All registered opticians in good standing from Electoral District 4 may vote for one candidate in Electoral District 4. Your ballot must be received by the Registrar no later than 11:59 pm on December 31, 2010. Ballots received after the deadline will not be counted.

Registrants will be notified of the results of the election in January 2011. Terms for the newly elected Board members take effect on January 4, 2011. The member from Electoral District 2 and the member from Electoral District 4 will serve three year terms.

Please contact the College office at 604-278-7510 if you are a registrant from District 2 (Vancouver Island) or District 4 (Cariboo) and did not receive an election package.

Venue Change for the next COBC board meeting

11/25/2010 1:21:00 AM

Please note the next COBC board meeting has been changed to 1PM at the Granville Island Hotel in the False Creek & Alder Bay Room (1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC).

Meetings of the Board are open to COBC registrants and members of the public on a pre-arranged basis. The objectives of open board meetings are to enhance the Board's accountability to those who have an interest in the organization's affairs and to facilitate understanding of the Board's governance of the opticianry profession in the public interest.

Participation in discussions during the meeting is limited to Board members. If you wish to observe at a board meeting, please notify the College office at least 7 business days before the board meeting.

Annual General Meeting

9/23/2010 5:04:34 PM

The College's annual general meeting (AGM) is on Sunday, October 17, 2010 at 12:30PM. The AGM will take place at the Delta Burnaby Hotel (4330 Dominion Street).

Notice of Election 2010

9/1/2010 12:34:03 AM

The Elections are coming up and by the start of the new year, one registrant from District 2 (Vancouver Island) and one registration from District 4 (Cariboo) will be the newest members of the COBC Board of Directors. Consider running for the COBC Board elections.

Click here for more details about what it means to be a COBC board member.

Click here to download the Notice of Election 2010 and Nomination Form.

Deadline for nominations: September 30, 2010

OBC: Opticians of British Columbia "I Am A Licensed Optician" Open Forum Tour

9/1/2010 12:27:51 AM

Education roundtable to discuss the amendments to the Opticians Regulation

Panel representatives from Opticians of British Columbia, College of Opticians of BC and Industry (worth 6 EC credits)

Tour destinations & Dates:

Prince George
September 7, 2010
6:30PM - 8:30PM
The Coast Inn of the North
(Gleason Room)
770 Brunswick Street

Victoria
September 12, 2010
1PM - 3PM
Comfort Hotel & Conference Centre
(Topaz Room)
3020 Blanshard Street

Nanaimo
September 12, 2010
6:00PM - 8:00PM
Vancouver Island Conference Centre
(Nanaimo River Room)
101 Gordon Street

Abbotsford
September 15, 2010
6:30PM - 8:30PM
Best Western Regency Inn
32110 Marshall Road

Kamloops
September 21, 2010
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Kamloops Convention Centre
(Mezzanie Room)
1250 Rogers Way

Kelowna
September 22, 2010
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Sandman hotel
(Okanagan Room)
2130 Harvey Avenue

Burnaby
October 17, 2010
Full Day Education Event
Delta Hotel
4331 Dominion Street
(Contact OBC for more details)

A COBC board member will also be present in Prince George, Victoria and Nanaimo to answer your questions about becoming a board member.

To register, contact the OBC by email (kim@opticians.bc.ca) or fax: 604-677-8583

Bylaw Amendment - Filed on July 14, 2010

8/16/2010 6:09:35 PM

On July 9, 2010, the College of Opticians of BC (COBC) Board approved draft amendments to the College's Bylaws. The relevant board motion and schedule of the amendments are attached. On July 14, 2010, these bylaw amendments were filed with the Ministry of Health Services.

Click Here for the relevant board motion and schedule of the changes.

Find a Licensed Optician near you

6/18/2010 1:11:48 AM

Canadian opticians have launched a campaign designed to educate healthcare consumers about the importance of seeing a Licensed Optician for their eyecare products.

Ever wondered what an Licensed Optician does? This short video explains the role of Licensed Opticians.

If you want to find a Licensed Optician near you visit www.LicensedOptician.ca, go to the ‘find an optician’ page and type in your address.

New Opticians Regulation & Standards of Practice

6/18/2010 1:22:26 AM

On May 1, 2010 the Minister of Health, the Honorable Kevin Falcon, signed into force the new Opticians Regulation.

The amendments removed most restrictions on who may dispense corrective eyewear, allow independent sight-testing by opticians, require that interpupillary distance be provided in sight-tests and that opticians provide copies of sight-test results free of charge and whether or not requested, and implement the new shared scope of practice/restricted activities regulatory model for opticianry. For more information on scope of practice reform and restricted activities, please click here.

The College of Opticians of British Columbia is currently working with all stakeholders to define a “standard of practice” for refracting opticians. This may take another 60 days to complete.

The major change to the current Standards of Professional Practice are highlighted below:

The results of the assessments, provided the client is within the listed limitations, no longer require a signature of a physician or optometrist.
The results of an assessment can be used to dispense eyeglasses or contact lenses.
On instructions from a physician or optometrist, you may provide refractive services to persons outside the limitations listed on the attached schedule.
All refracting opticians are required to be certified by the College. You must have completed a training program prior to certification.
The College is required to specify the type of equipment a refracting optician may use.
A refracting optician must supply a copy of the results to the client at the completion of the assessment without charge.

For refracting opticains to continue their refracting certification by the College, they will be required to attend a seminar on the “jurisprudence” or the laws affecting refracting opticians. If a refracting opticain has completed the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) or the Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) automated refracting course, he/she will not be required to complete any other certification other than the jurisprudence seminar.

Unless authorized by a physician or an optometrist, Licensed Opticains must comply with the schedule of limitations in the new Opticians Regulation.

Click here for more information and frequently asked questions about the government's proposed regulation amendments.

COBC Board Meeting Sunday, April 11, 2010

4/6/2010 8:03:54 PM

Time: 10AM - 5PM PST
Location: Suite 420 - 2025 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC. Board meetings are open for observation by the public.

Space is limited; please call 604-278-7510 or email cchong@cobc.ca 48 hours prior to the meeting date (Friday, April 9, 10AM PST) to confirm your attendance.

FAQ on opticians regulation proposed amendments

4/1/2010 7:44:48 AM

Last week the Ministry of Health Services gave notice of proposed amendments to the Opticians Regulation that increase the scope of practice of licensed opticians and allow the public to make choices in how they take responsibility for their own vision and health.

Click here for a list of frequently asked questions & for more information about the government's announcements and proposed regulation.

B.C. MODERNIZES REGULATIONS FOR SALE OF EYEWEAR

3/22/2010 11:32:29 PM